About this job

ESA is looking for an Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) – for In Space Construction and Space Resources.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. For this purpose, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

Responsibilities

 
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
You will join the Spaceship EAC team, which is part of the Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team of ESA. The Spaceship EAC team is composed of Research Fellows, Young Graduate Trainees and university interns performing their final year projects within the fields of research and development indicated below. You will mentor some university students and assure an appropriate level of research to be compliant with their university requirements.
The proposed topic shall be in the area of ISRU construction – specifically research into realizing demonstrable mission concepts and technologies and demonstrating them, if appropriate, at the LUNA facility. This includes topics relating to resource extraction and collection, construction and the mission concepts around such systems. A strong focus is expected on the research activity to be of an innovative nature. Importantly, the Spaceship EAC initiative approaches ISRU activities with a practical brainstorming philosophy – demonstrable, empirically driven research should be the focus.
You will also be working on the following activities:

• Performing applied research in the area of ISRU construction and related Space Resource fields;
• Assuring that the research is coordinated and aligned with
  -The ESA Exploration Strategy, Space Resources Strategy and the objectives of the Directorate
  -Currently discussed lunar exploration scenarios and related logistical constraints;
  -Relevant on-going R&D activities at ESA or funded by ESA;
• Liaising closely with other ESA teams active in the area of radiation studies relevant to human spaceflight and exploration, in particular ExPeRT and teams within our Technology Directorate;
• Supporting the development of the Spaceship initiatives and related EAC and ExPeRT activities;
• Helping to identify partners in ESA, industry and academia that are willing to engage with this topic of research and planned activities at LUNA;
• Being actively engaged with academic scholarship, with a view to disseminate their research outputs to the larger exploration community.

Profile

 
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
General interest in space and space research
Ability to gather and share relevant information
Education
You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD in materials science, metallurgy, engineering, robotics or a related field that is relevant for the above fields of activity. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD.
You must have research experience in the proposed area of this position (ISRU), or be able to indicate parallels between past experience and your proposed ISRU research topic.
Additional requirements
You are required have strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills and must be able to work in a multi-cultural environment and in an autonomous manner.
You should be proficient in the use of MS Office packages and have experience in working with research-relevant software tools.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of English is required for this post. As the position is sponsored by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), Italian language knowledge at B1 level of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages (CERF) is required. Knowledge of other member state languages is considered an asset.
For a complete job description, click on “apply”.
The closing date for applications is 25 May 2021.
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 at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Lithuania and Slovakia as European Cooperating States (ECS).

We offer
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an equal opportunities employer that offers competitive salaries exempt from national income tax and excellent employment conditions, such as allowances for expatriates and relocation support. For more information: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA

About us
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space. Learn more: http://www.esa.int/