Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in EO for Earth System Science (2 posts)

Mission During this two‑year research fellowship, you will report to the Head of the Science Section in the Green Solutions Division within the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. You will work in close collaboration with other staff of the Directorate. The Science Section leads EO research and Earth system science activities, partnering with European and international scientific groups to maximise the scientific impacts of missions and respond to major scientific challenges.

Location ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Responsibilities You will be responsible for a variety of activities, including:

Advancing EO methods, algorithms and products by conducting advanced research that addresses major observational gaps and scientific priorities in EO, focusing on new Earth Explorers and Sentinel expansion missions.

Front‑line research to advance the understanding of the Earth system, capitalising on the latest EO technology and addressing major science challenges.

Developing an advanced reconstruction of the Earth system by establishing the scientific basis for Digital Twin Earth, through collaborative research and the use of EO for enhanced simulations and predictions.

Supporting the definition, technical supervision and coordination of scientific exploitation projects carried out by external teams of experts across all EO research and Earth system science areas.

Thematic Priorities

Data‑driven and AI‑based Earth system simulations and predictability science.

Hydrology and water cycle research from global to basin scales.

Terrestrial carbon and ecosystem studies, focusing on land processes and the carbon cycle.

Polar science and cryosphere research on ice‑sheet dynamics, permafrost, and sea‑ice.

Ocean science focused on the Mediterranean, monitoring rapid warming and its impacts.

Technical Competencies

Relevant knowledge in the field of research.

Research/publication record.

Ability to conduct research autonomously.

Breadth of exposure from past and/or current research activities.

Ability to gather and share relevant information.

General interest in space and space research.

Behavioural Competencies

Result orientation.

Operational efficiency.

Fostering cooperation.

Relationship management.

Continuous improvement.

Forward thinking.

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference is given to applicants within five years of receiving their PhD. PhD in physics, engineering or Earth system and climate science, with research experience and peer‑reviewed publications in relevant topics, is required.

Additional Requirements

Solid practical knowledge of advanced EO data processing, particularly with ESA and/or Copernicus missions.

Ability to interface with the scientific community, international partners and external scientific actors.

Advanced programming skills (HPC), advanced mathematics methods, data analytics techniques and/or Earth system and climate modelling, as well as advanced AI methods.

Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work in a multi‑cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

Strong motivation, professional perspective and career goals will be explored in later stages of the selection process.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply and can request accommodations.

Eligibility Applicants must be nationals of the European Union member states listed below or of the following associate and cooperating states:

Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Associate Member States: Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia.

Cooperating State: Canada.

European Cooperating States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Malta.

The working languages are English and French; a good knowledge of one is required, another member‑state language is an asset.

Nationality and Languages Applicants must meet nationality requirements and language proficiency as described above.

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