Do you have relevant experience in maritime unmanned and autonomous systems? Do you enjoy producing new ideas, approaches or insights to problems, working with cross-functional research, engineering, and software development teams? If the answer is yes, this post could be ideal for you!

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is part of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). 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. We are located in La Spezia, Italy, just 80 Km north of Pisa, on the Ligurian Coast – providing the ideal location for year-round maritime research and experimentation.

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is looking for a scientist to conduct research in the field of robotic/autonomous system solutions to counter underwater and drifting mines. We are looking for key players with the aim to contribute to the surface and underwater capabilities within CMRE and the NATO Nations.

Role and Responsibilities:

Conduct research in the field of robotic/autonomous system solutions to counter underwater and drifting mines:

• Support the ANMCM Programme in developing unmanned and autonomous solutions to counter underwater and drifting mines.
• Act as impartial analyst to assess the various technological solutions to detect, identify and counter mine threats.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding in regards with the latest advances in unmanned air systems technology and robotics with a particular emphasis on maritime operations.
• Contribute to the development of futures tactics and doctrines for the use of unmanned systems in the context of NMW, and in particular in their usage versus the drifting mine threat.

1. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Flexibility Clause

• The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties even in other parts of the organization as directed.

• As required by the Program of Work, the incumbent may be asked to participate in working groups or project teams and to coordinate and organize the work of other scientists and staff.

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

2. 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.

c.  Certification

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

2. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional/Experience

• We are looking for a candidate with a degree in robotics, mathematics, physics or other related field, a PhD, or Masters with 2 years post-related experience
• The candidate should demonstrate hands-on experience in usage of scientific programming language (e.g. Python, MATLAB, etc.) for purposes of control, autonomy, data analysis, machine learning and/or signal processing.
• The candidate should have experience in embedded systems and embedded system programming.
• The candidate should demonstrable experience in the usage of robots, aerial drones or other remote sensing platforms for collection of data (including electro-optical data)
• Evidence of written and verbal communications skills
• Capability to work in integrated project team, with other scientists engineers and support staff.

2. Education/Training

• Master’s or PhD in robotics, mathematics, physics or other related field from a Nationally Recognized/Certified University, with 2 years post-related experience

3. Language Requirements

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

English SLP 3333

NOTE:  Work at CMRE is conducted in the English language.

3. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience or knowledge in subjects relating to autonomous maritime vehicles such as robotics, perception, tracking, automatic target recognition, machine learning, artificial intelligence, human-machine interfaces, modelling and simulation, acoustic sensors, electro-optical sensors, etc. A publication record in any of these topics is a plus.
• Experience with unmanned aerial platforms, in their piloting, control, mission management and integration with custom payloads.
• Experience or knowledge in experimental design, planning and execution.
• Experience in an international environment

4. COMPETENCIES

• Being Proactive: A self-starter, may be asked to coordinate the work of others
• Working with People: Respect views and contributions of others
• Coping with Pressures, Deadlines, and Setbacks: Maintain positive outlook
• Applying Expertise and Technology: Use technology to achieve work objectives
• Adapting and Responding to Change: Tolerates ambiguity, accepts new ideas

5. REMARKS

The duties are mostly performed in an office environment, but staff may be required to work on board a vessel.

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): 4,478.79 Euro (EUR) Monthly
• Grade ABCL grade A1/ NATO SSS grade 11
• Salary value as per 2023. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.
• 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, the port of La Spezia, Italy, 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 include 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) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system (TALEO) as attachments;
• 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.