Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in the Directorate of Science at ESTEC, ESAC or STScI
Job Requisition ID: 19728
Date Posted: 25 August 2025
Closing Date: 22 September 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: External Only
Type of Contract: Internal Research Fellow
Directorate:
Workplace:
Baltimore, US Noordwijk, NL Villanueva de la Cañada, ES
Grade Band: F2 - F2
Location
ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or STScI, Baltimore, USA.
ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or STScI, Baltimore, USA.
The opportunity
ESA's postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers early-career scientists and engineers the possibility to carry out independent research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications, or space technology. ESA Fellowships provide a unique opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at the forefront of space science, and experience first-hand how ESA works with communities across the Member States to maximise the scientific return from our missions.
Our team and mission
The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. Within ESA’s Directorate of Science, the Science Engagement and Oversight Office (SCI-E) and the Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S) host the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; they develop the science operation systems for the missions and conduct the mission science operations in flight; they archive and curate the mission data during operations and beyond. The main objective is to maximise the scientific return of the missions for the benefit of humankind. The Science Engagement and Oversight Office and the Science and Operations Department also support research activities, which are coordinated by the ESA Science Faculty. Research Fellows are encouraged to take leading roles in Faculty research programmes and initiatives, in close collaboration with scientific staff. The Research Fellowship programme nurtures and strengthens the links between ESA and the scientific communities in the Member States.
Research Fellows spend their time on their independent scientific research and can choose to spend up to 20% of the time on scientific activities in support of ESA science-related activities.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the ESA website (http://sci.esa.int) for an overview of ESA’s Science Programme
Research Fellows spend their time on their independent scientific research and can choose to spend up to 20% of the time on scientific activities in support of ESA science-related activities.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the ESA website (http://sci.esa.int) for an overview of ESA’s Science Programme
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
We are welcoming all proposals for innovative research associated with one or more of our missions (linked from the web site above). For an overview of the on-going space science research activities at the different sites, and more details about the fellowships, please visit our website: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships
Interested candidates should consult these pages to identify which of the establishments offers the most relevant environment for their research. Candidates are welcome and encouraged to contact any of the scientists working in areas of their interest.
Interested candidates should consult these pages to identify which of the establishments offers the most relevant environment for their research. Candidates are welcome and encouraged to contact any of the scientists working in areas of their interest.
Technical competencies
Breadth of exposure coming from past and/or current research/activities
Knowledge relevant to the field of research
Research/publication record
Ability to conduct research autonomously
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
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
Education
You must have completed and obtained your PhD before starting the Research Fellowship. Applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD are preferred.
Additional requirements
- Cross-cultural sensitivity.
- 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.
Specificities
- Fellows are members of the ESA Science Faculty, which supports a wide range of research and scientific activities. Fellows are important contributors to these initiatives. More information can be found at https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships
- Research Fellows have no teaching obligations but do have various opportunities to supervise undergraduate or masters-level student trainees.
The review committee will consist of members with diverse areas of expertise. Therefore, the application should be written for a general audience of space scientists. The application will be evaluated with respect to scientific excellence of the candidate, proposed research at ESA (e.g., regarding feasibility, future impact), and synergies with existing ESA research activities at the selected site. See also Further Questions, Tips and Hints.
Appointments for an ESA Research Fellowship are initially for 2 years, with the possibility of a 3rd year extension.
Please refer to:
Call for applications: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships
Careers at ESA website: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Post_Docs_Research_Fellowship
Other information
With the application, four separate documents must be provided in the "additional documents" field of the "application information" section using the naming convention listed in square brackets:
- Motivation letter [LastName_letter]
- CV [LastName_CV]
- List of publications. This needs to be separate from the CV. For publications that are not first-authored, please indicate the individual contribution. [LastName_publications]
- A research proposal of no more than 4 pages outlining your proposed research. [LastName_proposal]
Furthermore, candidates should indicate their preferred location (ESTEC, ESAC, or STScI).
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.
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 [email protected].
Important Information and Disclaimer
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.
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.
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 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 Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
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 Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
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.
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