Marine and Coastal Applications Scientist

Marine and Coastal Applications Scientist

Marine and Coastal Applications Scientist in the Applications Section, Green Solutions Division, Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Department aims to combine Europe’s excellence in Earth observation (EO) systems, applications and science, in synergy with other scientific disciplines and emerging big data technologies, to maximise impact and benefits for society.

Reporting to the Head of the Applications Section, the successful candidate will define and manage EO research and development projects related to marine and coastal applications.

Duties

Our responsibilities include:

This role will cover research and development projects addressing international and European policies and initiatives, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the High Seas Treaty/BBNJ, SDG 14 Life Below Water, SDG 2 Zero Hunger, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13 Climate Action, the Global Biodiversity Framework, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, UNFCCC, EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, EU Adaptation Strategy, and EU Biodiversity Strategy.

• Organising thematic consultation meetings, workshops and conferences to review state‑of‑the‑art EO marine and coastal‑related applications, to collect new user needs and recommendations.
• Engaging with new user communities involved in the various domains, in close coordination with colleagues from the Green Solutions Division.
• Facilitating the co‑design and co‑development processes of new applications with stakeholders and end‑users.
• Pioneering EO products, analytics and precursor services in relation to marine and coastal applications, enabling international and European policies on the environment and sustainable development.
• Developing innovative EO applications with a multi‑mission synergy approach, fully leveraging cloud computing environments, the integration of non‑EO data sources and cutting‑edge digital technologies, and pursuing open‑source algorithms and tools.
• Facilitating the uptake of the developed applications by heterogeneous end‑user communities (policy implementers, industry sectors, civil society organisations, environment agencies, and financial entities) with their active involvement during the co‑design, development and validation phases.
• Establishing and strengthening partnerships with key policy stakeholders (e.g. at EU and UN level) and with authoritative user organisations (national ministries, statistical offices, local authorities, marine and coastal sectors implementing the policies, environment agencies, and financial entities).
• Demonstrating the upscaling of applications towards global solutions.
• Supporting the collection of evolving user needs for future EO mission applications.
• Fostering communication and scientific publications on project achievements.
• Supporting the preparation and definition of relevant future new ESA programme elements.

You will also:

• Support other activities from the Green Solutions Division and other relevant ESA EOP programmes.
• Contribute to ESA communication efforts promoting the results of EO marine and coastal‑related applications, mission achievements and EO benefits for society.
• Supervise and support the work of ESA Graduate Trainees and Research Fellows, organising their activities and providing a motivating work environment.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of scientific discipline and remote‑sensing techniques for marine and coastal applications and relevant multi‑missions approaches.
• Experience in the management of R&D projects and leadership of international scientific collaborations.
• Knowledge of relevant international and European policies.
• Knowledge of ESA EO programmes and initiatives.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and Professional Experience

A master’s degree in remote sensing, geophysics or relevant subjects related to marine and coastal applications and at least 4 years of relevant professional experience is required for this post. A PhD is considered an asset.

Additional Requirements

Professional experience in relevant remote‑sensing applications development and project management experience, obtained following completion of your PhD degree, would be considered an additional asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following states: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.