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ESA Internal Research Fellowships in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes

Employer
European Space Agency
Location
Noordwijk, Netherlands
Salary
Competitive
Posting live until
24 Sep 2024

Job Details

European Space Agency (ESA) Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in the Directorate of HRE at ESTEC or EAC

Job Requisition ID:  18804

Closing Date:  24 September 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Type of Contract:  Internal Research Fellow

Internal Research Fellowship Opportunities in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. For this purpose, we 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 F2 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or ESOC with a resident assignment to EAC, Cologne.

Our team and mission

ESA’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers early-career scientists the opportunity to carry out independent research in a variety of disciplines relating to space science, space applications or space technology. ESA Research Fellows enjoy a unique opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at the forefront of space science and experience at first hand how ESA works with (scientific) communities across the Member States to maximise the scientific return from its missions and activities.

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Using 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.

Specifically, Research Fellowships in HRE offer the opportunity to contribute to ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration programme in the fields of Human Exploration Science, Biology, Physical, and Moon and Mars Sciences.

The Research Fellowship is a two-year contract with the possibility of renewal for a third year.

You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: https://www.esa.int/

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

There are no pre-defined projects; you are invited to prepare an independent research proposal for a project based on your interests and expertise.

For a complete list of target topics/field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship, please click Apply for a detailed vacancy notice. 

Technical competencies

  • Knowledge relevant to the field of research;
  • Research/publication record;
  • Ability to conduct research autonomously;
  • Breadth of exposure coming from past and/or current research/activities;
  • Ability to gather and share relevant information;
  • General interest in space and space research.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD.

Additional requirements

As part of the application process, four separate documents will need to be uploaded:

  • A motivation letter;
  • Your CV;
  • A list of publications, which must be separate from your CV. For publications that are not first-authored, please indicate your individual contribution;
  • A research proposal (four pages maximum, including any figures or tables, with a minimum font size of 11pt). The proposal should include sections outlining (1) the research rationale, (2) impact and past achievements, (3) research plans for the fellowship, with a rough timeline, and (4) synergies with mission-related activities and scientists at ESA.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis.

For further information on the Internal Research Fellowship Programme please visit: Internal Research Fellowship and Call for postdoc Research Fellow will be open soon - SciSpacE (esa.int)

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.     

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information on the Internal Research Fellowship Programme please visit: Internal Research Fellowship

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please add your proposal of no more than 5 pages outlining your proposed research in the "additional documents" field of the "application information" section.

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 at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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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, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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 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. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

Company

ESA

Image credit: ESA/Science Office

We are the European Space Agency (ESA). Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space. 

Why work for us
Are you enthusiastic, curious, a team player and eager to work in an international setting? With its 22 Member States and more than 2700 staff members working across Europe in nine different locations, ESA is the only space agency of its kind and a unique place to work. Joining ESA means working together on pioneering missions in a diverse and friendly environment with great benefits as well as numerous services and activities provided on site.

Training and development
Once you become an ESA employee, you will have access to a wide range of courses on many different topics as well as the opportunity to exchange and network with experts and other colleagues.

Graduate schemes
There are six entry-level and research programmes open to students and recent graduates who are nationals of ESA Member States or Cooperating States:

  • Student Internships are open to students still enrolled at university. Priority is given to Master’s students, but Bachelor’s students can also apply. Applications open in November each year.
  • The Young Graduate Trainee Programme is open to recently graduated Master’s students. Applications open in February each year.
  • National Trainee Programmes are offered to Master’s graduates through bilateral agreements between ESA and certain participating countries. Selection rounds are announced and managed by those countries. 
  • The Junior Professional Programme is designed for Master’s graduates with 2–3 years of professional experience. Selections take place every three years with the next one planned for 2024/2025.
  • Researchers can apply to ESA for co-funding for space-related PhD and postdoc research activities. Apply all year round at ideas.esa.int
  • The Research Fellowship Programme accepts applications from postdocs. Vacancies are published throughout the year, except for the Research Fellowships in Space Science, which open for application in August each year.

Ready to launch your career with ESA? Browse the positions we’re currently recruiting for at jobs.esa.int. Subscribe to our careers news to stay informed of our updates and campaigns and also set up a job alert on our recruiting site so that you never miss an opportunity.

Who we are looking for
ESA offers a number of entry-level programmes targeting students (Master or PhD), recent graduates and young professionals alongside its vacancies for experienced professionals. One of them could be your path to space! In line with our core business as a space science and technology organization, most ESA staff positions are in engineering and scientific disciplines. However, we also recruit for the business support services that are essential in helping us to achieve our goals.


Locations 
France, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, UK

Number of employees
2700

Main areas of research
All engineering and science disciplines related to the space sector are covered at ESA but also more. Check out our main website and our Science page to find out what we are doing. You may be surprised by the domains we cover and find something there for you too

Desired degree disciplines/class
The majority of professional roles at ESA require a Master as a minimum. For specific vacancies, a PhD may be necessary

How to apply
Apply online at jobs.esa.int

Closing date
Vacancies are regularly published on our recruiting website. Most standard vacancies remain open for three weeks from the date of publication, while vacancies for specific programmes are usually open for four weeks and roster positions remain open for several months

Contact
Tel +33 01 53 69 76 54
E-mail esacareers@esa.int
www.esa.int

Company info
Website
Telephone
+33153697654
Location
ESA Headquarters
8-10 rue Mario Nikis
CS 45741
75738 Paris Cedex 15
FR

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