PhD vacatures

Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending on performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programme (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, D/HRE is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

As Lunar Scientist, you will coordinate and implement a portfolio of lunar science activities within D/HRE and will report directly to the Lunar Science Office Team Lead (HRE‑SL). You will work within the Lunar Science Office Team (HRE‑SL), and will also work closely with other teams, most particularly the other science teams within the Exploration Science Office, the Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology Team (ExPeRT) and the Small Lunar Projects Team (HRE‑LR) for the preparation and implementation of studies, developments, and operations. You will provide expert support on lunar science topics to strategy, studies, and projects across the wider HRE programme and oversee and participate in internal research activities.

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• leading and supporting the identification of scientific priorities and defining science objectives, investigation approaches and instrumentation needs for new activities – through announcements of opportunity, consultation with expert groups, and internal scientific work;
• preparing and running end-to-end announcement of opportunity selection processes;
• leading and supporting the definition of scientific requirements including science performance needs for instruments and overall lunar payload and mission systems during the study phase;
• providing support for selection and technical feasibility assessment of potential new lunar payloads and missions;
• tracking overall expected science performance of lunar activities in development, ensuring systems and operational set‑ups deliver required scientific performance;
• supporting overall mission definition and development throughout the mission lifetime, especially providing inputs to instrument definition and performance, guidance and performance analysis for instrument development;
• establishing science operations approaches and data pipelines for the production of lunar scientific data products;
• overseeing and driving lunar science operations activities during operations;
• ensuring delivery of lunar scientific data products, including calibrated data and derived data products, to ESA data archives;
• creating, overseeing, and leading lunar scientific teams supporting all project phases, including preparation and implementation of science management plans;
• engaging with the scientific community in Europe and outside Europe where relevant, ensuring scientific excellence and relevance of new activities, and ensuring that scientific data is utilised and outcomes recorded;
• representing ESA in scientific interactions with other agencies and organisations, including international partners, academia and industry, as required;
• providing lunar science expert support to activities across HRE and other ESA programmes where relevant;
• overseeing research undertaken by internal ESA research fellows and performing personal research activities;
• overseeing research and study activities performed by external entities under ESA contract and acting as Technical Officer for externally contracted science activities;
• supporting line management in identifying areas of improvement, suggesting ways forward and potential changes;
• providing support for other Lunar Science Team and general Exploration Science activities, as required;
• supporting ESA outreach, communication and education activities.

• Ability to conduct research autonomously
• Experience with publication of scientific research
• Understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge in the field and awareness of priorities for future research
• Knowledge of the activities, programmes and goals of the European Space Agency
• Experience in the organisation of international scientific activities
• Experience in science management at the academic, industrial or governmental level

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post together with four years of relevant professional experience.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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 via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Applications are only considered from nationals of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

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.

Note: Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware which are subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.