Research Scientist

Contribute to research on the impacts of climate change on human health.

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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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Application deadline 10 months ago: Wednesday 1 Oct 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Contribute to research on the impacts of climate change on human health.

You have:

  • PhD degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as atmospheric and climate sciences, epidemiology, environmental health, ecology, biostatistics, or a related discipline
  • Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience (of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international levels) in atmospheric and climate sciences, epidemiology, environmental health, ecology, biostatistics, or a related discipline
  • A strong record of peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized scientific journals
  • Demonstrated experience in research related to climate change/variability and its impacts, preferably with a focus on vector-borne diseases
  • Experience in analysing large datasets, dynamical disease modelling, and/or climate model analysis and modelling
  • Familiarity with relevant programming languages (in particular Python/R or similar for processing/analysis and FORTRAN for the dynamical disease model development)
  • Excellent knowledge of written and oral English
  • Experience in working for Educational Institutions
  • Experience in science outreach and engagement
  • Experience in securing external research funding
  • Experience in supervising students or postdoctoral researchers
  • Proficiency in French

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 74,649 USD and 97,747 USD.

Salary for a P-3 contract in Trieste

The international rate of 74,649 USD, with an additional 0% (post adjustment) at this the location, applies. Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.

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.

More about P-3 contracts and their salaries.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : 1ITSC PA120TP Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Trieste Job Family: Natural Sciences Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 01-OCT-2025 (Extended) **UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- 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 Senior Research Scientist, the incumbent will contribute to research on the impacts of climate change on human health, specifically focusing on vector-borne diseases. The incumbent will be primarily involved in the research and aiding the Senior Research Scientist, who is the principle investigator (PI) leading the project, in the management of the upcoming ACCLIMATISE project (Attribution of a Changing CLIMate in the AssessmenT of malaria Intervention Strategy Efficiency). Long Description ---------------- In particular, he incumbent will: • Conduct high-quality, original research on the impacts of climate change on vector-borne diseases, including but not limited to analysing climate datasets and epidemiological data to identify climate drivers of disease transmission, developing and applying models to project future disease risks under different climate scenarios and investigating the influence of environmental factors and socio-economic conditions on climate-health relationships. • Contribute significantly to the implementation and management of the ACCLIMATISE projects, including the development of research plans, data analysis, and the preparation of project reports and deliverables. • Provide scientific supervision to postdoctoral research associates involved in the research area. • Collaborate effectively with project partners and other researchers within ICTP and internationally. • Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at international conferences. • Actively seek and secure further external research funding through the preparation and submission of research proposals to national and international funding agencies. • Participate in and contribute to ICTP’s training and capacity building activities for scientists from developing countries, including the scientific supervision of students and postdoctoral fellows. • Engage in science outreach and communication activities to disseminate research findings to broader audiences. • Contribute to the intellectual environment of the ESP section through participation in seminars, workshops, and collaborations. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***EDUCATION*** • PhD degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as atmospheric and climate sciences, epidemiology, environmental health, ecology, biostatistics, or a related discipline • Work Experience • Minimum of four (4) years of professional experience (of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international levels) in atmospheric and climate sciences, epidemiology, environmental health, ecology, biostatistics, or a related discipline • A strong record of peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized scientific journals. • Demonstrated experience in research related to climate change/variability and its impacts, preferably with a focus on vector-borne diseases. • Experience in analysing large datasets, dynamical disease modelling, and/or climate model analysis and modelling. • Familiarity with relevant programming languages (in particular Python/R or similar for processing/analysis and FORTRAN for the dynamical disease model development). ***SKILLS/COMPETENCIES*** • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (both written and oral) • Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team in a multicultural environment ***LANGUAGES*** • Excellent knowledge of written and oral English. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ***WORK EXPERIENCE*** • Experience in working for Educational Institutions ***SKILLS*** • Experience in science outreach and engagement • Experience in securing external research funding • Experience in supervising students or postdoctoral researchers ***LANGUAGES*** • Proficiency in French **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 92 469 US $. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits.](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/unesco-staff-compensation-booklet_en.pdf) **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [ UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- *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, 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.* *UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.* Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Potential interview questions

Describe a research project you’ve led on climate change impacts and how you approached the analysis. This question evaluates your experience in managing research projects related to climate change. Detail the project's objectives, methodologies, and outcomes.
What programming languages do you use for data analysis and how have they contributed to your research? This assesses technical skills relevant to data analysis in your research. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of how you secured external funding for research projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure effective communication of your research findings? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a diverse team in your research. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to manage your research projects effectively? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How have you incorporated climate data into your research on vector-borne diseases? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you share your experience in mentoring students or postdoctoral associates? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org