PhD vacatures

Earth Surfaces Active and Passive Microwave Scientist

Job Requisition ID: 20465

Date Posted: 2 April 2026

Closing Date: 23 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band: A2 - A4

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Earth Surfaces Active and Passive Microwave Scientist in the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section of the Earth and Mission Science Division, Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Earth and Mission Science Division is responsible for the scientific definition, integrity and quality of research and operational missions developed and managed in ESA’s Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. The Division provides a creative vision for innovation and new discoveries in Earth system science in close cooperation with the scientific community, and functions as custodian of ESA’s EO Science Strategy. It bridges science and technology by defining, consolidating and managing scientific and operational mission requirements throughout the complete lifecycle. The Division defines and manages scientific research-based studies, providing the scientific foundation for mission concepts, the successful development of space and ground segments, in-orbit satellite commissioning and scientific achievements. It undertakes airborne, marine and terrestrial campaigns contributing to the development of new technologies, mission feasibility assessments, calibration/validation and application development.

You will report to the Head of the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section in the Earth and Mission Science Division of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department.

Duties

• providing mission scientists and scientific expertise to active and passive microwave remote-sensing missions, i.e. Radar altimeters and imaging microwave radiometers, and potentially imaging SAR;
• establishing and managing mission objectives and requirements during the preparation of new mission ideas and concepts, as part of the development and implementation of approved missions;
• identifying and supporting calibration/validation activities during the in-orbit commissioning and operations phases;
• establishing, maintaining and convening international advisory groups relating to Earth Observation missions;
• initiating and conducting in-house and external scientific studies for mission development and implementation, geophysical algorithm development and related research activities;
• organising mission-specific science workshops and conferences;
• fostering cooperation across the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department and the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate, providing Earth science expertise;
• providing scientific expertise and advice to Earth Observation mission teams across the FutureEO, Earth Watch, or Copernicus programme domains, including maintenance of the external interface with the European Commission and/or EUMETSAT for the corresponding advisory structures;
• identification and critical review of scientific challenges, EO user community requirements, new and innovative scientific measurement concepts (such as NEOMI) and the interests and aspirations of the communities concerned;
• managing the implementation of independent peer reviews of mission ideas or concept proposals in response to Agency calls or announcements of opportunity, as well as preparing evaluation reports;
• communicating research results in connection with ESA’s Earth Observation missions and serving as an ESA ambassador at relevant events, such as scientific conferences, as well as during user consultations;
• preparing announcements of opportunity, implementing, managing and monitoring external scientific study contracts and related key performance indicators, and conducting quarterly reporting.

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of scientific discipline, including strategic vision in the Earth Observation area
• Knowledge of ESA Earth surfaces missions under study or implementation
• Knowledge of the role of mission science 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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education and professional experience

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post together with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• You must demonstrate at least five years of experience in a relevant scientific discipline after you completed your PhD.
• You must contribute Earth observation research experience and demonstrated credibility in the domain of microwave remote-sensing techniques for observing water surfaces, land/biosphere and ice.
• Knowledge of synergies between complementary Earth observation techniques is required.
• Knowledge of establishing and managing requirements during an EO mission implementation process would be an asset.
• You must be familiar with relevant current and future satellite missions, both within ESA and in international programmes.
• Particular importance will be attached to your demonstrated ability to work closely with international experts and relevant scientific organisations and bodies, and to function in a team environment, as well as your degree of familiarity with the programmatic outlook in the ESA FutureEO and Copernicus domains.
• You must have demonstrated experience in leading and managing international studies.

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.

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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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.

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.

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