Project Scientist
JOB DETAIL
Vacancy in the Directorate of Science.
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
ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain or ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Description
The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to “empower Europe to lead space science”.
The Department of Science and Operations (SCI-S), within ESA’s Directorate of Science, hosts the scientists and engineers who oversee the space missions from study to end of operations, develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space, and archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. Its main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.
As Project Scientist, you will initially be assigned to the BepiColombo mission under the direct responsibility of the Head of the Solar System Section in the Science Division (SCI-SC) within SCI-S.
You will be expected to strive for innovation and excellence in interfacing and directly engaging with the ESA astronomical community and the public with the goal of keeping the mission and its science prominent and visible. You will work in close collaboration with the BepiColombo Mission Manager, the Science Operations Team and the Payload PIs to ensure that the scientific objectives of the mission are achieved and to maximise its scientific return.
You may be asked to advise ESA management in the areas of your scientific competence and support the future activities of the Science Programme, such as studies and assessments of future missions or participation in reviews.
Duties
As Project Scientist, your main duties and responsibilities will include:
- ensuring that the maximum scientific return from a mission is maintained as an objective throughout all phases of the mission – study, development, operations and archiving – within technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints;
- coordinating the definition of science requirements with the corresponding science study team (SST) or science working team (SWT) and monitoring their implementation during all phases;
- acting as the interface for all scientific matters between internal study, development and operations teams on one hand and external scientific teams, partners and the community on the other;
- preparing and disseminating relevant scientific documentation and reporting to ESA management and, as requested, to the Advisory Structure;
- promoting the ESA Science Programme and the mission to the wider scientific community and supporting broader Directorate and Agency communications, outreach and education activities.
As a scientist and member of the Faculty, you are expected to actively pursue personal scientific research and to invigorate the Department’s research environment.
Depending on your profile and the needs of the Directorate of Science, you may, once the BepiColombo mission is completed, be reassigned to other projects relating to planetary science, such as JUICE and future missions.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A PhD is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Further assets for this position include: experience in instrument operations, experience in managing the development of scientific space hardware, and collaboration on international projects.
Specific knowledge of the BepiColombo mission is welcome but not mandatory.
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.
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
