Biodiversity Applications Scientist

Vacancy in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

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.

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Description

Reporting to the Head of the Applications Section, you will be responsible for defining and implementing projects supporting the development of innovative, biodiversity-related Earth observation (EO) applications.

You will manage EO applications R&D projects in the context of ESA programmes, particularly for the EO Science for Society activities (https://eo4society.esa.int).

Your tasks will cover a wide range of R&D projects for biodiversity science and applications in response to the United Nations Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework whose targets were recently adopted at the COP 15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the EU’s nature restoration policies, biodiversity strategy and zero pollution action plan. Your activities will also be closely linked to the ecosystem services accounting concepts of the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting. Examples of applications may include the development of essential biodiversity variables, nature-based/positive solutions, biodiversity services accounting, ecosystem health with degradation and restoration dynamics monitoring, specific analysis of the multiple drivers of biodiversity loss, biodiversity credits system development, nature-related disclosures by businesses, overexploitation of resources, and pollution.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

organising thematic consultation meetings, workshops and conferences to review state-of-the-art biodiversity-related EO applications, while collecting new user needs and recommendations;
engaging with new user communities involved in the various domains, in close coordination with colleagues from the Green Solutions Division;
pioneering EO products, analytics and precursor services in relation to the wide range of biodiversity applications and enabling international and European policies on the environment and sustainable development;
developing innovative EO applications with a multi-mission synergy approach, fully leveraging on cloud computing environments, the integration of non-EO data sources and cutting-edge digital technologies, and pursuing open-source algorithms and tools;
facilitating the uptake of the developed applications by the heterogeneous end-user communities (such as policy implementers, industry sectors, civil society organisations, environment agencies and financial entities) with their active involvement during the co-design, development and validation phases;
strengthening and establishing partnerships with key policy stakeholders (such as GEO BON, the EU and the UN) and authoritative user organisations (including national ministries, statistical offices, local authorities and environment agencies);
demonstrating the upscaling of biodiversity-related applications towards global solutions;
supporting the collection of evolving user needs for future EO mission applications;
fostering communication and scientific publications on project achievements;
supporting the preparation and definition of relevant future new ESA programme elements.

In addition, you will:

support other activities from the Green Solutions Division and other relevant ESA EO programmes;
contribute to ESA communication efforts promoting the results of biodiversity-related EO applications, mission achievements and EO benefits for society;
supervise and support the work of Young Graduate Trainees and Research Fellows, organising their activities and ensuring a motivating work environment.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of scientific discipline and remote sensing techniques for biodiversity applications and relevant multi-missions approaches

Experience in the management of R&D projects and leadership of international scientific collaborations

Knowledge of international and European policies on biodiversity

Knowledge of biodiversity-relevant non-space actors

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

A master's degree in remote sensing, geophysics or relevant subjects in relation to biodiversity applications is required for this post

Additional requirements

At least four years of experience in relevant remote sensing applications R&D with a multi-mission approach would be considered an asset.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ

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.

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

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 email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, 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 first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.

In 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.