Associate Research Scientist (Applied AI)

Overview

Provide technical expertise in applied AI for research projects.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or related disciplines.
• 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.
• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
• Knowledge of Italian or another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

Contract

This is a P-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 57,661 USD and 78,318 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

**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 **Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time)**: 27/05/2026 **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. ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world. For more than 50 years, ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world. **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- In the context of the International Consortium for Scientific Computing (ICOMP), an ICTP initiative to support computational sciences globally, and under the supervision of Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), the incumbent will provide technical expertise in applied AI to assist ICTP research scientists in implementing these methods in their research software and conduct research in ICOMP related fields. The incumbent will also contribute to ICTP’s training programmes, including the Master in High-Performance Computing (MHPC). The incumbent will perform the following functions: **KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES** --------------------------------- **Undertake front line research in Applied AI:** • Contribute to the development and implementation of research projects related to Applied AI, including applying to and managing individual research grants. • Provide guidance and mentoring to students and post-doctoral fellows and guidance to any Associates, visitors or fellows that collaborate on these research projects and serve as their scientific supervisor as needed. • Report on the results of the research at major international meetings. **Contribute to ICTP Programmes:** • Establish collaborations with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in areas related to Applied AI. Formulate appropriate recommendations for incorporation within ICTP programmes. • Organize and contribute to ICTP seminars, schools, workshops, conferences in Applied AI or in closely related fields, either at the ICTP or in developing countries. • Provide technical expertise to the MHPC Scientific Council, coordinate the MHPC curricula of all courses related to applied AI. **Provide advanced technical support on Applied AI:** • Assist the ICTP scientists and the ICTP scientific community on issues related to Applied AI and efficient deployment of AI workflows • Collaborate with ICTP scientists in the preparation of research grant proposals, providing the relevant input with respect to large scale data analysis and machine learning methods. **COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)** ------------------------------------------------ - Communication (C) - Accountability (C) - Innovation (C) - Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) - Planning and organizing (C) - Results focus (C) - Teamwork (C) Short Description ----------------- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000245056?posInSet=9&queryId=bcd2a5ea-9a90-4938-88c1-3f56099f4201). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- **EDUCATION** - 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. Long Description ---------------- **SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES** - Ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, with minimum supervision, and to 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 Innovational and Technological Awareness skills. - Documented record of excellence in research, teaching, and organization of advanced training events. - Strong analytical and organizational skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. - Excellent communication skills. **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 organization or educational institute. Long Description ---------------- **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’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 72 747 EUR. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits](https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20International%20Staff.pdf). **SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS** -------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO Careers website](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl?locale=en_GB). No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications. Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement). **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION** -------------------------- - 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 to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. - UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States **([last update here](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution))** are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. - lndividuals from minority groups and 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. - In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: [https://www.whed.net](https://www.whed.net/home.php "https://www.whed.net/home.php") - The 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.

Potential interview questions