JOB DESCRIPTION

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 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 is comprised of the five following branches:

• Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW)
• Autonomous Naval Mine Warfare (ANMW)
• Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (EKOE) & Climate Change (CC)
• Data Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (DKOE)
• Maritime Unmanned Systems Enablers (MUSE)

This position is within the EKOE & Climate Change Branch and contributes to CC.

2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Support the programme of work in the investigation of Climate Change (CC) impacts on the Alliance’s defence in all domains.
• Execute research activity in support of the Climate Change and Security (CCAS) Programme in strategic areas of NATO’s operational environment and more specifically:
  • analyse state-of-the-art climate projections, in particular from Global and Regional Climate Models, using sophisticated analytical tools;
  • assess impacts of future climate on the five military functional areas for the benefit of NATO;
  • elaborate studies on NATO defence in future physical operating environments, including extreme regions such as the Arctic one.
• Revise internal reports and contribute authoring scientific articles to be published in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Support the organization and execution of NATO workshops and conferences; the establishment of Multi-National Projects as relevant in the field of CC; assist in the development of proposals for external funding, seeking and winning funding from National R&D funding agencies, National or NATO Multi-National projects, or from European funding mechanisms.
• Work closely as required with projects besides the CCAS Programme.

3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

a. 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.

b. 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

a. Professional/Experience

• Proven scientific expertise in climate sciences, physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, physics, marine environmental sciences or engineering;
• Proven work experience with analysis of large global/regional climate model outputs and/or physical oceanographic timeseries;
• Research record as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and technical reports;
• Proven background in statistical analysis and data visualization;
• Proven ability to work with standard software and operating systems such as Linux, Windows, Python, C/C++, MATLAB, R.

b. Education/Training

• MSc degree in any of the following areas: climate sciences, physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, marine environmental sciences or engineering, physics, data science, or related field, and at least 3 years post-MSc experience as Scientist with a specific focus on analysis of climate data and projections and/or of physical oceanographic timeseries.
  Or

 

• PhD in any of the following areas: climate sciences, physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, marine environmental sciences or engineering, physics, data science, or related field, with a specific focus on analysis of climate data and projections and/or of physical oceanographic timeseries.c. 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 record of science publications and/or reports;
  • Experience working in cloud environment, using Pangeo and Jupiter notebooks;
  • Good knowledge of data analysis and visualization tools;
  • Demonstrated record of accomplishment delivering high-quality reports/research to customers;
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary environments with experts from other domains;
  • Experience working in international environments;
  • Experience interacting with high-level civilian and/or military decision makers.

  6. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES

  The successful candidate possess the following competencies / personal attributes:

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written – able to communicate at all level;
  • Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others;
  • Innovative (capable to think outside the box) and driven. Always displaying sound judgement;
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills;
  • Agile and resilient.

  All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.

  7. REMARKS

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

  __________________________
  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): 4,464.35 (EUR) Monthly. Salary value as per 2025. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.
  • Grade ABCL grade A1 / NATO grade G11
  • 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.

  For more information on how to apply:
  How to apply for posts within NATO
  6 tips to apply for posts within NATO

  NOTE:
  NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

  Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

  Work Hours: 8

  Experience in Months: No requirements