Description

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ’empower Europe to lead space science’.  

The Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science programme providing scientific expertise to Science missions, across all phases, from studies to operations and beyond. The Office also manages engagement, communication and education efforts for the Directorate of Science, with the aim of ensuring that external stakeholders are informed, engaged and inspired.

In this role, you will lead the Solar System Section in SCI-E, which hosts the Project Scientists working on heliophysics and planetary science missions, and Solar System Science Coordination efforts. The team consists of Project Scientists and a Solar System Coordinator. The Project Scientists act as the interface for all scientific matters between internal stakeholders and external scientific teams and partners. The Solar System coordinator is responsible for monitoring the scientific priorities of the relevant scientific communities, and ensuring a smooth interface with international partners. 

A portion of your time, no more than 50%, may be assigned to a mission or study where you will work as a Project Scientist. You will report to the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office.

Duties

In this role, your duties will include:

• creating a motivating work environment for the scientists in your Section, building a strong teamwork ethic and taking responsibility for the team’s delivery;
• supporting the Office Head in recruitment and staff planning, including distribution of the budgets, activities and responsibilities related to the work of your team;
• ensuring the ongoing professional development of your team, including assessing the individual performance of team members against objectives and providing constructive feedback;
• supporting the Solar System Science Coordinator – working closely with Science management, and the Solar System and Exploration Working Group to capture and monitor the scientific priorities of the communities involved;
• supporting the Office Head in identifying ways to build and strengthen connections and engagement with scientific communities across ESA Member States;
• preparing and disseminating scientific documentation relevant to your Section, including reporting to ESA management and the Advisory structure.

In addition, you will be assigned to Project Scientist duties for no more than 50% of your time, during which you will support missions or studies in your area of expertise (such as planetary science, heliophysics, plasma physics) and will be asked to advise ESA Science management in these areas. 

As an experienced scientist, you will be expected to pursue personal scientific research activities and contribute to a simulating research environment in the Directorate. 

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Further assets for this position include: experience in instrument operations, experience in managing the development of scientific space hardware, and collaboration on international projects.
Expertise in planetary science is preferred but all areas of Solar System science are welcome.

You should further have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team of scientific experts;
• the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• the ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• strong results orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• the ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer focused.

People management experience would be an asset, as would international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.