Young Graduate Trainee for Wave Interaction Analysis

Within the RF Payload and Technology Division, the Wave Interaction and Propagation Section focuses on analysis of the interaction of electromagnetic waves (microwave to optical wavelengths) with the natural environment in support of telecom, navigation and remote-sensing activities. This includes theoretical modelling and experimental data analysis, as well as developing statistical models and mitigation or retrieval algorithms. The Section works in close collaboration with other areas within the Agency.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Wave interaction with the natural environment is a critical element when one aims at assessing the impact of the atmosphere on the performance of space communication links or on the accuracy of satellite navigation solutions; it is also a key component in the generation of scientific or operational products from remote-sensing instruments (for Earth observation or planetary science). This field covers the development of electromagnetic interaction models (from microwave to optical wavelengths) with natural media (atmosphere, ionosphere, vegetation, water surfaces, etc.), and their use to support system design, performance assessment (e.g. link budget, image quality) and the development of retrieval algorithms for remote sensing. The field also covers validation activities based on experimentally-acquired datasets.

In that framework, examples of fields of investigation for this Traineeship include:

• analysis of data from microwave radiometer campaigns for calibration and correction of tropospheric delay for radar altimetry or radio-science;
• propagation data collection and analysis (mainly focused on navigation-related instrumentation for ionosphere and multipath characterisation);
• modelling of atmospheric depolarisation on slant paths, simulation and experimental K-, Q- and V-band data analysis;
• use of high-resolution numerical weather prediction systems in support of system design, operations and for experimental campaigns;
• modelling of the propagation through planetary atmospheres;
• making use of physical interaction models and experimental observations to support machine learning for the inversion of remote-sensing data;
• optical and radar interaction with land and sea surfaces.

You will be offered a task along the lines of those listed above. Your background will be duly considered when assigning the task. The nature of the work can be adapted to your skills but will typically involve some model development combined with the analysis of datasets (Earth observation, propagation) as well as prototype software implementation and testing.

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of a university course at Master's level (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific discipline related to the traineeship.

If you have acquired the programming skills necessary for scientific software implementation, this will be seen as an asset.

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.　

You should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. 　

During the interview your motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.