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

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates in various domains including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and has established a strong presence in international collaborations and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) 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 selected candidate will be involved in the management and enhancement of ESA’s Earth observation missions, focusing on the development of ground processors, sensor performance, and ensuring the quality of data and products generated by these missions. This role specifically relates to the ESA Biomass mission, which aims to measure forest biomass and assess terrestrial carbon stocks and fluxes, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the Earth’s carbon cycle. The fellow will explore novel calibration algorithms and tools to maximize the impact of the Biomass mission, particularly during its commissioning and early exploitation phases. The position requires a strong background in research and algorithm development, as well as 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 tools, assessing their impact on scientific outcomes.
• Supporting the concept of open science by linking open-source processors, validation tools, and reference data with 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 in-orbit sensor calibration, product validation, and routine quality monitoring of data generated by scientific payloads.
• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the highest quality of Earth observation products and services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a PhD in physics, engineering, or Earth science, with a focus on research relevant to the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for forest applications. Preference will be given to those who have completed their PhD within the last five years. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate familiarity with the ESA Biomass mission and possess sound experience with airborne SAR data and/or SAR data processing. Experience in Earth observation remote sensing algorithm development and product validation is essential, along with proficiency in open-source computing programming using Python and C/C++. Knowledge of 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 technical or scientific discipline. The PhD should focus on topics related to SAR data applications in forestry, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a strong research background, evidenced by a publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Experience in conducting independent research and collaborating within a team is crucial. The ideal candidate will have a breadth of exposure from past research activities, particularly in the areas of Earth observation and algorithm development.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Internal Research Fellow and is a full-time appointment. The application process requires candidates to submit a CV, a motivation letter, and a research proposal of no more than five pages. The deadline for applications is set for 22 July 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. The ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency also provides support for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process and in the workplace.