Earth Observation Radar Campaign Scientist

Earth Observation Radar Campaign Scientist at ESA

Description

Campaign Scientist in the Campaigns Section of the Earth Science Division of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

Duties

You will report to the Head of the Campaigns Section in the Earth Science Division of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department and your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• collecting requirements for Earth observation (EO) campaigns supporting radar missions to contribute to the maturation of mission science objectives, mission concepts during preparatory phases, missions in development, and missions in operation;
• translating campaign requirements into the definition of fit-for-purpose airborne or ground-based campaign activities to be implemented through ESA contracts;
• implementing campaigns in support of radar mission algorithm development, and defining science and engineering products and associated performance requirements;
• coordinating campaign data dissemination and data analysis from all related activities, and facilitating the uptake of the results and data in EO mission maturation, development, exploitation and service development, as well as stimulating the use of campaign data in new EO domains (such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning);
• initiating and conducting in-house and external scientific studies to support algorithm development, including geophysical retrieval algorithms, end-to-end simulation of mission performance, in-orbit verification and validation of mission products and product requirements;
• performing trade-off analyses for critical mission requirements;
• providing mission science support throughout all mission phases from pre-development to operations, including mission preparation, development, and in-orbit commissioning and calibration/validation, to ensure the payload and end-to-end system fulfil the mission requirements;
• preparing and managing external scientific study and/or campaign contracts, as well as the related KPI and quarterly reporting.

In performing these tasks, you will be expected to work closely with the Future Missions and Architecture, Projects, and Mission Management and Ground Segment Departments.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of a relevant scientific discipline, including a strategic vision of the EO area, with a particular focus on radar mission development
• Knowledge of space projects, including instrumentation and operations
• Knowledge of the role of mission science and campaigns during different mission phases
• Knowledge of the relevant Earth Observation scientific user community

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A PhD with a focus on EO and the use of active microwave remote sensing for Earth science and applications is required for this post.

Additional requirements

You must have a demonstrated track record in EO-based research with a focus on radar remote sensing, as well as experience in airborne and ground-based radar measurement campaigns, in addition to proven experience in supporting radar mission development. Experience in areas such as geophysical retrieval algorithms, simulation of radar mission performance and data quality, and payloads would be considered an important asset.

You must be familiar with current and future planned satellite missions, including active/passive instrumentation and plans within ESA and the relevant EO programmes. Particular importance will be attached to your ability to work closely with international experts and function in a team environment, as well as your familiarity with the programmatic outlook in the ESA Earth Explorer, Earth Watch and Copernicus domains. You must be able to demonstrate at least five years of experience.

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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

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 and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.