Associate Research Scientist (Applied AI)

Associate Research Scientist (Applied AI) OVERVIEW Position Number: 1ITSC PA125TP Grade: P-2 Parent Sector: International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Duty Station: Trieste Job Family: Natural Sciences Contract Type: Project Appointment Duration of contract: 1 year 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 provide scientists from developing countries with education and skills for long careers, halting the brain drain and advancing scientific expertise globally. ICP's International Consortium for Scientific Computing (ICOMP) supports computational sciences worldwide. The incumbent, under Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), will provide technical expertise in applied AI, assist ICTP research scientists, research in ICOMP fields, and contribute to the Master in High-Performance Computing (MHPC) training programmes. KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Undertake front line research in Applied AI:

Contribute to development and implementation of research projects related to Applied AI, including applying to and managing individual research grants. Provide guidance and mentoring to students, post‑doctoral fellows and other collaborators; serve as scientific supervisor as needed. Report research results at major international meetings.

Contribute to ICTP Programmes:

Establish collaborations with scientists from developing countries and identify their needs related to Applied AI; formulate recommendations for incorporation within ICTP programmes. Organise and contribute to seminars, schools, workshops and conferences in Applied AI or closely related fields, at ICTP or in developing countries. Provide technical expertise to the MHPC Scientific Council; coordinate MHPC curricula for all courses related to applied AI.

Provide advanced technical support on Applied AI:

Assist ICTP scientists and the scientific community on issues related to Applied AI and efficient deployment of AI workflows. Collaborate with ICTP scientists in preparing research grant proposals, providing input on large‑scale data analysis and machine learning methods.

COMPETENCIES – CORE (C) & MANAGERIAL (M)

Communication (C) Accountability (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics or related disciplines.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in Applied AI and advanced parallel programming, preferably in an international environment and familiarity with large‑scale computational infrastructures.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, with minimal supervision, and sustain periods with workload peaks. Discretion and capacity to deal efficiently and tactfully with visitors and staff members of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Excellent innovation and technological awareness skills. Documented record of excellence in research, teaching, and organisation of advanced training events. Strong analytical and organisational skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS WORK EXPERIENCE

Experience in an international environment and/or the United Nations (UN) system. Experience in a scientific organisation or educational institute.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Knowledge and understanding of research environment.

LANGUAGES

Knowledge of Italian or another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits such as 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan. Approximate annual starting salary: €72,747.

LEGAL BRIEFING

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero‑tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, gender parity and workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non‑ and under‑represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts. Applicants may be required to provide scans of degrees/diplomas/certificates required for this position; qualifications must be accredited by an institution recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years. UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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