ESA Graduate Trainee in Performance Modelling and Assessment for Earth Observation THz Radiometers

Job title:

ESA Graduate Trainee in Performance Modelling and Assessment for Earth Observation THz Radiometers

Company:

European Space Agency

Job description

LocationESTEC, Noordwijk, NetherlandsOur team and missionThe successful candidate will join the Microwave Instruments Section in the Future Missions and Instruments Division (EOPFM) in the Future Missions and Architecture Department of the Earth Observation Programme Directorate (D/EOP).EOP-FM’s role is to prepare the Earth observation (EO) missions and technologies of the future, encompassing a wide range of scientific missions (Earth Explorers, Missions of Opportunity), operational missions (Copernicus Sentinels together with the EU and meteorology missions together with EUMETSAT) and small satellite missions (Scouts and Phi-Sats). The work carried out is mainly related to the end-to-end definition of space missions, including system engineering, orbits and mission analysis, instruments, platforms, end-to-end performance, data flow, launcher interfaces, and ground processing to meet the observation requirements. The definition is carried out in close cooperation with specialists in the different domains as well as with the scientists and/or data users proposing the mission or expected to use its result.You are encouraged to visit the ESA website:Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeshipIn the framework of ESA’s 12th cycle of Earth Explorer missions (EE12), four candidate missions – CryoRad, ECO, Hydroterra+, and Keystone – were shortlisted for Phase 0 feasibility studies.Keystone will provide the first direct observations of atomic oxygen in the 50-150 km altitude range using a unique combination of limb-sounding techniques. These measurements, combined with observations of composition, temperature, and winds, will enable scientists to study the processes driving the variability and energy balance of the mesosphere-lower thermosphere region of the atmosphere, including the impact of solar cycles and space weather.The primary instrument for this mission is a high-spectral-resolution sub-THz radiometer for retrieving vertical distribution profiles of trace gases, temperature, and mesospheric winds through passive limb emission spectroscopy. It will be complemented by IR and UV-Vis instruments for passive limb-emission sounding.
The successful EGT will join ESA’s Keystone team to support the performance evaluation of the mission, particularly the THz instrument. You will work on the theory and validation of a performance simulator, including developing comprehensive atmospheric models and implementing representative instrument simulation modules. You may also compare this simulated data with similar output from other simulators or experimental airborne campaigns.Additionally, you may assist in other mission analysis and promotion tasks, focusing on the THz instrument. This may involve interacting with the Keystone engineering and scientific team, supporting workshop and meeting preparation, as well as contributing to mission communication, visualization, and public outreach.
Through this experience, you will gain insights into the competitive process of defining and maturing ESA Earth Observation research mission concepts and learn about the technical and scientific approaches to mission performance and feasibility assessment.Technical competenciesKnowledge of relevant technical/functional domainsRelevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activitiesGeneral knowledge of the space sector and relevant activitiesKnowledge of ESA and its programmes/projectsBehavioural competenciesResult OrientationOperational EfficiencyFostering CooperationRelationship ManagementContinuous ImprovementForward ThinkingFor more information, please refer toEducationYou should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in a relevant scientific or technical discipline.Additional requirementsYou should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.You should also have:

• Good knowledge in microwave remote sensing, physics and mathematics are essential.
• Experience with programming/modelling/computing are essential.
• Knowledge and/or experience in remote sensing techniques, Earth Observation and/or relevant (microwave/THz) instrumentation are assets

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.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 DisclaimerDuring 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).According to the , 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 be given to external candidates from *.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.

Expected salary

Location

Nederland

Job date

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 02:22:43 GMT

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