Research Scientist (Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC 0868TP

Grade: P-3

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

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 07/09/2026

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.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

With overall guidance from the Division Senior Coordinator and under the supervision of the of the Head of the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics Section, the incumbent initiates, develops and coordinates front-line research in their field, which complements that of the section/research group, provides guidance and mentoring to post-doctoral fellows, visitors and students, teaches courses at the ICTP and elsewhere, and participates in the organisation of activities of the section and in the selection of applicants to ICTP programmes and activities related to the section. Essential responsibilities include:

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific Research:

• Undertake front-line research in the own field of expertise, identifying, developing and implementing research projects in that field


• Participate in the hiring of post-doctoral fellows


• Provide guidance and mentoring to post-doctoral fellows, and guidance to any associates, visitors or fellows that collaborate on these research projects


• Report on the results of the research at major international meetings

Education and Training:

• Teach in the Diploma programme and supervise Diploma student thesis


• Provide scientific supervision to and mentor M.Sc. and Ph.D. students


• Participate in the selection of the Diploma students and of M.Sc. and Ph.D. students as required by ICTP programmes. Teach in international programmes of the ICTP, held at ICTP and elsewhere

Scientific Organisation and Outreach:

• Establish wide cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in areas related to own area of expertise and formulate appropriate recommendation for incorporation within ICTP programmes.


• Organize ICTP meetings, activities in the own field and organise ICTP external activities, predominantly in developing countries, in own field of research.


• Apply for and manage individual research grants. Participate in the programmes of ICTP Partner Institutes.

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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Physics or related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 4 years of relevant professional experience in condensed matter and/or statistical physics or a related field, of which preferably at least 2 years at international level.


• Internationally recognized research achievements in the physics of quantum many-body systems, quantum information processing, quantum technologies, or a related field.


• Experience in the teaching and/or mentoring of undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.


• Excellent analytical skills. Ability to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources.


• Ability to communicate effectively on complex technical and scientific issues in English.


• Experience in the design, implementation and management of scientific projects.


• Experience in the development and coordination of scientific training programmes.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Relevant professional research experience acquired at international level, with particular attention to those devoted to developing countries.

Long Description

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official UNESCO 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 90 666 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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. 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) 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.