Earth Dynamics and -Space Scientist

The European Space Agency is seeking an Earth Dynamics and Near-Space Scientist in Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands. The role involves supporting Earth’s interior dynamics and near-space missions, managing mission objectives, conducting scientific studies, and fostering cooperation within the Earth Observation Programmes. A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline is required. Responsibilities include organizing workshops, communicating research results, and managing scientific study contracts.
Position: Earth Dynamics and Near-Space Scientist

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Directorate:
Earth Observation Programmes

Earth Dynamics and Near-Space Scientist in the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section of the Earth Science Division of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. You will be expected to perform activities requiring the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section’s scientific expertise and staff support.
Duties

You will report to the Head of the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section of the Earth Science Division, and your main tasks and responsibilities will include:
• providing mission scientist support to Earth’s interior dynamics and near-space scientific missions, including modelling of atmospheric drag and neutral mass density and effects of space weather;
• establishing and managing mission objectives and requirements during the preparation of new mission ideas and concepts, as part of the development and implementation for approved missions;
• providing support to the identification and critical review of Earth observation (EO) user community science challenges, as well as the scientific objectives of new and innovative scientific measurement concepts (such as NEOMI) and the interests and aspirations of the communities concerned;
• supporting calibration/validation activities during the in-orbit commissioning and operations phases of EO missions;
• establishing, maintaining and convening international advisory groups relating to EO missions;
• initiating and conducting in-house and external scientific studies supporting mission feasibility, development and implementation, alignment of mission objectives with societal indicators, geophysical algorithm development and related research activities;
• supporting the implementation of the renewed ESA EO science strategy and the definition of future strategy documents;
• organising mission-specific science workshops and conferences, including user consultations;
• fostering cooperation across the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department (EOP-S) and providing scientific support to relevant divisions;
• managing the implementation of independent peer reviews of mission ideas or concept proposals in response to Agency calls or announcements of opportunity, as well as preparing evaluation reports;
• communicating research results in connection with ESA’s EO missions and serving as an ESA ambassador at relevant events, such as scientific conferences and user consultations;
• preparing announcements of opportunity, implementing, managing and monitoring external scientific study contracts and related key performance indicators, and quarterly reporting.
Knowledge of a relevant scientific discipline, including a strategic vision of the EO area

Knowledge of ESA Earth interior dynamics and near space missions under study or implementation

Knowledge of the role of mission science during different mission phases

Knowledge of the relevant EO scientific user community

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

A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline is required for this post.
Additional requirements

You must demonstrate at least five years of experience in a relevant scientific discipline since completing your PhD. Experience in performing mission science activities would be an asset.

You must contribute EO research experience and demonstrated credibility in the domain of the thermosphere, near-space environment and Earth’s gravity field, with a special focus on user needs for scientific data and the evolution of related data products. Proven experience in managing scientific activities, such as gravimetry or magnetometry, for EO missions undergoing feasibility study, development or operations is required.

Knowledge of synergies between complementary EO techniques is required. Knowledge of establishing and managing requirements during an EO mission implementation process would be an asset.

Knowledge of socioeconomic impact assessment for EO would be an asset. You must be familiar with relevant current and future satellite missions,…