Project Scientist

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science programme spanning heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. As Project Scientist, you will initially be assigned to the Solar Orbiter mission and report to the Head of the Solar System Section in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office (SCI-E) of ESA’s Directorate of Science.

The Science Engagement and Oversight Office (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science programme and provides 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.

As a Project Scientist in solar physics, you will support missions and studies related to this area in the Directorate of Science, and will initially be assigned to Solar Orbiter. You may also occasionally be asked to advise ESA management on the areas of your scientific competence and support the future activities of the Science programme, such as studies/assessments of future missions or participation in reviews.

The Solar Orbiter mission explores the connection between the Sun and heliosphere by combining remote-sensing and in situ observations. The spacecraft is in an elliptical orbit around the Sun with out-of-ecliptic observations starting in February 2025. In its extended mission phase, Solar Orbiter will reach an inclination of more than 33°, making it the first mission to observe the Sun’s uncharted polar regions.

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission, launched in 1995, is an international cooperation project between ESA and NASA to study the Sun from its deep core to the outer corona. The data collected by its 12-instrument suite span a period of almost 30 years, resulting in a uniquely valuable dataset. The Project Scientist will play a key role in securing its legacy for future generations of solar physicists.

Duties You will provide scientific expertise and support to solar physics missions in ESA’s Directorate of Science, in particular Solar Orbiter and SOHO. Your specific tasks will include the following: Preparing and disseminating relevant scientific documentation for the above missions; Ensuring that the maximum scientific return from SOHO and Solar Orbiter is maintained as a target, in compliance with technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints; Promoting the ESA solar missions to the wider scientific community via conferences and electronic means, and supporting broader Directorate and Agency communication, outreach and education activities.

For Solar Orbiter: Supporting the lead Project Scientist in acting as the interface between ESA’s operations teams on the one hand, and external scientific teams, partners and the community on the other; Enhancing the science return of Solar Orbiter by coordinating observations with other space- and ground-based observatories.

For SOHO: Working with the Principal Investigator (PI) teams to secure the mission’s legacy, including through the provision of scientific input on the mission’s long-term data archive.

In addition, Project Scientists are expected to actively pursue scientific research, preferably in solar physics, and to participate in the research activities of ESA’s Directorate of Science.

Technical competencies Active researcher in a relevant field of space science Knowledge of the latest developments in research and facilities in the relevant field Knowledge and experience in scientific space missions and payloads Experience in coordinating the scientific community and managing multiple interfaces at the international level Experience in promoting science to the wider scientific community and general public

Education A PhD in solar physics or space science is required for this post. Additional requirements Experience in operations of solar physics instrumentation would be an 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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged. 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 removed - click apply for more details].