Very High Resolution Data Quality Manager
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
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Description
Data Quality and Cal/Val Manager for Very High-Resolution Sensors in the Sensor Performance, Products and Algorithms Section, ESA Earth Observation Mission Management and Product Quality Division, Mission Management and Ground Segment Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.
You will contribute to the overall quality of the very high spatial resolution sensor data products in the optical and SAR (synthetic aperture radar) domain, with an initial emphasis on the products from the Copernicus Contributing Missions. You will also provide product quality and Cal/Val support for the other EO optical and SAR missions/data provided by ESA, specifically in relation to challenges in calibration and validation.
Duties
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- supporting the quality, calibration and validation activities related to very high (spatial) resolution sensors in the SAR and optical domain (this could be expanded to the hyperspectral and thermal infrared domains);
- managing the industrial contracts related to very high-resolution sensor data quality, algorithm evolution and Cal/Val activities, and, in particular, defining, implementing and managing the mission performance sensor activities for the commercial Copernicus Contributing Missions and the Earthnet Data Assessment Project for ESA Third Party Missions;
- proposing innovation in the area of EO product algorithm development, calibration and validation, through a collaborative framework with remote sensing scientists, aiming to introduce more flexibility in ESA services to EO users;
- fostering ESA strategy and innovation in terms of algorithm, calibration and validation of very high-resolution sensors, including the development and operation of related fiducial reference measurements (FRM);
- continuously assessing evolving user requirements regarding very high-resolution missions in terms of data quality, calibration and validation, exploring potential standardisation among commercial providers and potential synergies with ESA EO missions;
- developing a series of objectives and activities that will guide ESA in fostering the combined use of public and private EO missions;
- supporting mission managers in communication activities, contributing to the preparation of presentations and reports. Publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals is highly encouraged.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A PhD or master’s in physics, engineering or Earth sciences with particular emphasis on data-processing algorithms, image quality calibration and validation applied to EO missions is required for this post.
Additional requirements
Applicants should provide evidence of a track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
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.
