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.
Under the supervision of the Director ICTP, the incumbent will coordinate the work of various scientific sections and lead the work on preparing the recommendations to the ICTP Director on the strategic research priorities and emerging directions. In coordination with the heads of scientific sections, the incumbent will lead the effort at the institute to ensure scientific excellence in the areas of research at ICTP through proper recruitments of top scientists. The incumbent will build strategic partnerships with IAEA, UNESCO, scientific institutions in Italy and worldwide to identify joint collaborative opportunities, foster cooperation, networking and scientific information sharing.
Long Description
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
Provide leadership in determining ICTP strategic research priorities, including in emerging fields, and preparing the recommendations to the Director ICTP on the research directions to follow. Serve as a primary authoritative advisor to Director ICTP on new research areas to embark on to ensure high standing of the Centre in the international scientific community. Lead ICTP activities on establishing and monitoring the standards of scientific excellence and making recommendations to Director ICTP to nominate top achievers for international scientific prises. Consult ICTP Heads of Sections on cross-cutting initiatives and opportunities for partnering and lead cross-sectional research projects.
Build strategic partnerships and oversee scientific liaison of ICTP with other scientific institutions in Italy and worldwide. Foster international cooperation, networking and scientific information sharing, proactively seek new scientific partnership opportunities. Initiate and negotiate joint research activities and programmes. Represent ICTP and it is scientific standing at international conferences and forums. In coordination with the Public Information Office, ensure that ICTP scientific research activities receive adequate press coverage. Answer questions from the Italian media during press conferences and give interviews on ICTP scientific research activities and achievements to specialized scientific journals and programmes and local media.
Develop and maintain strong diplomatic relations with the Italian government representatives within the delegated authority to independently conduct negotiations to strengthen scientific and institutional ties with national and local institutions. Represent the ICTP and its Director at national, regional and local events. Represent the Director ICTP in the negotiations regarding the scientific and educational activities carried out in collaboration with IAEA, promote joint projects and activities and seek new collaborative opportunities. Advise the Director ICTP on possible scientific collaborative opportunities within UNESCO.
As an internationally recognized expert in the field of interest to ICTP, lead one of the research programmes of the Centre. Define new research directions, plan and engage resources necessary for their implementation. Provide guidance and mentoring to ICTP research scientists, post-doctoral fellows, visitors and students and serve as their scientific supervisor as needed. Teach courses and lead the organisation of ICTP scientific activities and events in the area of expertise, endorse the selection of applicants for ICTP programmes and activities.