Junior Professional in Quantum Sensing Technology

Description

The Junior Professional in Quantum Sensing Technology will be based in the Future Missions and Instruments Division, Future Systems Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Quantum sensing with cold-atom interferometry (CAI) is the most promising area in the emerging technology of the ‘second quantum revolution’. For instance, quantum sensing can be applied in several ways to Earth observation (EO), ranging from improvements to space platforms (e.g. to enable inertial sensors for satellite pointing control and reconstitution, crucial in order to achieve, for example, very high-resolution imaging from high orbits) to producing new types of scientific instruments. ESA activities in this area have already started under the FutureEO Segment 1 programme, also in coordination with the European Commission, and further activities are planned under FutureEO Segment 2.
Spaceborne quantum gravimetry is the most advanced sensing technology to benefit from this revolution, exploiting matter-wave interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) using atom clouds cooled to sub-nano-Kelvin temperature. Adding to fundamental knowledge of the Earth, a quantum gravimetry mission for climate will provide essential climate variables of unprecedented quality for groundwater, mass balance of ice sheets and glaciers, heat and mass transport. It will also enable better preparedness for geohazards, monitoring the reshaping of the Earth surface under internal and external forcings, extending knowledge of deep interior properties and dynamics for seismology and other applications. A mission of this type is planned under the “Space for a Green Future” accelerator proposed by ESA’s Director General.

Furthermore, the Senior Science Committee (SSC) advising on the Voyage 2050 plan in ESA science programme highlighted the potential of CAI for the next generation of fundamental physics and planetary science missions, aiming at a measurement performance even more demanding than for EO quantum gravimetry.  Quantum accelerometry in space could for example allow extending tests of Universal Free Fall to new frontiers, or also allow high accuracy gravitational waves measurements. Therefore, progress in EO quantum gravimetry technology will be an important milestone towards future science applications.

Duties

In regard of EO, you will work in a small team, with focus in particular to help developing the concepts, designs and performance assessments for cold-atom interferometry sensors, such as accelerometers (also of hybrid type), gravity gradiometers, and gyroscopes. The main task shall comprise development of error budgets and models and use of simulators to support design trade-offs.

Quantum technologies being transversal activities at ESA with potential interest in several programmes, the incumbent is expected to closely cooperate with teams in other ESA Directorates, in particular the Directorate of Science in relation with potential future application to science missions, and the Directorate of Technologies, Engineering and Quality.

Development programme

In addition to your daily work, you will take part in an extensive learning and development programme. From day one, you will learn on the job and benefit from tailored development opportunities, including exposure to different business areas of ESA and participation in technical and key skills training courses.

On top of this, you will have additional training to build up specific skills and knowledge as well as all the support you need to pursue your career in ESA.

With a view to adding to your professional experience and knowledge of the European Space Agency, you will be offered rotational assignments inside and outside your initial organisational unit, in particular in view of the transversal activities performed across the Agency in relation to the family of quantum instruments based on cold-atom interferometry (CAI) that can be applied to EO, fundamental physics, high-performance satellite platforms, etc.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

Master's-level degree in engineering or physics.

Additional requirements

You should have between two and three years of professional experience, preferably in a relevant technical domain, after completion of your Master’s degree.

Part Participation in one of ESA ‘s entry-level programmes, i.e. Young Graduate Trainee, National Trainee, or Research Fellow Programmes, will be recognised as eligible experience.

Relevant domain: quantum sensing techniques or quantum devices.

Specificities

The ESA Junior Professional Programme has a forward-looking perspective. Subject to confirmed good performance, both technically and behaviourally, it is the intention to offer you a permanent contract at the end of the three years. As such, this initiative represents a significant investment by ESA in your personal and professional development. The programme is designed to provide you with the required knowledge and skills in order to ensure an optimal match, and to allow you to fulfil your role as effectively as possible. You can expect to be given many opportunities to develop your professional experience and competencies, to learn from ESA experts and to contribute to ESA activities.

Recruitment will take place at the A1 grade. You can expect to be upgraded to A2 at the end of the fourth year, if you are offered a permanent position at the end of your Junior Professional assignment.