Job Description

Scientist (Quantum)-261442

Primary Location

Italy-La Spezia

NATO Body

Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

Schedule

Full-time

Application Deadline

02-Oct-2026, 9:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)

: 5,879.80Euro (EUR) Monthly

Grade NATO Grade G15

Description

: 1. POST CONTEXTThis 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 Maritime Unmanned Systems Enablers (MUSE) team and contributes to MUSE Programme of Work (PoW). 2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES The incumbent will:· Support the programme of work in the investigation of Quantum Science and Technology (QST) impact on the Alliance capabilities, with a focus on the maritime domain.· Execute research activity in support of the MUSE Programme on the definition of security scenarios in different situations, including but not limited to Quantum optics and photonics for communications, and Quantum Sensing (imaging).· Author scientific articles to be published in international peer-reviewed journals and/or internal reports.· Contribute to the organization and execution of NATO workshops and conferences; participate to Multi-National Projects as relevant in the field of QST.· Work closely as required with CMRE projects outside the MUSE Programme, in particular Climate Change and Security, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Data-Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness. 3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES a. Flexibility ClauseThe 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/TravelThe incumbent may be required to perform their duties onboard Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.c. CertificationThe incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty. 4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS a. Professional/Experience · Demonstrated expertise in QST applications in the underwater/maritime domain, applied to security or defence sciences;· Proven work experience in QST experimental activities in recognised laboratories and in field, within research institutions or international organizations, focused on Quantum communications and Quantum photonics;· Proven work experience in free-space/underwater Quantum optics within research institutions or international organizations;· Solid understanding of research methodologies and experimental designs;· Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills;· Strong communication skills to present complex research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences;· Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality results;· Passion for research and innovation in defence science and its application to real-world problems. b. Education/Training· MSc degree at a nationally recognised/certified University in physics, mathematics, engineering or related technical field, and at least 5 years post-MSc experience in recognised laboratories or international institutions;Or· PhD in physics, mathematics, engineering or related technical field, and at least 2 years post-PhD related experience in recognised laboratories or international institutions. c. Education/TrainingA 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 3333NOTE: Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language. 5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS· Publication record of research/reports in peer-reviewed international conferences and international journals;· Experience working in multi-disciplinary and international environments;· Demonstrated capability to mentor/tutoring students;· Experience interacting with high-level civilian and/or military decision makers. 6. ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES· Excellent communication skills, both oral and written – able to communicate at all levels.· Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others.· Innovative and driven. Always displaying sound judgement.· Excellent time management and organizational skills. 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. REMARKSThe 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): 5,879.80 (EUR) Monthly*.*Salary value as per 2026. Subject to future adjustments in accordance with North Atlantic Council decisions.· Grade ABCL grade A2 / NATO grade G15· 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 NATO6 tips to apply for posts within NATONOTE: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.