Atmospheric Composition Earth Observation Scientist

Noordwijk

Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
Location: Noordwijk
Grade: Junior level - A2 - Grade band
Occupational Groups:
- Environment
- Outer space and satellite technology
- Scientist and Researcher
Closing Date: Closed

Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

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 is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years and is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Senior Atmospheric Scientist in the Atmospheric Section of the Earth and Mission Science Division of the Science, Applications and Climate Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Duties

You will report to the Head of the Atmospheric Section in the Earth and Mission Science Division and your main tasks and responsibilities will be:

Providing mission science and scientific support to ensure that payload and end-to-end system designs fulfil mission requirements during preparation of new mission ideas and concepts and the development and implementation of approved missions, and for in-orbit commissioning and operations phase calibration/validation activities;
Establishing, maintaining and convening international advisory groups related to Earth observation missions; initiating and conducting in-house and external scientific studies supporting mission development and implementation, geophysical algorithm development and related research activities; organising mission- specific science workshops and conferences;
Providing scientific support and advice to Earth observation mission teams across the Copernicus, FutureEO, Earth Watch, and Operational Meteorology Programme domains; and maintenance of an external interface with the European Commission and Eumetsat with respect to the corresponding advisory structures;
Supporting the identification and critical review of scientific challenges, EO user community requirements, and the interests and aspirations of these communities;
Managing implementation of the independent peer review of mission ideas and concept proposals in response to Agency calls, and preparation of evaluation reports;
Communicating research results in connection with ESA’s Earth observation missions and taking on the role of ESA ambassador at relevant events, such as scientific conferences, and during user consultations and international fora;
Preparing, managing, and monitoring external scientific study contracts and related Key Performance Indicators and quarterly reporting.

You will be affiliated with the Science, Applications’ and Climate Department, and will be expected to work closely with the Future Systems, Projects, and the Mission Management and Ground Segments Departments to perform delegated activities requiring the Atmospheric Section’s scientific expertise and manpower support.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of scientific discipline, including strategic vision of the Earth Observation area

Knowledge of ESA atmospheric composition missions under study or implementation

Knowledge of the role of mission science during different mission phases

Knowledge of the relevant Earth Observation scientific user community

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A PhD in atmospheric composition active/passive optical remote sensing is required for this position.

Additional requirements

You should have at least 10 years (after your PhD) of proven active/passive Earth observation based research experience, and credibility in space-based CO2 and GHG monitoring from space and other relevant remote sensing-based atmospheric composition retrieval techniques.

You must be fully knowledgeable about specific scientific and technical details of the Copernicus CO2M mission and the EU operational anthropogenic CO2 emissions MRV support system, and other satellite missions employing both active and passive atmospheric composition techniques (e.g. Sentinel-5p/-4/-5), including planned research missions at ESA and under other international programmes.

Particular importance will be attached to your capabilities and demonstrated experience of working closely with international experts, relevant scientific organisations and international coordination bodies, such as CEOS, as well as functioning in a team environment and familiarity with the programmatic outlook in the ESA Copernicus, Earth Explorer, and Earth Watch domains.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
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 at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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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 Member States. (https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/careers/NationalityTargets.pdf)

In view of the limited duration of this post, internal candidates are strongly advised to contact their HR advisor before applying.

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.

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.

This vacancy is now closed.
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