Planetary Scientist

Planetary Scientist Job Requisition ID: 20891 Date Posted: 22 September 2026 Closing Date: 13 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: Internal & External Type of Appointment (learn more): Fixed-Term Directorate: Science Workplace: Noordwijk, NLVillanueva de la Cañada, ES Grade Band: A2 - A4 This is afixed-term appointmentwith 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.LocationESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain (with preference for ESTEC).DescriptionThe 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 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.DutiesYou 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.Technical competenciesActive researcher in a relevant field of planetary scienceKnowledge of the latest developments in research and facilities in the relevant fieldKnowledge and experience in scientific space missions and payloadsExperience in coordinating the scientific community and managing multiple interfaces at international levelExperience in promoting science to the wider scientific community and general publicBehavioural competenciesResult OrientationOperational EfficiencyFostering CooperationRelationship ManagementContinuous ImprovementForward ThinkingFor more information, please refer toESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebookEducation and professional experienceA PhD in planetary science, physics or a related field is required for this post along with any relevant professional experience.Additional requirementsDesirable 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 planetary science missions or planetary science mission instrumentation.Diversity, Equity and InclusivenessESA 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 atcontact.human.resources@esa.int.Important Information and DisclaimerIn principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.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.Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.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 LanguagesPlease note that applications are only 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ » Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.