VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT. Vacancy Number 1/2014. Post Title: Scientist (Ocean Optics) NATO Grade A-2

Transcription

1 t VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Vacancy Number 1/2014 Post Title: Scientist (Ocean Optics) NATO Grade A-2 NATO STO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation, La Spezia, Italy Closing Date: Wednesday, 26 March 2014 The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is accepting applications from qualified candidates for the position of Scientist (Ocean Optics) in the Research Department. The post is offered at the NATO grade A2 level. A. General CMRE is an executive body of the Science and Technology Organization (STO) and is governed by the provisions of the STO Charter. Within the framework of the STO in-house delivery business model, the CMRE will organize and conduct scientific research and technology development and deliver innovative field-tested S&T solutions to address the defense and security needs of the Alliance. CMRE conducts a basic and applied research program that is dedicated to fulfilling NATO's Operational Requirements in the maritime environment and undersea domain. Unique in its international makeup, CMRE maintains a strong reputation for bringing the best and brightest scientists in maritime disciplines together to solve future problems. CMRE has been an international leader in underwater research for over fifty years. The Centre has an interdisciplinary scientific complement of more than 40 scientists drawn from NATO member nations on a rotational basis. Technical support is provided by a permanent staff, trained in the related engineering and technical disciplines. The Centre operates two of the finest research vessels in the world, the Alliance and the Leonardo. CMRE conducts studies, develops prototype systems, and performs experimentation to validate new concepts and to demonstrate and evaluate new capabilities. The Research and Engineering Division is comprised of four components, the Programme Office, the Information Laboratories Office, the Research Department and the Engineering Department, working under the direction of the Division Head (Chief Technology Officer) in order to address specific aspects of the Programme of Work. The Research Department conducts research oriented toward systems, physical processes, and modeling. The present Vacancy no. 1//2014 Page 1 of 5

2 Programme of Work is separated in five Research Programmes, one of which is Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (EKOE). The goal of EKOE is to explore the impact of environmental conditions and their variability on naval operations. The major steps in order to achieve these goals are ocean observations by autonomous underwater vehicles and remote sensing, ocean modelling and prediction including data assimilation, and assessing the impact of the predicted conditions and their uncertainty on naval operations. We are seeking an innovative scientist with high quality technical credentials to work on EKOE projects that are developing and improving capabilities to characterize and forecast the coastal ocean, on time-scales of hours to weeks, in support of operational fleet requirements. Particular emphases of the duties will include the development of optical sensing modalities to determine physical and optical properties of the ocean, and theoretical developments to forecast ocean optical properties and their impact on naval operations. B. Reports to: Head of Research Department C. Responsibilities and duties of the post Duties of the incumbent are: 1. Under the direction and guidance of a Programme Manager or Project Leader, conduct and document experimental or theoretical investigations as part of a team working on maritime research problems assigned to it in implementation of the Programme of Work. 2. Conception, design and development of advance equipment, demonstrators, or facilities. 3. In the light of the experience expected in this grade, the provision of guidance and instruction to other members of the scientific and technical staff who may be assigned to him/her. 4. Promoting and maintaining close relations with other scientists or military staff concerned with similar or related problems within the CMRE and in national or international scientific establishments and military headquarters. 5. Keeping himself/herself and the directorate informed about NATO activities in the various member countries that are relevant to the current and future activities of the CMRE and to the exploitation of CMRE products and knowledge. 6. Interaction with national and international scientific establishments in order to remain abreast of the latest technical and scientific principles and practices on matters pertaining to his/her component of the Programme of Work as well as potential exploratory research areas and technology watch activities. Specific duties anticipated of the post: The incumbent will participate in optical oceanographic research, including both theoretical and experimental components. Duties may include: 1. Field campaigns to measure ocean optical properties, including passive and active remote sensing, autonomous underwater platforms, ocean profilers and in-situ sensors. 2. Development of optical sensing modalities to remotely determine physical and optical properties of the ocean in support of ASW, MCM, and Special Forces Operations. 3. Investigate and formulate relationships between inherent optical properties (IOPs, absorption, scatter, backscatter, and attenuation) and Apparent Optical Properties (AOPs, ocean colour, diffuse attenuation coefficient), and pursue the exploitation of these relationships to improve forecasts of the ocean environment. Vacancy no. 1//2014 Page 2 of 5

