Technical Assistant

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC 0896TP

Grade: G-5

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 09/12/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

INSTRUCTIONS

Only candidates who are entitled to work in the E.U. may apply to this position.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam and located in Trieste (Italy), the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) seeks to accomplish its mandate by providing scientists from developing countries with the continuing education and skills that they need to enjoy long and productive careers. ICTP has been a major force in stemming the scientific brain drain from the developing world. For more than 50 years, ICTP has been a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the supervision of the Research Scientist heading the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Unit and the functional supervision of the Associate Research Scientist, the incumbent will provide specialized technical support for research and training activities in the STI laboratories, including the Multidisciplinary Laboratory (MLab), the Marconi Laboratory and the Scientific Fabrication Lab (SciFabLab). The incumbent will support the implementation and continuity of research and development projects, ensure the effective operation and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, and prepare laboratory setups for training activities.

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for:

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Scientific Instrumentation and Research Support:

• Assemble, test and operate laboratory instrumentation and experimental setups to support research and development projects in the STI laboratories, including collaborations with national and international partners.
• Optimize system performance and contribute to the improvement of instrumentation to ensure high-quality, reliable operation and continuity of research activities; provide technical inputs to scientific documentation.
• Contribute to the development, integration, testing and optimization of hardware, software and firmware for experimental systems, including FPGA/SoC-based data acquisition and processing.

Training and Technical Assistance:

• Prepare, configure and operate laboratory setups for ICTP schools, workshops and training sessions; provide technical guidance to participants to enable the effective execution of experiments and the acquisition of practical skills.
• Provide technical support to visiting scientists, TRIL and STEP fellows and students conducting experimental activities in the STI laboratories; diagnose and resolve technical issues, advise on the use of instrumentation and adapt experimental setups to specific research and training requirements.

Laboratory Operation and Maintenance:

• Ensure the proper functioning, availability and safety of laboratory equipment and experimental setups, including maintenance, troubleshooting and inventory management.
• Maintain the documentation of laboratory systems and procedures.
• Perform tasks related to radiation safety in accordance with established procedures, in coordination with radiation-qualified experts.
• Perform additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in laboratory instrumentation, electronics and/or experimental setups, including the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong practical skills in laboratory instrumentation, electronics and experimental setups.
• Expertise with FPGA/SoC systems, including hardware, software and firmware development.
• Practical knowledge of detector/sensor-based systems.
• Ability to operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and experimental systems.
• Knowledge of particle and radiation detection systems.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-related data processing techniques.
• Good organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to contribute to technical and scientific documentation.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in an international organization or a scientific/research institution.
• Experience in supporting hands-on training activities, such as schools, workshops or laboratory courses.

Long Description

LANGUAGES

• Working knowledge of Italian.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 44 141 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.