Vacancies & Internships

NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (NATO StratCom COE) is looking for a creative and dedicated Principal Scientist (Data Expert) to join our international team working at the intersection of communication, technology, and national security. The post is located in Riga,Latvia.

Today, technology is revolutionizing tools and techniques of communication. Innovations enabling new forms of video manipulation and cutting-edge text generation systems make it possible to rapidly create a near-endless stream of unique information, accelerating threats posed by disinformation campaigns.

Following the rapid development of technology, we are looking for a Principal Scientist who would monitor the development of data science and social media and would be able to advise and educate the personnel of the COE on developments in the field. The successful candidate is expected to have expertise in the ways that new developments in data science and social media create or enhance social, political, and security vulnerabilities.

The Principal Scientist will contribute to developing tools designed to detect and expose messaging created or disseminated on social media platforms. The candidate will conduct research experiments to test what is and is not possible in this area. The candidate must have strong experience using a variety of data mining/analysis methods and creating and using algorithms. The Principal Scientist will also communicate findings in an accessible format through research publications and presentations aimed at audiences including military officers, academics, government decision-makers, and general society.

The Principal Scientist will work within the Technical and Scientific Development Branch. The main functions of the Branch are to develop audience characterization tools, conduct social-media analyses, process data flows, develop external communication tools, and establish and maintain networks and links amongst subject-matter experts.

General duties:

1. To oversee the research of social media, big data analyses, and projects within the strategic communication context
2. To lead the development of the QuantCell*
3. To develop and maintain the appropriate local automated data inputting, storage, processing, and dissemination capabilities to meet staff requirements
4. To identify, analyze and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets
5. To contribute to the Lessons Learned process
6. To manage and plan project timelines and budgets
7. To provide expertise on strategic communications policy development at NATO
8. To provide expertise on strategic communication-related academic research and policy developments in other international organizations (e.g. EU, UN).
9. To support the delivery of the Centre’s courses and seminars

Essential Qualifications:

1. Extensive knowledge and experience in programming, data science, machine learning, and related areas
2. Senior-level military education or civilian equivalent with deep knowledge of mathematics and statistics
3. Comfortable working with databases
4. Excellent presentation skills
5. Advanced English language proficiency (work in the organization is conducted primarily in English)
6. Experience in working within a multinational environment

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Working experience as a Data Scientist
2. Technical expertise regarding data models, database design development, data mining segmentation techniques
3. Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy
4. Experience in conducting research projects on an international level
5. Fluency in several computer languages
6. Project management skills
7. Master’s Degree in computer science or related discipline

Salary level: 5300 – 6200 EUR (gross) 

The appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate.

Candidates are kindly requested to email a CV and motivation letter to hr@stratcomcoe.org. The motivation letter should outline why the candidate is a good fit, and their vision for the post, and include a freeform discussion on security challenges posed by developments in data science and social media. Candidates are requested to send their applications by latest 29 March 2023.

About NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence:

The Centre (NATO StratCom COE) works to deliver up-to-date and in-depth analysis of methodologies applied by malicious actors across the information space. Our work focuses on but is not limited to the digital environment analysis, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and AI, to provide a comprehensive and practical knowledge base to those working in the field of strategic communications. We also aim to build a knowledge base of complex communications processes and narrative formation processes for NATO and its nations to operate effectively. Expertise in strategic communications allows the COE to contribute to the development of NATO doctrines and form a research-based framework for Alliance’s operations. The COE’s expertise has formed by combining knowledge from private, public, and academic sectors and successfully applying research in recognizing and managing emerging threats in the information environment.

As an employer, NATO StratCom COE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. NATO StratCom COE welcomes applications of nationals from all countries and strongly encourages women to apply.

We value commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability following international norms and practices established for the defense and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

* QuantCell uses Artificial Intelligence and Big Data to better understand emerging security threats in the information environment.