Internal Research Fellow in Safety Assurance of AI-Enabled Autonomous Systems for Human Spaceflight

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 encompass 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 across various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration, and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Internal Research Fellow in Safety Assurance of AI-Enabled Autonomous Systems for Human Spaceflight will play a pivotal role in advancing the safety and reliability of AI technologies in the context of human spaceflight. This position is situated within the Product Assurance Sections, which oversee safety assurance activities for various programs and projects. The successful candidate will lead research efforts to develop advanced methodologies that ensure the safe integration of AI and autonomous functions into human spaceflight systems. This role requires a deep understanding of both traditional safety assurance practices and emerging AI technologies, bridging the gap between these two fields. The fellow will conduct comprehensive literature reviews, define classification frameworks for AI functions, and develop hazard analysis methodologies tailored to AI systems. The position also involves proposing architectural patterns for safe AI integration, devising verification strategies, and contributing to the evolution of ESA's safety assurance practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Internal Research Fellow include conducting a thorough literature survey and state-of-the-art assessment of AI and autonomy assurance approaches across various safety-critical domains. The fellow will define a classification framework for AI-enabled functions in human spaceflight, distinguishing between advisory, supervisory, and safety-critical roles. They will develop hazard analysis methodologies that extend traditional approaches to address non-deterministic behavior and human-machine interaction. The fellow will propose architectural patterns for integrating AI functions safely, devise verification and validation strategies, and develop safety assurance case methodologies. Additionally, they will analyze use cases, investigate the impact of AI on human reliability, and contribute to defining lifecycle processes for AI-enabled systems. Recommendations for evolving ESA's practices will also be part of the responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess solid knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, including their limitations and validation challenges. Experience in the development, verification, or validation of software-intensive or autonomous systems, particularly in safety-critical domains, is essential. Familiarity with data analysis and modeling tools such as Python or MATLAB is required, along with an understanding of verification and validation techniques for AI systems. The ability to work autonomously while effectively collaborating within multidisciplinary teams is crucial, as is a strong interest in human spaceflight and safety-critical applications.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in aerospace engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, systems engineering, software engineering, or a related field. The educational background should demonstrate a focus on AI, autonomy, or complex software systems, ideally within the last five years.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in research and development within the fields of AI and autonomous systems. Previous work in safety-critical domains such as space, aviation, automotive, rail, or medical sectors will be considered an asset. Experience working in international teams and a demonstrated ability to conduct research autonomously are also important.

Languages:
A good command of English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the F2 grade band and is based in Noordwijk, Netherlands. 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 8 October 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The Agency also emphasizes the importance of accommodating individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process.