3 4. Promote among other research, technical and military organizations, the activities of CMRE in order to develop cooperative efforts, joint research, and funding proposals. 5. Document performed work through publication of technical reports and scientific documentation in CMRE and peer-reviewed journals. 6. May be required to perform the above duties periodically at sea. 7. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned. D. Essential Qualifications 1. Professional/Experience a. Post-graduate experience in a branch of Oceanography (minimum of 1 year with PhD, 2 years with MSc/MA). b. Experience in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of oceanographic data, including a specific focus on ocean optical properties. c. Strong research record as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications (or book articles) and well-written technical reports. d. Experience working as a member of a project team e. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 2. Education/Training: A MSc in Oceanography, Physics, or related discipline. 3. Security Clearance. Ability to obtain a NATO Secret clearance. 4. Language. Standard Language Proficiency English 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) 5. Standard Automated Data Processing (ADP) Knowledge a. Word Processing: Working Knowledge b. Spreadsheet: Working knowledge c. Graphics Presentation: Working knowledge d. Database: Working Knowledge e. Clients/Web Browsers: Working Knowledge f. Web Content Management: Basic Knowledge E. Desirable Qualifications 1. Professional/Experience a. Knowledge and/or experience in remote sensing related to passive (e.g., ocean colour) and active (e.g., LIDAR, laser imaging, ) sensing of ocean optical properties from satellites, ships, moorings, and in situ platforms. b. Ability to relate ocean optical measurements to physical or biological products. c. Knowledge and/or experience in radiative transfer theory, and/or its utilization in software to model radiative transfer. d. Proven experience as a participant in the preparation of proposals for research efforts related to optical oceanography, including national or international collaborative efforts. e. Past experience in an international environment. Vacancy no. 1//2014 Page 3 of 5

4 2. Education/Training: A PhD in Oceanography, Physics, or related discipline. 3. Language: SLP English: 4444 F. Civilian Posts 1. Personal Attributes: The incumbent must be highly articulate and persuasive possessing tact and diplomacy. He/She must have a proven ability to work with little supervision and is expected to be a proactive self-starter. He/she must possess keen perception and apply sound judgement, which must take due account of political realities. Frequently, original thought is required. The incumbent must be capable of working in a demanding environment, be clear, concise, and convincing in written and oral presentations, and flexible in response to changing requirements. He/She must also have: - Ability to conduct applied scientific research - Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and other staff, both civilian and military, from NATO nations, as well as staff from private scientific / industrial organisations - Ability to tactfully and effectively interface with senior management personnel, peers, and subordinates - Good political awareness and motivational and listening skills - Ability to explain project related work to non-expert audiences - Creativity, adaptability and self-motivation required for daily work 2. Managerial Responsibilities: The incumbent plans most daily work details within given priorities and under some regular supervision and may have direct supervision of one or more people performing related work. His/her work may include a degree of planning and coordination. 3. Professional Contacts: Regular professional contacts with others inside and outside the Centre on functional matters are required. The incumbent solicits/gives information and provides advice/guidance and he/she may negotiate at own level and should use initiative. He/she could commit individual organizational element to a course of action. 4. Contribution to the Objectives: The incumbent contributes to the objectives of the Organization by providing support and assistance in programme of work execution, providing information allowing others to commit resources of the Organization. He/she has indirect impact on the work and objectives of the organization. 5. Work Environment: The work may be performed in an office, laboratory or workshop environment, or onboard Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply. The risk of injury is categorized as: Light Risk Vacancy no. 1//2014 Page 4 of 5

5 G. Contract The attention of candidates is drawn to the fact that this is a research post in a scientific establishment. Therefore the successful candidate will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract which, subject to satisfactory performance and organizational requirements, may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years. CMRE offers a comprehensive benefits package including tax-free remuneration, 6 weeks annual vacation, life and medical insurance, a retirement plan, educational allowance for dependent children and paid travel to the home country for the member and family every two years. H. Application Procedures Qualified candidates must submit their completed CMRE application form indicating the vacancy number and the job title, and the Post Requirements Form (PRF) that will explain how their experience and qualifications fit the specified requirements. Copy of diploma/certificate documenting the highest level of education required by the vacancy announcement must be submitted together with the application form and the PRF. Applications must be submitted electronically to: jobapplication@cmre.nato.int. When sending your application form and Post Requirements Form, please mention in the subject of the the following: Vacancy number 1/2014 Candidate s Surname Closing date for receiving applications: 26 March Notes for candidates: the candidature of qualified NATO redundant staff will be considered and evaluated before any other candidature. Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements. Appointment will be subject to the deliverance of a NATO Secret security clearance by the national authorities of the selected candidate and approval of the candidate s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser and the Organization s insurers. Notes for NATO Civilian Human Resources Managers: if you have any qualified redundant staff of same grade, please advise CMRE either by message or (recruitment@cmre.nato.int) no later than seven days before vacancy closing date. Remarks: only nationals of the 28 NATO member countries can apply for vacancies at CMRE. The NATO member countries are: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. POC: Human Resources Section (recruitment@cmre.nato.int) Vacancy no. 1//2014 Page 5 of 5