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.

Post Context/Post Summary.

The CMRE is looking for a Scientist, Ocean Modelling, to work within the Research Division of NATO STO CMRE. The successful candidate will support the data and environmental knowledge and operational effectiveness programme by developing and investigating innovative and cutting edge scientific research in the area of ocean modelling; providing sufficient scientific understanding and developing autonomous capabilities for Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA); and to numerically assess present and future oceanographic conditions in strategic areas of interest to support NATO deterrence and defence capabilities.

The position is within the Research Division (RD) which is responsible for identifying, developing and delivering Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to the needs of the Alliance in the maritime domain.

The Division leads the development of CMRE’s scientific strategy and through its capability in ocean sensing, numerical modelling, big data analytics, artificial intelligence and autonomy, delivers the Centre’s S&T goals while maintaining CMRE’s reputation within the scientific community.

The Research Division comprises the four following sections:

1. Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW)
2. Mine Countermeasures (MCM)
3. Data & Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (D-EKOE)
4. Maritime Unmanned Systems Enablers (MUSE)

This position is within the EKOE Section and contributes to the projects ASW Environmental Acoustic Support in a Rapidly Thawing Arctic Ocean and Capabilities for Rapid Environmental Assessment in Blue Waters within the Data and Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (DEKOE) Programme.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Supports the program of work in developing and investigating innovative and cutting edge scientific research in the area of ocean modelling to provide sufficient scientific understanding and to develop autonomous capabilities for Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA), to numerically assess present and future oceanographic conditions in marine regions, to support future NATO ASW.

• Executes CMRE’s research activities in operational oceanography supporting the D-EKOE Programme. Emphasis will be placed on conducting processes studies and ocean predictions to improve scientific understanding of the ocean environment in areas of interest, with emphasis on the High North; on designing, implementing and testing data assimilation algorithms exploiting oceanographic measurements collected by manned and unmanned platforms; on contributing to the research in underwater acoustic propagation for ASW; and on supporting CMRE’s sea trials and NATO exercises.

• Supports the organization and execution of NATO workshops and conferences in environmental characterization; the establishment of Multi-National Projects as relevant in the fields of REA; the development of proposals for external funding beyond NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT), seeking and winning funding from National Naval R&D funding agencies, National or NATO Multi-National projects, or from European funding mechanisms.

• Works 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, in order to ensure coherence of the centre’s REA and ASW activities.

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

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Professional/Experience

• Scientific expertise in mathematics, physics, engineering, or equivalent.
• Solid knowledge of the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean-NEMO
• Strong background in various data assimilation schemes.
• Background in operational oceanography (i.e., nowcast and forecast of ocean conditions for maritime operations, drifting objects in ocean currents).
• Strong scientific programming using standard software and operating systems such as Linux, MATLAB, Python, C/C , FORTRAN.
• Experience conducting scientific project work within a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience participating in the submission and execution of scientific projects, delivering the expected and required outputs to the satisfaction of the customer.

Education/Training

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

Or

PhD in physics, engineering, applied mathematics or related field with training in ocean modelling.

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.

Certification

The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent scientific publications as first author documenting results on ocean modelling
• Sea going experience.

Attributes/Competencies.

The ideal candidate will be capable of working in a team, and will display: approachability; listening ability; and ability to understand others.

They must be flexible, intellectually sharp, innovative, and learn quickly when facing new problems.

They must possess the capability to prioritize tasks and solve problems with a high level of autonomy.

They must possess written communications ability and must be customer focused.

 Remarks.

 Security Clearance

Ability to obtain a NATO Secret clearance.

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 €5.734,74.   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): 5.734,74  (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.