Head of Section (Mathematics) / Senior Research Scientist

The incumbent will lead the Mathematics Section of ICTP, supervising a team of 10-15 research scientists, defining new research directions, planning and engaging resources necessary for their implementation. The role involves promoting ICTP's mission in developing countries, designing joint activities, building strategic partnerships, representing ICTP internationally, and mentoring junior scientists.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and manage research activities, and provide strategic advice on research priorities to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships).
• Build partnerships and collaborate with leading research institutions worldwide to exchange scientific information and establish collaboration on scientific programmes.
• Identify resources needed for the new research programmes, select staff and research fellows.
• Ensure a high level of scientific excellence in the implementation of existing research programmes.
• Provide overall scientific guidance and mentoring to staff, fellows, associates and visitors to the Centre.
• Represent ICTP at major international scientific meetings, reporting on the results of the research and presenting opportunities for collaboration.
• Provide authoritative technical advice to the Director and to the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships) on the scientific aspects of ICTP educational and training programmes in the field of Mathematics.
• Serve as a major expert contributor to the formulation of scientific agreements with institutions and governmental bodies.
• Contribute to the efforts of the Institute Advancement Unit by presenting new research and collaboration opportunities and advocate the need for capacity building in the field of Mathematics in developing countries.
• Represent ICTP in meetings with international and national institutions while being part of the scientific governing and advisory boards of ICTP.
• Teach in the International programmes and Diploma programme of ICTP, supervise Diploma theses, provide scientific supervision and mentor M.Sc and Ph.D. students.
• Participate in the selection of the Diploma students, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.
• Establish cooperation with scientists from developing countries and identify their scientific needs in the area of Mathematics.
• Formulate appropriate recommendations to address these needs within ICTP programmes.
• Decide on the scientific meetings to be held and organise ICTP external activities in developing countries.
• Apply for and manage individual research grants.

Requirements

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Physics, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant post-doctoral research experience in Mathematics or a related field, of which preferably 5 years at international level.
• Proven publication record of high caliber and international recognition.
• Technical expertise to handle complex scientific issues and determine new research directions.
• Experience in the design, implementation and management of scientific projects.
• Experience in the teaching and/or mentoring of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Experience in donor relations and/or scientific outreach.
• Experience in coordinating and managing research collaborations and projects with developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising teams.
• Ability to propose innovative research directions and approaches.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to establish plans and priorities and effectively implement them.
• Broad scientific perspective to be able coordinate the diverse research priorities of the Centre.
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large number of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships and to ensure a high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in planning and managing significant budgets (desirable).
• Experience in organizing scientific conferences and events (desirable).
• Experience in international collaboration, such as educational and training activities in low and middle income (LMI) countries (desirable).
• Knowledge of Italian or of an official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) other than English (desirable).

Skills

• Post-Doctoral Research
• Mathematics Research
• Scientific Article Publication
• Scientific Research Project Management
• Research Design
• Teaching and Mentorship
• Donor Relations
• Scientific Outreach
• Research Collaboration
• Team Supervision
• Innovative Research
• Organizational Planning
• Research Coordination
• Intellectual Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Budget Management
• Conference Organization
• International Collaboration

Languages

English