Internal Research Fellow in Earth Observation for Earth System Science

Updated: 12 months ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Internal Research Fellowship Opportunity in the Directorate of EO 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
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy  


Our team and mission

Reporting to  the Head of the Science Section in the Data Applications Division within the Science, Applications and Climate Department of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes, you will work in close cooperation with other staff of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Science Section is a dynamic R&D team leading EO research and Earth system science activities, in partnership with European and international scientific groups. Visit our web site for an overview of our activities:  https://eo4society.esa.int/communities/scientists/

You will be part of the Earth System Science Hub a new science facility in ESA and center for networking and scientific collaboration among world-class researchers in ESA Member States (MS) and worldwide. The Hub will bring together young and senior scientists of different disciplines in Earth Observation and Earth System Science to contribute to develop the next generation of EO products and jointly address some of the major science challenges of this decade. 

The Hub will also contribute to develop a solid scientific basis for the implementation and evolution of “Digital Twin Earth” (an advanced high-resolution replica of our planet, its processes and its interactions with human activities and ecosystems).

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


Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will be involved in ESA carbon cycle science activities, aimed at enhancing our capacity to observe, quantify and understand the terrestrial carbon cycle, its sensitivity to climate change and its interactions with human activities (e.g., agriculture, forestry, energy, water consumption) and ecosystems.

Activities shall particularly focus on the advanced and synergistic use of novel EO capabilities (e.g., Copernicus Sentinels, FLEX, BIOMASS, novel national and international missions) to better quantify and characterize the terrestrial carbon pools and fluxes and its responses to both natural and anthropogenic stressors (e.g., hydro-climatic extremes, fires, land degradation, deforestation). 

You will also contribute to the coordination and implementation of ESA carbon science cluster: carbonsciencecluster.esa.int

1.    Undertaking advanced research activities addressing major observational gaps and scientific priorities in EO and Earth system science. Research will cover a wide range of innovative topics from the development of novel methods, algorithms and EO products to innovative Earth system and climate research.

2.    Contribute to develop an advanced reconstruction of the Earth system establishing a solid scientific basis for the implementation and evolution of Digital Twin Earth, by undertaking collaborative research across domains in collaboration with ESA experts and international scientists and science teams.

3.    Support the definition, technical supervision and coordination of scientific exploitation projects carried out by external teams of experts and scientists, in all areas of EO research and Earth system science.

4.    Maintain a continuous dialogue with the scientific communities, including major international programmes and initiatives and partner space agencies (e.g., NASA) preparation of the scientific agenda driving future ESA activities and plans.


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

A PhD in physics, engineering or Earth system science with research experience and peer-reviewed publications in relevant topics for the fields of research proposed is required for this post.


Additional requirements

You should also have :

  • proven research experience based on the use of relevant satellite measurements. 
  • science software development experience and programming skills are also required.
  • additional experience in modelling will be an asset.
  • good analytical and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment in an autonomous manner. 

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

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 [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, 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 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 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. 

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.



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