Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Cal/Val, Data Quality & Algorithm Evolution (BIOMASS mission)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the European Space Agency (ESA), which is dedicated to the exploration of space and the development of space technology. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and operates in various countries across Europe. The agency's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster cooperation among its member states in the field of space exploration and research. ESA is known for its commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and the promotion of international collaboration in space activities.

Job Overview:
The Internal Research Fellow position is situated within the Earth Observation (EO) Mission Management and Product Quality Division at ESA’s Earth observation centre, ESRIN, located in Frascati, Italy. The successful candidate will be involved in the management of ESA’s Earth observation missions, focusing on the development of ground processors, sensor performance, and ensuring data and product quality. This role is particularly centered around the ESA Biomass mission, which aims to measure forest biomass and assess terrestrial carbon stocks to enhance understanding of the Earth’s carbon cycle. The fellow will explore novel calibration algorithms and tools to maximize the impact of the Biomass mission, especially during its commissioning and early exploitation phases. The position requires a strong background in research, particularly in the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for forest applications, and a commitment to open science principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Internal Research Fellow include:

• Exploring and developing novel calibration algorithms and products to enhance the effectiveness of the Biomass mission.
• Conducting dedicated research on the evolution of processing algorithms and their impact on scientific outcomes.
• Supporting the concept of open science by linking open-source processors, validation tools, and reference data to the Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP).
• Investigating potential synergies between biomass density products from the Biomass mission and other missions such as NISAR and GEDI.
• Engaging in routine quality monitoring of data generated by the scientific payloads of the missions.
• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the highest product quality for end users of Earth observation missions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant technical or scientific discipline, preferably in physics, engineering, or Earth science. They should have research experience and peer-reviewed publications related to the use of SAR data for forest applications. Familiarity with the ESA Biomass mission and experience with airborne SAR data or SAR data processing is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate experience in EO remote sensing algorithm development and EO product validation, as well as proficiency in open-source computing programming using Python and C/C++. Experience in advanced SAR processing techniques and image processing tools will be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a recently completed or nearly completed PhD in a relevant field such as physics, engineering, or Earth science. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed their PhD within the last five years. The PhD research should be closely related to the application of SAR data in forestry, ensuring that candidates possess the necessary technical knowledge and research skills relevant to the position.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a strong research background, ideally with experience in Earth observation and remote sensing. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting independent research and should be able to demonstrate their ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team. Experience with the ESA Biomass mission and familiarity with SAR data processing techniques will be highly advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This requirement ensures effective communication within the diverse and multicultural environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Internal Research Fellow role, which typically involves a full-time commitment. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be discussed during the recruitment process. The agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The recruitment process may include selection tests, and successful candidates will undergo basic screening before appointment. The agency values diversity and aims to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.