Head of Section

Head of Section (Mathematics) / Senior Research Scientist

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC 0810TP

Grade: P-5

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers.

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 Mathematics Section of ICTP, supervising a team of 10-15 research scientists, defining new research directions, planning and engaging resources necessary for their implementation. The incumbent will promote the mission of ICTP in the developing world and will help design and implement joint activities within the Research and Partnerships Division. In coordination with the heads of the other scientific Sections, the incumbent will lead efforts to ensure scientific excellence in the areas of Mathematics through proper recruitments of scientists and research fellows. The incumbent will build strategic scientific partnerships and collaborations, represent ICTP at major international scientific events, promoting networking and scientific information sharing, and will provide guidance and mentoring to junior scientists.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Long Description

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.
• 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.
• Contribute to the efforts of the Institute Advancement Unit by presenting new research and collaboration opportunities and advocate the need for capacity building in the field of Mathematics in developing countries.
• On request of Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), represent ICTP in meetings with international and national institutions while being part of the scientific governing and advisory boards of ICTP.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Education and Training:

• Teach in the International programmes and Diploma programme of ICTP, supervise Diploma theses, provide scientific supervision and mentor M.Sc and Ph.D. students.
• Participate in the selection of the Diploma students, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students .

Scientific Organisation and Outreach:

• Establish cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in the area of Mathematics.
• Formulate appropriate recommendations to address these needs within ICTP programmes.
• In consultation with the Senior Coordinators, decide on the scientific meetings to be held and organise ICTP external activities in developing countries.
• Apply for and manage individual research grants.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Advanced University degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics or related disciplines.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-doctoral research experience in Mathemati