Atmospheric scientist
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
This post is classified A2–A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Description
Senior Atmospheric Earth Observation Scientist in the Atmospheric Section of the Earth and Mission Sciences Division of the Science, Applications and Climate Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes
Duties
You will report to the Head of the Atmospheric Section in the Earth and Mission Sciences Division and your main tasks and responsibilities will involve:
- providing mission science and scientific support to ensure that payload and end-to-end system designs fulfil mission requirements during the preparation of new mission ideas and concepts and the development and implementation of approved missions, as well as providing support for in-orbit commissioning and operations phase calibration/validation activities;
- establishing, maintaining and convening international advisory groups related to Earth observation missions; initiating and conducting in-house and external scientific studies supporting mission development and implementation, geophysical algorithm development and related research activities; and organising mission-specific science workshops and conferences;
- providing scientific support and advice to Earth Observation mission teams across the FutureEO, Copernicus, Earth Watch, and Operational Meteorology programme domains, and maintaining an external interface with national space agencies, EUMETSAT, the ECMWF and the European Commission with respect to the corresponding advisory structures;
- providing scientific support and advice in the identification and definition of innovative, new future Earth Observation missions as part of FutureEO Earth Explorer calls for mission ideas, as well as providing support and advice to the Earth Watch, Copernicus and Meteorological programmes;
- supporting the identification and critical review of scientific challenges, EO user community requirements, and the interests and aspirations of these communities;
- managing the implementation of the independent peer review of mission ideas and concept proposals in response to Agency calls, and the preparation of evaluation reports;
- communicating research results in connection with ESA’s Earth Observation missions and taking on the role of ESA ambassador at related events, such as scientific conferences, and in user consultations and international forums;
- preparing, managing, and monitoring external scientific study contracts, as well as the related key performance indicators and quarterly reporting.
You will be affiliated with the Science, Applications and Climate Department, and will be expected to work closely with the Future Missions and Architecture, Projects, and Mission Management and Ground Segments Departments to perform delegated activities requiring the Atmospheric Section’s scientific expertise and staff support.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Forward Thinking
Fostering Cooperation
Result Orientation
Relationship Management
Operational Efficiency
Continuous Improvement
Education
A PhD in atmospheric physics, meteorology and/or active/passive atmospheric remote sensing is required for this position.
Additional requirements
You should have at least 10 years of proven active/passive Earth observation-based research experience in atmospheric physics and/or meteorology. Experience with ESA’s atmospheric missions in operations or in development, and in particular exposure to mission definition activities and feasibility phase studies would be considered additional assets, as would a good overview of international atmospheric satellite programmes.
Particular importance will be attached to your readiness to support the definition and development of new, innovative atmospheric mission concepts, working closely with international experts, relevant scientific organisations and international coordination bodies, as well as your ability to function in an international team environment.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email [email protected].
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
