Head of Section/Senior Research Scientist

Head of Section/Senior Research Scientist - Earth System Physics Section
ICTP - Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics
Trieste, Italy

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the supervision of the Director of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), and the coordination of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), the incumbent will lead the one of the Research Programmes of ICTP,bdefining new research directions, planning and engaging resources necessary for their implementation. The incumbent will engage with Research and Partnerships Division to promote the research in the respective area and the mission of ICTP in the developing world and design and implement joint activities as well as, engage into the negotiations conducted by the Institute Advancement Unit with leading scientific institutions worldwide to drive funding in support of the respective research programme. S/He will provide guidance and mentoring to ICTP scientists, post-doctoral fellows, visitors and students. The incumbent will teach courses as required at the ICTP and lead the organisation scientific activities and events in the area of expertise.
The incumbent will perform the following duties

Scientific Research Leadership

• Identify, develop and manage research activities, and provide strategic advice on research priorities to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships);
• Build partnerships and collaborate with leading research institutions worldwide to exchange scientific information and establish collaboration on scientific programmes;
• Identify resources needed for the new research programmes, select staff and research fellows;
• Ensure a high level of scientific excellence in the implementation of existing research programmes. Provide overall scientific guidance and mentoring to staff, fellows, associates and visitors to the Centre;
• Represent ICTP at major international scientific meetings, reporting on the results of the research and presenting opportunities for collaboration;
• Supervise 10-15 staff, creating an engaging and motivating working environment, ensuring that Research Scientists stay on top of scientific achievements in the research areas and constantly develop their skills. Proactively search for and attract new talent in the field.

Programme Leadership

• Provide authoritative technical advice to the Director and to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships) on the scientific aspects of ICTP educational and training programmes in the field of Mathematics. Serve as a major expert contributor to the formulation of scientific agreements with institutions and governmental bodies;
• Participate in the funding drive of the Institute Advancement Unit by presenting new research and collaboration opportunities and their potential benefits in moving forward innovative scientific ideas. Advocate the need for capacity building in the field of research in developing countries;
• On request of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), represent ICTP in meetings with international and national institution in order to promote the ICTP and its mission;
• Contribute to the management of ICTP Partner institutes by sitting on their scientific governing and advisory boards and executing strategic policy of ICTP.

Education and Training

• Teach in the International programmes and Diploma programme of ICTP, supervise Diploma theses, provide scientific supervision and mentor M.Sc & Ph.D. students;
• Participate in the selection of the Diploma students, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students;
• Teach in the international programmes of the ICTP, both those held at ICTP and elsewhere.

Scientific Organisation and Outreach

• Establish wide cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in areas related to the field of research. Formulate appropriate recommendations how to address these needs within ICTP programmes;
• In consultation with the Senior Coordinators, decide on the scientific meetings to be held in the respective research area and oversee their organization;
• Organise ICTP external activities, predominantly in developing countries, in the field of research that is of interest to the outreach aims or more generally to the mission of the ICTP;
• Apply for and manage individual research grants.

COMPETENCIES

• Communication;
• Accountability;
• Innovation;
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement;
• Planning and organizing;
• Results focus;
• Teamwork;
• Building partnerships;
• Driving and managing change;
• Leading and empowering others;
• Making quality decisions;
• Managing performance;