The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. The Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S),within ESA's Directorate for Science, hosts the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; it develops the science operation systems for the missions and operates the missions in space; it archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. Our main objective is to maximise the scientific output of the missions for the benefit of humankind.
The JUICE mission is the first Large Class mission of the Cosmic Vision programme. JUICE will explore the Jupiter system and study the habitability of the Icy Moons using remote sensing and in-situ measurements. The JUICE Science Operation Centre (SOC), based at ESAC near Madrid, is responsible for the Science Operations of the mission.
As Science Operations Scientist you will be a part of the JUICE SOC reporting to the JUICE Mission Manager and coordinate the JUICE science planning activities throughout all mission phases. In particular, you will be the main scientific interface for science operations with the JUICE stakeholders in the science community, ensuring that their science goals are properly translated into operational requirements, and fulfilled throughout the implementation and execution of the mission’s science operations.
Duties:
Your responsibilities will include:
- coordination of the high-level science planning activities performed by the JUICE Science Working Groups and the SOC, on behalf of the JUICE Science Working Team and Project Scientist;
- coordination of the interactions between the SOC and the instruments teams for all science operations matters, making sure that the instrument science planning and calibration requirements are properly formulated and understood by the development and engineering teams;
- the interface with the JUICE Project Scientist for all science planning matters, providing support to the overall evaluation of the mission’s science performance; chairing the JUICE Science Operations Working Groups;
- supporting outreach activities promoting the JUICE mission and its science.
In addition to the above duties, you are expected to continue to carry out research in planetary sciences and actively contribute to the scientific life of the Department.
Technical competencies
- Experience in defining, setting up and/or operating space science facilities
- Experience in coordinating internal/external stakeholders on scientific projects
- Active researcher in a relevant field of space science
Behavioural competencies
- Result orientation
- Operational efficiency
- Fostering Cooperation
- Relationship Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Forward Thinking
Education
A PhD in Planetary Sciences, Astronomy, Physics or equivalent is required for the post.
Additional requirements
One or more of the following would be additional assets for the position:
- Experience in science operations in the context of interplanetary missions;
- Experience analysing the science performance of interplanetary missions;
- Experience with the Agile development methodology, preferably in the role of Product Owner;
- Proficiency with at least one scripting or programming language (IDL, Python, Matlab, Mathematica);
- Experience with media and outreach activities;
- Experience with contracts involving scientific institutions and instruments teams.
Deadline for applications 17rd November 2021