Planetary Scientist

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Closing Date: 13 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

This is a fixed-term appointment with an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions inheliophysics, 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 and provides 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.
You will be assigned to the post of Planetary Scientist for the JUICE mission. You will report hierarchically to the Head of the Solar System Section (H/SCI-EP). Functionally you will support the JUICE Project Scientist who will provide guidance on the prioritisation of the day-to-day tasks.
JUICE, launched in April 2023, is ESA's pioneering mission to explore Jupiter and its icy moons, addressing fundamental questions about the emergence of habitable environments in the Solar System. By investigating the Jupiter system and the subsurface oceans of Ganymede, Europa and Callisto, the mission will advance our understanding of planetary evolution and the potential for life beyond Earth. JUICE is the first large class mission of ESA.

You will be providing scientific expertise and support to the JUICE mission in the field of planetary science. Specifically, you will support the JUICE Project Scientist in:

• acting, for all scientific matters, as the interface between ESA's operations team on the one hand, and external scientific teams, partners and the community on the other;
• ensuring that the maximum scientific return from a mission is maintained as a target, within technical, financial, programmatic and safety constraints;
• supporting the preparation and dissemination of relevant scientific documentation;
• promoting the mission to the wider scientific community via conferences and electronic means, and supporting broader Directorate and Agency communications, outreach and education activities.

You will also actively pursue personal scientific research, preferably in the area of planetary science, and participate in the research activities of the department.
Occasionally, you may be asked to advise ESA management in your areas of scientific expertise and support the future activities of the Science Programme, such as studies/assessments of future missions or participation in reviews.

Active researcher in a relevant field of planetary science

Knowledge of the latest developments in research and facilities in the relevant field

Knowledge and experience in scientific space missions and payloads

Experience in coordinating the scientific community and managing multiple interfaces at international level

Experience in promoting science to the wider scientific community and general public

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

A PhD in planetary science, physics or a related field is required for this post along with any relevant professional experience.

Desirable assets include a good understanding of the European and worldwide space science context and experience in any of the following:

• management of scientific teams and coordinating the scientific community;
• experience in operations of…