Data Scientist

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  

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme Our Missions - Cosmos (esa.int)  with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to “Empower Europe to lead space science”.
The Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S), within ESA's Directorate for Science, hosts the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; it develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space; it archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. Our main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.

You will be assigned as Data Scientist in the Data Science Section - within the Department’s Data Science and Archives Division. The Data Science Section develops innovative and disruptive data science solutions with the objective of increasing the science return of ESA’s science missions, notably through enhancing the science data exploitation and improving the efficiency of science operations.

We are looking for a creative data scientist with a strong interest in space science who would enjoy working with our mission teams and scientists.

Within the Data Science Section, you will be responsible for: 

• proposing and implementing innovative new Data Science projects within the Department;
• promoting the usage of data science and engaging with key internal and external users and stakeholders (e.g. through organising workshops and conferences); 
• contributing to the Department’s data science strategy, in close collaboration with the ESAC Science Data Centre and the science missions;
• acting as Technical Officer for industrial services and external contracts supporting the activities of the Section;
• supporting the Head of the Data Science Section on any relevant Section matters.

You are expected to keep abreast of current and upcoming data science technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, big data, datamining, machine learning, data visualisation) and to continue to carry out personal research as well as to contribute actively to the scientific life of the Department.

Strong computational and data science skills

Knowledge of application of Machine Learning to big data analytics

Experience in the management and monitoring of research and development activities

Background in one or more of the following domains: solar systems science, astrophysics, space science

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

A PhD in a relevant discipline such as space science, computer science or data science is required.

Additional assets for this position are:

• Experience in artificial intelligence technologies;
• Experience in science operations (e.g. in the context of space missions);
• Experience in managing contracts (e.g. related to R&D).

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 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.