ESA's postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers early-career scientists and engineers the possibility to carry out independent research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications, or space technology. ESA Fellowships provide a unique opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at the forefront of space science, and experience first-hand how ESA works with communities across the Member States to maximise the scientific return from our missions.
The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. Within ESA’s Directorate of Science, the Science Engagement and Oversight Office (SCI-E) and the Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S) host the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; they develop the science operation systems for the missions and conduct their science operations in flight; they archive and curate the mission data during operations and beyond. The main objective is to maximise the scientific return of the missions for the benefit of humankind. The Science Engagement and Oversight Office and the Science and Operations Department also support research activities, which are coordinated by the ESA Science Faculty. Research Fellows are encouraged to take leading roles in Faculty research programmes and initiatives, in close collaboration with scientific staff. The Research Fellowship programme nurtures and strengthens the links between ESA and the scientific communities in the Member States.
Research Fellows spend their time on their independent scientific research and can choose to spend up to 20% of the time on scientific activities in support of ESA science-related activities.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the ESA website (http://sci.esa.int) for an overview of ESA’s Science Programme.
We are welcoming all proposals for innovative research associated with one or more of our missions (linked from the web site above). For an overview of the on-going space science research activities at the different sites, and more details about the fellowships, please visit our website: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships
You should consult these pages to identify which of the establishments offers the most relevant environment for their research. Candidates are welcome and encouraged to contact any of the scientists working in areas of their interest.
Breadth of exposure coming from past and/or current research/activities
Knowledge relevant to the field of research
Research/publication record
Ability to conduct research autonomously
Ability to gather and share relevant information
General interest in space and space research
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
You must have completed and obtained your PhD before starting the Research Fellowship. Applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD are preferred.
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We are the European Space Agency, dedicated to peaceful exploration of space for everyone’s benefit. We monitor Earth, develop unique projects, train astronauts, and advance science and technology to answer the Universe's big questions. A family of engineers, scientists and business professionals, we work together to unite space in Europe and Europe in space.
ESA recruits and not just astronauts! The programmes of the European Space Agency include large projects in space science, telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, launcher development, human space flight and microgravity. Engineers, IT specialists, physicists, mathematicians, astronomers and astrophysicists are employed in a variety of areas: research and development, project support, project management, spacecraft operations and data retrieval and exploitation.
We are always on the lookout for talented new people from relevant engineering and scientific backgrounds, but also from IT and business and administration services (law, finance, communications, human resources, facility management).
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