Description

Senior Atmospheric Earth Observation Scientist in the Atmospheric Section of the Earth and Mission Sciences 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 Sciences  Division and your main tasks and responsibilities will involve:

• providing mission science and scientific support to ensure that payload and end-to-end system designs fulfil mission requirements during the preparation of new mission ideas and concepts and the development and implementation of approved missions, as well as providing support 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; and organising mission-specific science workshops and conferences;
• providing scientific support and advice to Earth Observation mission teams across the FutureEO, Copernicus, Earth Watch, and Operational Meteorology programme domains, and maintaining an external interface with national space agencies, EUMETSAT, the ECMWF and the European Commission with respect to the corresponding advisory structures;
• providing scientific support and advice in the identification and definition of innovative, new future Earth Observation missions as part of FutureEO Earth Explorer calls for mission ideas, as well as providing support and advice to the Earth Watch, Copernicus and Meteorological programmes;
• supporting the identification and critical review of scientific challenges, EO user community requirements, and the interests and aspirations of these communities;
• managing the implementation of the independent peer review of mission ideas and concept proposals in response to Agency calls, and the preparation of evaluation reports;
• communicating research results in connection with ESA’s Earth Observation missions and taking on the role of ESA ambassador at related events, such as scientific conferences, and in user consultations and international forums;
• preparing, managing, and monitoring external scientific study contracts, as well as the 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 Missions and Architecture, Projects, and Mission Management and Ground Segments Departments to perform delegated activities requiring the Atmospheric Section’s scientific expertise and staff support.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Forward Thinking

Fostering Cooperation

Result Orientation

Relationship Management

Operational Efficiency

Continuous Improvement

Education

A PhD in atmospheric physics, meteorology and/or active/passive atmospheric remote sensing is required for this position.

Additional requirements

You should have at least 10 years of proven active/passive Earth observation-based research experience in atmospheric physics and/or meteorology. Experience with ESA’s atmospheric missions in operations or in development, and in particular exposure to mission definition activities and feasibility phase studies would be considered additional assets, as would a good overview of international atmospheric satellite programmes.

Particular importance will be attached to your readiness to support the definition and development of new, innovative atmospheric mission concepts, working closely with international experts, relevant scientific organisations and international coordination bodies, as well as your ability to function in an international team environment.