Head of Section (Mathematics) / Senior Research Scientist

This position is open to nationals of all Member States of UNESCO.

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

Under the supervision of the Director of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), and the coordination of the Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), 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 incumbent will promote the mission of ICTP in the developing world and will help design and implement joint activities within the Research and Partnerships Division. In coordination with the heads of the other scientific Sections, the incumbent will lead efforts to ensure scientific excellence in the areas of Mathematics through proper recruitments of scientists and research fellows. The incumbent will build strategic scientific partnerships and collaborations, represent ICTP at major international scientific events, promoting networking and scientific information sharing, and will provide guidance and mentoring to junior scientists.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

Scientific Research Leadership:

• 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.

Programme Leadership:

• 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.


• On request of Senior Coordinator (Research and Partnerships), represent ICTP in meetings with international and national institutions while being part of the scientific governing and advisory boards of ICTP.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Education and Training:

• 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 .

Scientific Organisation and Outreach:

• 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.


• In consultation with the Senior Coordinators, decide on the scientific meetings to be held and organise ICTP external activities in developing countries.


• Apply for and manage individual research grants.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced University degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Mathematics, Physics or related disciplines.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 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.


• 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.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• 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 reserach 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.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 09 November 2026