Science Lead for Biology

Science Lead for Biology at ESA

It is expected that the selected candidate will take up duty in 2026.

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space in which humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Science Lead for Biology will oversee and coordinate all biology-related scientific activities – both exploration-focused and exploration-enabled – within HRE, ensuring a streamlined portfolio of biology research across the HRE platforms and destinations.

In this role, you will work transversally across the science teams, in particular the Human Exploration Enabling Science Team and the Enabled Science Team, to ensure alignment between fundamental biology research and applied exploration-focused studies. A key focus will be to create smooth collaboration between the teams, enabling fundamental biological findings to inform practical applications in human exploration. You will also support input into the science strategy for biology research activities.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

portfolio management and coordination:

• Overseeing and streamlining the biology research portfolio across the HRE platforms and destinations;
• Ensuring alignment between fundamental biology research and applied exploration-focused activities;
• Acting as portfolio manager for the biology science activities portfolio, following biology project status and flagging risks and issues to management as relevant.

community engagement:

• Representing ESA to the external scientific community with an interest in space biology;
• Participating in relevant scientific associations and conferences to engage with the scientific community and to communicate the ESA Human and Robotic Exploration science programme to the community;
• Working with the European and international science community to advance the ESA Human and Robotic Exploration programme;
• Acting as a liaison with international space agencies, academic institutions and industry partners to foster collaboration and advance shared research goals;
• Providing biology science expert support to other groups and teams within HRE and the wider ESA community.

science development, planning, and strategy:

• Staying up to date on the latest scientific advancements in space biology research;
• Providing in-depth scientific expertise and support to the development of ESA elements of science strategy, science policy and/or science planning, representing space biology as a whole;
• Leading the definition of experimental and scientific requirements for space biology activities implemented by ESA and coordinating science teams with international partners as required;
• Writing, updating and managing science selection processes such as open or directed Announcements of Opportunity and research calls for space research led by ESA or ESA’s participation in international calls, including communicating the process and results to the European science community;
• Identifying peer reviewers and coordinating the review process for science selection;
• Identifying and supporting collaborative activities within ESA, in Europe and internationally to promote ESA space biology interests;
• Actively pursuing personal scientific research, participating in research activities without perceived or actual conflict of interest.

science implementation:

• Leading the definition of experimental and scientific requirements for space biology activities implemented by ESA and coordinating science teams with international partners as required;
• Safeguarding scientific requirements associated with ESA payloads and research throughout the life cycle of the space activity or mission;
• Monitoring associated technology developments and tracking scientific performance through the life cycle of space missions;
• Advising project and mission managers on technical and operational aspects that may affect science objectives;
• Acting as ESA project scientist for specific flight projects and research activities in ground-based facilities, selecting and working with external scientific teams;
• Acting as technical officer for specific biology research activities and ensuring delivery on schedule and within budget.

support to ESA:

• Preparing reports relating to ESA science activities for presentation internally and externally, including to ESA’s advisory structure and working groups;
• Supporting ESA outreach, communication and education activities relating to Human and Robotic Exploration science;
• Promoting ESA’s activities and scientific results to a variety of audiences, including the general public;
• Supervising young graduate trainees, internship students, research fellows and/or persons involved in other similar programmes in their own space biology-related area of expertise as required.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge relevant to the field of research
• Ability to conduct research autonomously
• Experience with the publication of scientific research
• Understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge in the field and an awareness of priorities for future research
• Knowledge of the activities, programmes and goals of the European Space Agency
• Experience in the organisation of international scientific activities
• Experience in science management at the academic, industrial or governmental level

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A PhD in a relevant domain or a master’s degree with relevant experience is required for this post.

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 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.

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

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.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.