Lead Research Scientist - Future of Industrial Control Systems

FM is a leading property insurer of the world's largest businesses, providing more than one-third of FORTUNE 1000-size companies with engineering-based risk management and property insurance solutions. FM helps clients maintain continuity in their business operations by drawing upon state-of-the-art loss-prevention engineering and research; risk management skills and support services; tailored risk transfer capabilities; and superior financial strength. To do so, we rely on a dynamic, culturally diverse group of employees, working in more than 100 countries, in a variety of challenging roles.

Industrial Automation, digitalization, and cyber security are identified areas with increasing challenges and risks in all Industries in the next decades. To provide the best-in-class actionable science-based loss preparedness and prevention solutions to businesses, FM is making vast investments into this area over the coming years, starting with the creation of the dedicated global Research Center for Automation, Digitalization, and Cyber Security headquartered in Luxembourg.

The Lead Research Scientist - Future of Industrial Control Systems will be a pivotal figure in driving the understanding of future developments, trends and technical propagation of technological advancements of Industrial Control Systems.  The role is responsible for understanding the technologies, the applications and risks associated with the implementation of these technologies in the context of FMs business model.  This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of academia and industry, making significant contributions to the future of industrial control systems. 

1. Research and Development:

• Conduct advanced research in industrial control systems, focusing on new technologies and developments in areas such as the use of virtualization for in PLC implementations, Distributed Control Systems, the integration of ML and AI solutions to control industrial machines and processes, and others.
• Explore and develop innovative OT networking solutions to demonstrate and investigate communication and data exchange in industrial environments.
• Develop sophisticated data analysis models to interpret complex datasets and extract actionable insights.

1. Machine Learning and AI Integration:

• Design and implement machine learning algorithms to enhance the predictive capabilities of control systems.
• Utilize artificial intelligence techniques to automate decision-making processes and improve system responsiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to demonstrate integrated AI-driven solutions into existing products and systems.

1. Industrial Control Systems Setup:

• Lead the setup and configuration of state-of-the-art industrial control systems demonstrators and test environments, including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and data historians, Data hubs, virtualization.
• Coordinate activities with cybersecurity research team to implement robust cybersecurity practices to protect industrial systems from vulnerabilities and threats.

1. Project Management:

• Lead research projects, manage and mentor junior researchers and engineers, present findings and recommendations to stakeholders

1. Industry Collaboration:

• Establish partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and research organizations to leverage external expertise and resources.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and technological advancements, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.

1. Subject Matter Expertise:

• Maintain a deep understanding of emerging technologies and methodologies in machine learning, AI, and industrial systems.

Continuously evaluate and implement best practices to enhance research quality and efficiency.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on Operation Technologies (OT), and machine learning, AI, for industrial control systems.
• Proven experience in conducting high-level research and development in industrial control systems and networking.
• Strong proficiency in machine learning frameworks and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to a diverse audience.

Highly desired additional qualifications:

• Experience with cybersecurity principles and practices in industrial environments.
• Practitioner of industrial software solutions.
• Exposure to Power Generation, High Hazards, Critical Manufacturing industries. 

Skills:

• Technical Skills: Process automation, control system programming (ladder logic, structured text), data analysis, simulation, and modeling.
• Technical Skills: IT and OT Network management (TCP/IP, routing, switching, security, etc.)
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex systems, identify vulnerabilities, and develop solutions.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical writing, presentations, and collaboration with team members and external partners.
• Project Management: Experience with project management and ability to coordinate tasks with project partners.