Head of the Data Science Section

Description

The Head of the Data Science Section reports to the Head of the Data Science and Archives Division and is responsible for the definition and implementation of a data science strategy for the Science and Operations Department. The purpose of the Data Science Section is to develop innovative and disruptive data science activities with a view to increasing the science return of ESA’s Science missions through enhancing the science data exploitation, as well as by improving the efficiency of mission science operations.
You will manage a small team and associated industrial services and external contracts. You will interface with all teams within the Department and will look for synergies and opportunities for collaboration with other data science initiatives within ESA and beyond.

Duties

You will be responsible for leading and managing the Data Science Section in carrying out its tasks, which include:

• Defining and implementing a data science strategy for the Department, in close collaboration with the ESAC Science Data Centre and the Science Operations Centres;
• Proposing, and engaging people with, innovative new projects promoting the use of Data Science within the Department — with the aim of expanding our missions’ science return through science data exploitation and increasing the efficiency of science operations;
• Seeking partnerships for data science initiatives with other groups within and outside ESA;
• Engaging the scientific community to further exploit ESA science archives through new data science services;
• Representing the Directorate in ESA working groups about Artificial Intelligence and other Data Science technologies;
• Acting as Technical Officer for industrial services and external contracts supporting the Data Science Office;
• Representing ESA and the Science Directorate for its data science activities at external conferences, workshops and working groups;
• Keeping abreast of current and upcoming data science technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, big data, data mining, machine learning, data visualisation, and so on).

As this is a Head of Section post, the required managerial duties include:

• taking responsibility for delivering team results;
• providing direction, including the planning and distribution of team members’ activities;
• reviewing individual performance against set objectives through the annual assessment exercise and by providing timely and regular constructive feedback;
• creating a motivating work environment and promoting good team spirit;
• supporting team members with ongoing professional development by encouraging learning and delegating responsibilities.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

Applicants for this post should have at least an MSc or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Space Science or Space Applications.

Additional requirements

Assets for this position are:

• Previous people management experience;
• Experience in dealing with (ESA) contracts, in particular those related to R&D;
• Experience in the development and execution of science operations, preferably for large space- or ground-based international projects;
• A background in one or more of the following domains: solar systems science, astrophysics, space science.

Candidates should have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
• the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• the ability to drive team performance, developing their people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.

People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.