Atmospheric Composition Scientist

Updated: over 1 year ago
Job Type: Permanent
Deadline: 09 Jan 2023

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 Engineer for Atmospheric Sensors missions 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.

If selected for this position, you will contribute to the overall quality of the sensors data products in the atmospheric domain provided by ESA, with initial emphasis on the products of the EarthCARE Earth Explorer mission. You will also provide product quality and Cal/Val support for the other EO atmospheric missions/data provided by ESA (e.g. Aeolus), specifically related to challenges in calibration for climate domains.


Duties

Your tasks will include:

  • supporting the development of EarthCARE ground segment data processing, calibration, validation and quality control facilities;
  • preparing the end-to-end data quality process of EarthCARE mission products during its exploitation phase, including the products and processing scenario definition, the algorithm definition and evolution for Level 1 and Level 2 products, the calibration and the geophysical validation concept definition and evolution during the development and exploitation phases;
  • managing the industrial contracts related to EarthCARE and Aeolus data quality, algorithm evolution and Cal/Val activities, and, in particular, defining, implementing and managing the EarthCARE DISC (Data Innovation and Science Cluster);
  • proposing innovation in the area of EO product algorithm development, calibration and validation through a collaborative framework with remote sensing scientists, aiming to introduce greater flexibility in the ESA services to EO users; this includes, in particular, supporting the definition and development of a Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform tailored for EarthCARE mission users;
  • continuously assessing evolving user requirements regarding ESA EO atmospheric composition missions in terms of data quality, calibration and validation, exploring potential synergies with ESA EO missions;
  • fostering the ESA strategy and innovation in terms of the algorithm, calibration and validation of ESA EO atmospheric data products, including the development and operation of related Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM);
  • supporting the mission managers with communication activities, contributing to the preparation of presentations and reports. Publication of papers in peer-reviewed journals is highly encouraged.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of scientific discipline in particular in the atmospheric domain, calibration/validation and radiative transfer models

State-of-the-art knowledge in area of responsibility at required level

Experience in managing scientific or technical teams, preferably in an international context

Solid understanding of the objectives and challenges of the EarthCARE mission

Sound knowledge on ESA Earth Observation programmes


Behavioural competencies

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


Education

A master’s degree in physics, engineering or Earth sciences, with particular emphasis on data processing algorithms, calibration and validation applied to EO missions, is required for this post.


Additional requirements

You should provide a track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.


A PhD in physics, engineering or Earth sciences, with particular emphasis on data processing algorithms, calibration and validation applied to EO missions, 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 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] .

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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, 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 or balanced Member States*.  (https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/NationalityTargets.pdf )

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.



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