Project Scientist In Astronomy

Project Scientist in Astronomy & Research Fellows Coordinator

Job Requisition ID: 18882

Date Posted: 16 September 2024

Closing Date: 7 October 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Science

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL / Villanueva de la Cañada, ES

Grade Band: A2 - A4

Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Description

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to empower Europe to lead space science.

The Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science Programme and provides scientific expertise to Science missions, across all phases, from studies to operations and beyond. The Office also manages scientific research and scientific community engagement activities, as well as the communication and education efforts for the ESA Directorate of Science.

A number of ESA's astrophysics missions regularly invite observing proposals through regular Calls for Guest Observer proposals, which are assessed by means of peer review. In this role, you will update ESA Science policies, overseeing proposal submission and peer review to ensure a rigorous, transparent, fair and consistent approach across missions, implementing best practice. You will be responsible for an annual peer review in a mission relating to your area of expertise.

For up to 50% of your time, you will also be responsible for strengthening the Space Science Research Fellowship Programme, which offers talented early career scientists the opportunity to build and strengthen their own independent research portfolios in the context of ESA Science missions and the Science Programme.

This role is particularly well suited to a scientist with a good understanding of and experience in inclusive practices in astronomy and astrophysics communities (and beyond) and an interest in the evolution of these practices to ensure ESA Science missions remain at the forefront of best practice, in particular regarding open science.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

Identifying best practice in telescope time allocation and peer review processes in the scientific communities and supporting the Head of Office in implementing these across ESA astrophysics missions with GO calls.

Running the annual Guest Observer call and peer review for an astrophysics mission, working closely with the corresponding lead project scientist(s) for that mission.

Defining and initiating the collection of performance metrics associated with all Guest Observer programmes.

Coordinating the annual recruitment campaign for the Space Science Research Fellowship Programme.

Managing and connecting with the research fellows, ensuring they can effectively implement their research plans.

Facilitating the professional development of research fellows by ensuring they are informed about the full range of unique opportunities that ESA and the Directorate of Science offer and have effective mentorship.

Working closely with the Head of Office to identify new ways to enhance the Space Science Research Fellowship Programme.

As a Project Scientist and a member of the Science Faculty, you are expected to pursue personal scientific research activities and work towards invigorating the Directorate's research environment. Depending on the needs of the Directorate of Science, you may be reassigned in the future to project scientist duties for missions in study, development or operations. In such a position, you would be responsible for ensuring that the maximum scientific return from a mission is maintained as an objective within technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints.

Technical competencies

Conducting active research in a relevant field of space science.

Knowledge of the latest developments in open science and/or peer review.

Knowledge and experience in scientific space missions and payloads.

Experience in coordinating the scientific community and managing multiple interfaces at international level.

Experience in promoting science to the wider scientific community and general public.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Familiarity and/or expertise with the best practice and methods for promoting inclusion and accessibility in astronomy, especially for early-career scientists. Experience in high-energy astrophysics research is desirable but not essential.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

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.

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.

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master's degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications can only be 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 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.

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