Applied AI Researcher

Job Posting Organization:
The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) was founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam. It is located in Trieste, Italy, and has a mission to provide scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills necessary for long and productive careers. Over the past 50 years, ICTP has played a significant role in combating the scientific brain drain from developing nations and has been a driving force in advancing scientific expertise globally, particularly in the developing world. The organization operates with a commitment to fostering scientific collaboration and education, and it has become a key institution for scientific research and training.

Job Overview:
The position of Applied AI Researcher is situated within the framework of the International Consortium for Scientific Computing (ICOMP), an initiative by ICTP aimed at enhancing computational sciences on a global scale. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships) and will be responsible for providing technical expertise in applied artificial intelligence (AI) to assist ICTP research scientists. This role involves implementing AI methods in research software and conducting research in fields related to ICOMP. Additionally, the researcher will contribute to ICTP's training programs, including the Master in High-Performance Computing (MHPC). The position requires a proactive approach to research and collaboration, with a focus on developing and managing research projects, mentoring students and post-doctoral fellows, and reporting research findings at international meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Applied AI Researcher will undertake frontline research in Applied AI, contributing to the development and implementation of research projects, managing individual research grants, and providing guidance to students and post-doctoral fellows. The incumbent will also establish collaborations with scientists from developing countries, identifying their scientific needs in Applied AI and formulating recommendations for ICTP programs. Responsibilities include organizing and contributing to seminars, workshops, and conferences related to Applied AI, providing technical expertise to the MHPC Scientific Council, and assisting ICTP scientists with research grant proposals. The role demands a high level of engagement in both research and educational activities, ensuring that the ICTP community is well-supported in their AI-related endeavors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (PhD or equivalent) in Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or related disciplines. A strong background in Applied AI and advanced parallel programming is essential, with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an international environment. Familiarity with large-scale computational infrastructures is also required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a documented record of excellence in research, teaching, and the organization of advanced training events, along with strong analytical and organizational skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a PhD or equivalent, in fields such as Physics, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or closely related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of applied AI and its applications in scientific research.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in Applied AI and advanced parallel programming. This experience should ideally be gained in an international context, providing the candidate with exposure to diverse scientific environments and collaborative research efforts. Familiarity with large-scale computational infrastructures is also a key aspect of the required experience.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of Italian or another UN official language (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multicultural and multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with a duration of 1 year. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 72,747 EUR, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates must complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and interviews with a panel. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.