Oceanographer

Aurora is an established supplier of skilled manpower to ESA and in particular at ESTEC and ESAC. Aurora has the opportunity to expand our support to ESA in the domain of EOP-SC – ESA Climate Office.
Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service.

Overview

The main responsibilities of the post are to expand the awareness, utilisation and scientific impact of EO data for climate research and applications,  in particular for the ocean but also for other domains of the earth system.

The tasks include conducting scientific data exploitation activities and research studies to address gaps in knowledge as part of the contribution of European Earth Observation science to future IPCC assessments and reports, supporting and informing the implementation of global policy decisions taken at COP21 in Paris, December 2015.

In their capacity, the incumbent shall provide support to and advise on the detailed scientific goals of the various international scientific and operational user communities concerned with international climate research, modelling, adaptation and mitigation activities.

The post holder reports to the Head of the ESA Climate Office of the Science, Exploitation and Climate Department.

The incumbent’s tasks will include:

• Establishing a dialogue with specialised user communities, analysing their needs for satellite-based observations of the climate system, and assessing their feedback on available EO-based information.
• Deriving technical specifications for Fundamental Climate Data Records and Essential Climate Variables, chiefly from ESA EO Missions, with specific regard to long-term stability, consistency, completeness, availability, error-characterisation, reducing uncertainties, and compatibility with climate observations from other (Space and non space) sources.
• Setting up and managing industrial contracts (R&D projects and other EO exploitation activities) to respond to the needs for EO-based information of climate research and climate services, including for reanalysis, modelling, attribution, projection, prediction, trends assessment, and data assimilation.
• Ensuring the results of such developments are tested and verified with the corresponding climate user communities.
• Cooperating with internal and external partner organisations to transfer capabilities developed under a research and demonstration context into an operational framework.
• Maintaining links and ensuring coherence with relevant activities of Member States and international partner  organisations.
• Contributing to the Agency’s public communications on EO.

Specific qualification requirements

• Applicants should hold a PhD preferably in oceanography, physics or geophysics, or other appropriate scientific fields,
• At least two years of experience in related remote sensing applications development and/or research.
• Applicants should have extensive professional experience on product definition, calibration, validation, algorithm development, quality assessment and exploitation of Earth Observation data, particularly ESA missions, a demonstrable experience from relevant scientific exploitation activities either internationally or in ESA member states and an established profile with research communities working on the ocean and its relation to climate.
• Particular importance will be attached to a candidate’s personal scientific ability and credibility amongst their peers, as well as flexibility and adaptability.
• The candidate should be capable of working effectively in a team with minimum supervision and have excellent communication and presentation skills.
• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these two languages is required. The knowledge of another member-state language is an asset.

Legal and Security Requirements

• All applicants must be legally allowed to work in the United Kingdom without obtaining a VISA / work permit.
• Applicants are required to provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate. Aurora will validate the Degree with the issuing University and provide evidence to ESA.
• Prior to issuing a letter of employment the applicant shall provide to Aurora a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country where currently resident.

Location

The work will be performed at the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) at Harwell, UK.

Contract

• The selected candidate will receive good remuneration in line with ESA Job Class: E3
• Will be registered for both social security and tax in the United Kingdom.
• The standard working hours are 40 per week. There are 12 public holidays and an additional 30 annual days holiday.
• Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are of course included.
• Aurora assist with relocation both with support and financially.

To be considered for this Position

Provide prior to 11 September 2017 a summary of why you are a good candidate for the position together with a complete and detailed Candidate Proposal Form or CV and Motivation Letter to Mr. Davide Starnone, at email davide.starnone@aurora.nl  quoting reference EOP-82.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before submitting them by 15 September 2017, 13.00 hours.

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