Associate Research Scientist (Applied AI) (Trieste, Italy) contract

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

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.

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:

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.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

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.

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.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in an international environment and/or the United Nations (UN) system.
• Experience in a scientific organization 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).

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.

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. 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).

• 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) 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
• 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.