VACANCY NOTICE

Scientist (Quantum) (261442)

Primary Location: Italy-La Spezia

NATO Body: Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

Schedule: Full-time

Application Deadline: 02 October 2026

Salary (Pay Basis): 5,879.80 EUR (Monthly)

Grade NATO SSS Grade G15 (ABCL A2)

Clearance Level NS

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a NATO SECRET security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.

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 Maritime Unmanned Systems Enablers (MUSE) team and contributes to MUSE Programme of Work (PoW).

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Flexibility Clause The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed.

All other related duties should correspond with the requiredcompetencies for the job.

Deployment/Travel The incumbent may be requiredto perform their duties onboardCentre or charteredvessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

Certification The 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.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

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.

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.

Language Requirements A thoroughknowledge 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 conductedin the English language.

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.

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 NorthAtlantic Council (NAC),and thus displaythe core valuesof integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.

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

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications are to be submitted using the NATO Talent Acquisition Program (NTAP) https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=261442⟨=en

Applications submitted by other means are not accepted. NTAP allows adding attachments. Essential information must be included in the application form. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section. Each question should be answered completely. Expressions such as “please see annex / enclosed document” or invitations to follow links to personal webpages are not acceptable and will be disregarded. All answers should be in English preferably, or French.

📌 Scientist (Quantum) (La Spezia)
🏢 Nato Centre For Maritime Research And Experimentation (Cmre)
📍 La Spezia