1. POST CONTEXT

This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

CMRE is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance.

The position is within the Research Division (RD), which leads the development of CMRE’s scientific strategy and through its capability in ocean sensing, numerical modelling, big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), data fusion, signal processing, and autonomy, delivers the Centre’s S&T goals while maintaining CMRE’s reputation within the scientific community.

The Research Division is composed of the four following Departments:

• Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW)
• Naval Mine Countermeasures (NMCM)
• Data & Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (D-EKOE)
• Maritime Unmanned Systems Enablers (MUSE)

The CMRE is looking for a scientist to conduct research in the field of advanced Data Fusion and Tracking techniques.  This position is within the D-EKOE Department and contributes to the Data Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness project within the Data and Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (DKOE) Programme.   This position is for an A2 (G15) Scientist.

2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Conduct research in the field of advanced Data Fusion and Tracking techniques.

• Support the programme of work in the investigation and development of innovative and cutting edge scientific research in the area of Information Fusion applied to the novel concept of Seabed-to-Space Situational Awareness (S3A).
• Execute CMRE’s research activities in support of the D-EKOE Programme on target tracking, data fusion, multi-intelligence reasoning, and artificial intelligence. Emphasis will be given to the development of Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) and S3A methodologies, as well as to the development of prototypes focused on monitoring and protecting Underwater Critical Infrastructures (UCIs).
• Publish results both internally (CMRE reports), and externally in peer-reviewed journals.
• Support the CMRE sea-going experiments with a focus on data collection, tracking and fusion, and real-time algorithms
• Support the organization and execution of NATO workshops and conferences; the establishment of Multi-National Projects as relevant in the fields of UCIs monitoring; the development of proposals for external funding beyond ACT, seeking and winning funding from National Naval R&D funding agencies, National or NATO Multi-National projects, or from European funding mechanisms.
• Work closely as required with projects outside of the D-EKOE Programme, in particular with the Maritime Unmanned Systems for ASW and ASW Decision Support projects within the Autonomy for ASW Programme.

3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Flexibility Clause

The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed.

All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.

Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform his/her duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional/Experience

• Proven work experience as a scientist in the fields of Tracking and Data Fusion;
• Strong research record as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and/or technical reports.
• Expertise in statistical analysis;
• Expertise in signal- and data processing;
• Proven ability to develop algorithms in MATLAB or other scientific programming languages;
• Experience in processing and fusing surveillance data provided by heterogeneous sensors (such as RADAR, SONAR, SAR, Automatic Identification System, etc.)

2. Education/Training

• MSc degree in engineering, scientific, or related field and at least 3 years post-MSc experience as Scientist or Engineer with a specific focus on Data Fusion and AI may be accepted

Or

• PhD in engineering, applied mathematics, physics or related fields.

3. Language Requirements

A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.

English SLP 3333

NOTE:  Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language.

5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD in the field of Tracking and Data Fusion or a related subject;
• Demonstrated track record delivering high quality and valued products, such as reports or algorithms, to a customer;
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary and international environments;
• Expertise in multi-target tracking; 
• Expertise in developing real-time, scalable signal processing solutions;
• International scientific reputation;
• Experience interacting with high-level civilian and/or military decision makers;
• Excellent knowledge of machine learning methods.
• Fit for Sea certification

6. COMPETENCIES

•            Being Proactive: Plans most of his/her daily work details, under some regular supervision and given priorities, often being a self-starter; he/she may be asked to plan and coordinate the work of one or more people performing related work.

•            Working with People: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well.

•            Applying Expertise and Technology: Applies specialist and detailed technical expertise; uses technology to achieve work objectives; develops job knowledge and expertise (theoretical and practical) through continual professional development; demonstrates an understanding of different organisational departments and functions.

7. REMARKS

The duties are performed in an office, laboratory, workshop environment or on-board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.

Successful candidates must be able to obtain a NATO security clearance before a contract can be offered

Salary and conditions of employment:

The successful candidate will be employed at G15 grade based on the selected candidate’s background and performance during the competition.

The successful candidate will be offered a definite duration contract 3 years duration which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs, satisfactory performance and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization.

Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR), which includes a well-developed system of allowances, supplements and insurances to support families and in case of expatriation offers an interesting “expatriate” package.

The monthly basic salary, for a NATO grade G15 post in Italy is €5,743.74. The salary and allowances paid by the organization are exempted from income tax.

About Us:

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). The mission of the STO is to help position both national and NATO science and technology investments as a strategic enabler and technology advantage for the defence and security posture of NATO Allies and partners. The Centre conducts scientific research and technology development and delivers innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defence and security needs of the Alliance.

CMRE has more than 60 years of experience and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modelling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines, as well as producing critical results and understanding that have been built into the operational concepts of NATO and the Nations.

What we offer:

– Salary (Pay Basis): 5,743.74 (EUR) Monthly*

*Salary value as per 2023. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.

– ABCL Grade A2 / NATO SSS Grade 15.

– A world class research facility located in the sea port of La Spezia, Italy supported by two specialised research vessels.

– An exciting place in which to work situated at an ideal location, enabling synergy with regional and global academic institutes and industry.

– Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR), which includes a rewarding salary and a comprehensive system of allowances, supplements and insurances to support families and, in case of expatriated staff, offers an interesting “expatriate” package.

– A generous annual leave and, (where eligible) home leave.

– The successful candidate will be offered a three years’ definite duration contract which may be renewed for subsequent periods subject to business needs, satisfactory performance and the need to rotate skills and talent within the Organization.

– Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Our recruitment process:

Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.

– Applications (including the most relevant publications, the diplomas – stating the highest level of education – and a CV) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system;

– Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.

Additional information:

CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.

Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.