Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Computational Bio-Inspired Modelling

This research fellowship is in ESA’s Advanced Concepts Team (ACT), ESA’s internal research think tank for advanced space concepts and technologies.

The ACT is a multidisciplinary group of postdoctoral fellows and early-career researchers who work in close partnership with leading universities to explore ideas that are still a long way off from becoming part of mainstream space engineering but might prove disruptive in the future. The team operates to high academic standards, publishes in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and has built up a broad European and international network through its collaboration schemes and open-science activities. Through its research, the ACT provides ESA with early scientific insight into emerging trends and acts as a pathfinder for novel technologies and working methods across all space domains.

In recent years, the ACT has developed a strong portfolio at the interface of computational bio-inspired modelling, soft robotics, neuro-inspired systems and space exploration. This includes projects on soft-body locomotion and novelty search strategies for soft robotic explorers operating on rough planetary terrain, the co-evolution of morphology and control for soft and legged robots using differentiable and evolutionary optimisation, and gravity-aware locomotion strategies for mass- and energy-limited systems. ACT researchers have also proposed and studied new concepts for plant-inspired, root-like systems envisioned for in-situ subsurface sensing and resource localisation in planetary regolith as well as concepts based on seed dispersal mechanisms for planetary reentry/exploration.

The overarching goal of this research line is to develop mechanistic and computational models that capture how biological structures, materials and control systems function, and to turn these into validated, reusable abstractions for space engineering. In line with this agenda, the research will make use of modern simulation and inference pipelines for soft biomechanical systems, including differentiable physics engines, to support interpretable analysis, parameter estimation, sensitivity studies and uncertainty quantification. By systematically linking experimental and literature-based biological insight with advanced numerical methods, the hope is to provide a toolbox of well-grounded models and design primitives that can be used to explore and optimise novel bio-inspired concepts for future space missions.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will take scientific ownership of a research line in computational bio-inspired modelling, with a strong emphasis on implementing validated, reusable models that connect biological function to space engineering concepts. Within the ACT’s collaborative environment, research topics are defined jointly, but you will be expected to drive the modelling agenda, identify promising directions and lead the corresponding developments, while aligning part of the work with ESA’s strategic priorities where appropriate.

Scientifically, you will:

• propose and conduct original research on biological systems and mechanisms relevant for bio-inspired space applications, focusing on mechanistic and computational modelling;
• develop, analyse and validate computational bio-inspired models, including soft robotic, morphogenetic, neuro-inspired and structure/growth models, with parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification;
• implement interpretable, validated computational models using modern simulation and inference toolchains, including MuJoCo, Isaac-based workflows, and differentiable or probabilistic modelling approaches, to support robust calibration, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification;
• abstract biological mechanisms into reusable design primitives, such as templates for movement, growth, load-bearing or sensing, that can be integrated into ACT simulation and optimisation frameworks;
• interface with experimental and literature data from biology, bio-inspired engineering and related communities, and, where appropriate, co-design studies with external partners to obtain the data needed to calibrate and validate models;
• monitor and revisit previous ACT biomimetics projects, extending them with more detailed models, new datasets or updated numerical methods.

As an ACT researcher, you will:

• publish results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and share tools and data through modern communication channels, including seminars, open-source repositories, and outreach inside and outside ESA;
• initiate and contribute to interdisciplinary projects with other ACT researchers, combining computational bio-inspired modelling and biological abstraction with areas such as biomimetics, AI, mission analysis, guidance and control, or unconventional computing;
• participate with the team in the assessment of innovative space-system concepts beyond bio-inspired mechanics.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge relevant to the field of research
• Research/publication record
• Ability to conduct research autonomously
• Breadth of exposure coming 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

Education

You should have recently completed (within the past five years), or be close to completion of a PhD in bio-inspired modelling, mechanical or aerospace engineering, robotics, or a closely related field, with a strong track record in computational bio-inspired modelling.

Additional requirements

• Ability for and interest in prospective interdisciplinary research;
• Aptitude for contextualising specialised areas of research and quickly assessing their potential with respect to other domains and applications;
• Academic networking to add functioning links to universities and research institutes;
• Ability to work in a team, while being able to work individually on your own personal research plans and directions;
• Natural curiosity and a passion for new subjects and research areas;
• Proficiency in computer programming and data analysis;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team;
• A good knowledge of English or French is required; knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications can only be 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, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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.