Description

NATO – Science and Technology Organization Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation  

TALEO Job Number: 221057

Job Title: (Medior) Scientist, Interoperability and Security

NATO Grade: A2/G15

Post number: DRDP AS32

Basic MONTHLY salary (12x per year): 5378,03

Closing Date: 18 December 2022

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

Do you have experience working with Maritime Unmanned Systems, in particular with Command, Control, and Communications (C3)?  Are you interested in working in an International Organization located on the Ligurian Coast of Italy?  CMRE is looking for a scientist to contribute to the development of NATO standards for enabling military operations with coordination of multiple heterogeneous Maritime Unmanned Systems, and Man-Unmanned Teaming. 

The position is in the Maritime Unmanned Systems Enablers programme within our Research Division.   The Research Division 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 expected scientific focus is the area of coordination and collaboration of heterogeneous Maritime Unmanned systems, where CMRE aims at developing data models and secure command and control architectures.  Being part of a horizontal programme, the scientist will work in close collaboration with researchers in the Anti-Submarine Warfare, Mine Countermeasures, Maritime Surveillance, Military Oceanography, Engineering and Information Technologies Programmes to support the overall execution of the CMRE Programme of Work.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES 

Reporting to a Project Leader or a Section Head and working within a matrix structure, the incumbent leads and/or contributes to:

Conceptual aspects and development of C3 system architectures for distributed heterogeneous MUS;

Conceptual aspects of software service design supporting MUS C3;

Conceptual aspects related to unmanned systems co-assurance for safety and security;

Standardization efforts to achieve interoperability of unmanned system of systems

He or she:

Validates interoperability concepts;

Validates security and Safety of MUS;

Implements prototype systems realizing research elements for use in mid-TRL exercises and experiments

Participates and supports the organization of sea trials and/or simulated experiments;

Takes active part in other research tasks in coordination with CMRE programmes.

Conducts research tasks and produces reports as outputs;

Attends meetings, conferences, and panels; 

COMPENTENCIES

Innovating

Offering innovating and original ideas that do not stem from existing processes and finding less evident models or original combinations. 

Managing

Efficiently assessing and managing time as well as material, human and financial resources, including regular follow-ups and corrective interventions in accordance with the objectives to be reached.

Problem solving

Responding to and controlling unexpected situations by evaluating possible solutions based on experience and knowledge by taking the initiative to implement the best solution.

Motivating

Acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of others, adjusting one's own leadership style to them and trusting the right people with the right responsibilities to optimize the team performance.

Advising

Giving targeted advice to others within or outside the organization and establishing trusting relationships based on one’s own credibility and expertise.

Adopting a customer oriented attitude

Guiding clients by giving targeted advice in their decision process. Always putting clients first by providing a personal service and by maintaining constructive contacts.

Co-operating

Creating and encouraging team spirit by sharing one's own opinion and ideas, by identifying oneself with the common goals, and by reconciling disputes with colleagues. 

Achieving objectives

Generating results by assuming responsibility for one’s performance and the correctness of one’s interventions, recognizing opportunities and acting efficiently, at the appropriate moment and within the given deadlines.

REQUIREMENTS

Professional/Experience: 

Experience in Maritime Unmanned Systems development;

Experience in design and development of Command and Control Architectures for Unmanned Systems;

Experience in the practical usage of software and data modelling tools

Programming: knowledge of, at least, one of the following programming languages, the knowledge of more programming languages will be considered a plus:

C++

Python

C#

Java

Solid knowledge and scientific experience in physics, mathematics, engineering or related fields, demonstrated by a record of accomplishment of scientific and/or technical publications in the fields of Unmanned Systems, Software Architecture, Communications Engineering, or related field(s);

Excellent skills in documenting the work done and reporting scientific results in technical and/or scientific publications;

Demonstrated ability to coordinate work of a team; 

Education/Training: 

A minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in a related discipline (e.g. computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering etc.) and 2 years post-related experience in computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering or in a related field with a specific focus on robotics.

or

Exceptionally, the lack of a university degree may be compensated by the demonstration of a candidate’s particular abilities or experience that is/are of interest to CMRE, that is, at least 6 years extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post. 

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

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.

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.

Office Environment:

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

ASSETS

A MSc. or Ph.D. degree in physics, mathematics, engineering or related technical field with a specific focus on robotics;

Experience in programming of Unmanned Systems;

Exposure on aspects related to autonomy in MUS;

Good knowledge of version control software (i.e. git);

Navy operational education/training;

Experience with Linux systems at user level;

Experience with embedded software for Cyber Physical Systems;

Experience working in a team that applies agile methodologies;

Experience working with Navy and/or Defence organizations;

A broad experience of collaboration with academia, industry and National labs in the field of underwater technology;

Knowledge of NATO structure and objectives.

Standard Language English 4444 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing);

Other NATO language, French, (besides mother tongue) at proficiency 3333.

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): 5.378,03 (EUR) Monthly*

*Salary value as per 2022. 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, 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 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.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications are to be submitted using the NATO Talent Acquisition Program (NTAP) https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=221057&lang=en  Applications submitted by other means are not accepted.  NTAP allows adding attachments. Essential information must be included in the application form.  Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section.  Each question should be answered completely.  Expressions such as “please see annex / enclosed document” or invitations to follow links to personal webpages are not acceptable and will be disregarded.  All answers should be in English preferably, or French.