Scientist (AI and Autonomy) - G15 & G11 (2 positions, 261040 - 261041)
Primary Location: Italy - La Spezia
Organization: Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)
Grade: G15 / G11 (ABCL A2-A1)
Salary (Monthly): G15 - 5,879.80 EUR; G11 - 4,584.89 EUR
Clearance Level: NS
POST CONTEXT This position is within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), a NATO body responsible for maritime domain research and technology development. The role is part of the Research Division (RD), focused on science and technology solutions for the Alliance. The RD’s five branches are:
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)
The scientist will work within the Autonomous Naval Mine Warfare (ANMW) team, contributing to the ANMW Programme of Work (PoW).
PRINCIPAL DUTIES We are seeking a scientist with expertise in robotics and autonomous systems, preferably in underwater robotics. The incumbent will design, develop, implement, and validate state-of-the-art autonomy algorithms for autonomous mine hunting, seabed warfare, and drone warfare. They will collaborate with multidisciplinary researchers and share expertise to prototype advanced systems.
Support the ANMW programme of work by investigating and developing innovative research ideas in naval mine warfare, seabed warfare, and drone warfare.
Develop and implement advanced and novel algorithms for autonomous systems.
Develop rigorous mathematical understanding/interpretation of the developed algorithms and assess their performance.
Collaborate with researchers and domain experts to identify research questions, potential solutions, and design experiments.
Conduct and document theoretical or experimental investigations as part of a team working on maritime research problems.
Stay up to date with the latest advances in autonomy, robotics, and related fields, and apply relevant methodologies to research projects.
Participate in interdisciplinary teams and contribute to research proposals and publications, both internal (CMRE reports) and external (peer-reviewed scientific publications).
Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and internal meetings.
Support the organization and execution of NATO workshops and conferences; develop proposals for external funding beyond ACT and attract funding from national naval R&D agencies or NATO multi-national projects.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES
Flexibility Clause
– The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed, provided they align with required competencies.
Deployment/Travel
– May be required to perform duties aboard centre or chartered vessels and undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.
Certification
– Must hold a fit-for-sea certificate in line with IMO and ILO standards before duty.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Professional/Experience
– Strong experience in autonomous navigation, mapping, perception, autonomous behaviours, AI-driven autonomy, etc.; degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field; strong background in robotics and autonomous systems; strong background in AI applied to autonomy; proven track record of high-quality scientific research with significant publication record; experience with robotics middleware (ROS or ROS2) – for G15 only; strong scientific programming experience (Linux, MATLAB, Python); experience with collaborative robotics architectures and algorithms – for G15 only; experience in multidisciplinary project work and in submitting and executing scientific projects.
Education/Training – G15
– MSc in a recognised scientific or engineering field plus at least 5 years post-MSc experience as a scientist or engineer focused on physics, acoustics or signal processing, OR PhD in physics, engineering, applied mathematics or related field with at least 2 years post-PhD experience focused on ocean acoustics.
Education/Training – G11
– MSc in a recognised scientific or engineering field plus at least 3 years post-MSc experience as a scientist or engineer focused on physics, acoustics or signal processing, OR PhD in physics, engineering, applied mathematics or related field with a focus on ocean acoustics.
Language Requirements
– Thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken; some knowledge of the other is desirable. English SLP 3333. Most work is conducted in English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of autonomous maritime vehicle subjects such as robotics, perception, tracking, automatic target recognition, cooperative behaviours, human-machine interfaces, navigation, signal and image processing, modelling and simulation, acoustic sensors.
Advanced programming skills in C++ or other high-performance embedded-driven languages (at least two years of experience, proven by executed projects).
Recent scientific publications as first author documenting results in underwater robotics and/or autonomy.
Experience with robotics middleware (ROS or ROS2) – for G11 only.
Experience with collaborative robotics architectures and algorithms – for G11 only.
Experience in control and systems theory.
Experience in AI applied to robotics.
Experience in an international organization.
Track record in personal motivations evidenced by publicly-visible projects.
ATTRIBUTES / COMPETENCIES
Excellent communication skills, oral and written, at all levels.
Very good interpersonal skills; solicits inputs and encourages others.
Innovative, able to think outside the box, and driven; displays sound judgement.
Excellent time management and organisational skills.
Agile and resilient.
Conduct themselves in accordance with NATO Code of Conduct, exhibiting integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.
REMARKS Work will be performed in office, laboratory, workshop, or on-board centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.
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