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Head of the Solar System Section

European Space Agency

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Posted over 30 days ago...

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Join the European Space Agency to lead groundbreaking Solar System science missions and shape the future of space exploration

Overview

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No salary declared 😔

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Noordwijk, Netherlands

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In-person- Noordwijk Netherlands

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Expires at anytime

The European Space Agency (ESA) is at the forefront of global space science, conducting advanced missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. ESA's mission is to enable Europe to hold a position of leadership in space science. The agency's Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) is crucial in providing scientific direction and promoting public engagement for the Directorate of Science. This is your chance to be part of a team that not only explores the cosmos but also shares its wonders with the world.

Role Summary:

  • Lead the Solar System Section within SCI-E, guiding Project Scientists and overseeing Solar System Science Coordination.
  • Act as a scientific liaison between ESA and external scientific communities and international partners.
  • Dedicate up to 50% of your time working directly on missions or studies as a Project Scientist.
  • Manage health and safety risks within your area of responsibility.

Role Requirements:

  • PhD in a relevant field.
  • Experience in instrument operations and development of scientific space hardware is highly beneficial.
  • Expertise in planetary science or a related area of Solar System science.
  • Proven people management skills and the ability to work internationally are pluses.
  • Applicants must be nationals from ESA member states or cooperating states.

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to 'empower Europe to lead space science'.

The Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science programme providing scientific expertise to Science missions, across all phases, from studies to operations and beyond. The Office also manages engagement, communication and education efforts for the Directorate of Science, with the aim of ensuring that external stakeholders are informed, engaged and inspired.

In this role, you will lead the Solar System Section in SCI-E, which hosts the Project Scientists working on heliophysics and planetary science missions, and Solar System Science Coordination efforts. The team consists of Project Scientists and a Solar System Coordinator. The Project Scientists act as the interface for all scientific matters between internal stakeholders and external scientific teams and partners. The Solar System coordinator is responsible for monitoring the scientific priorities of the relevant scientific communities, and ensuring a smooth interface with international partners.

A portion of your time, no more than 50%, may be assigned to a mission or study where you will work as a Project Scientist. You will report to the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post. Further assets for this position include: experience in instrument operations, experience in managing the development of scientific space hardware, and collaboration on international projects. Expertise in planetary science is preferred but all areas of Solar System science are welcome.

People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

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

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