Earth Surface Optical 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
Scientist in the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section of the Earth and Mission Science Division of the Science, Applications and Climate Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
Duties
Under the authority of the Head of the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section of the Earth and Mission Science Division, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
- providing mission science and scientific support to ensure that the payload and the end-to-end system designs fulfil mission requirements during preparation of new mission ideas and concepts, as part of the development and implementation for approved missions, and for calibration/validation activities during the in-orbit commissioning and operations phase;
- establishing, maintaining and convening international advisory groups relating to Earth Observation missions; initiating and conducting inhouse and external scientific studies supporting mission development and implementation, geophysical algorithm development and related research activities; organising mission-specific science workshops and conferences;
- providing scientific support and advice to Earth Observation mission teams across the FutureEO, Earth Watch, Copernicus or Operational Meteorology Programme domains, including maintenance of the external interface to the European Commission and EUMETSAT for the corresponding advisory structures;
- providing support to the identification and critical review of scientific challenges, EO user community requirements, new and innovative scientific measurement concepts and the interests and aspirations of the communities concerned;
- managing the implementation of independent peer reviews of mission ideas or concept proposals in response to Agency Calls or Announcements of Opportunity and preparing evaluation reports; managing and leading the advancement and assessment of Scientific Readiness Levels including internal and external assessments of mission ideas;
- communicating research results in connection with ESA’s Earth Observation missions and serving as an ESA ambassador at relevant events, such as scientific conferences and during user consultations;
- preparing Announcements of Opportunity, implementing, managing and monitoring external scientific study contracts and 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 Earth Surfaces and Interior Section’s scientific expertise and manpower support.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline is required.
Additional requirements
You should have at least five years of subsequent experience demonstrated in a relevant scientific discipline.
You should have proven Earth Observation research experience and should demonstrate credibility in one or more of the following domains: visible, lidar techniques, shortwave to thermal infrared remote sensing techniques, including interactions between land, ocean, cryosphere and atmosphere. Knowledge of synergies between complementary Earth Observation techniques is an asset. You will be familiar with current and future planned satellite missions, including instruments and plans, both within ESA and within relevant international programmes. Particular importance will be attached to your ability to work closely with international experts and relevant scientific organisations and bodies and function in a team environment, as well as your level of familiarity with the programmatic outlook in the ESA FutureEO, Earth Watch and Copernicus domains.
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.
