Didactic Expert Scientist (2 Positions)

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 ECO – Communication Education, User Driven Applications and Outreach.
Happiness of our employees has proven key to obtaining excellent results and a client who also regards us highly for excellent service.

Overview

Under the responsibility of the Head of the STEM Education and Outreach Unit, in line with the ESA Educational policy, strategy and objectives, the incumbent will develop and deliver didactic content and activities related to STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at secondary school education level, with a special focus on sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, geography, etc.).

The principle tasks in the area will include:

• Design and deliver teacher training modules (on-site and, when needed, off-site) that use space science as a teaching and learning context for secondary-level curricular subjects; in particular, whenever applicable and in close collaboration with the ESERO (European Space Education Resource Office) Science & Project Coordinator, coordinate with the ESA ESERO national offices for the design, co-production and delivery of such training modules to the benefit of ESA Member States;
• Design and produce classroom resources/activities on the subjects covered by the above teacher training modules (in different formats: classical printed lessons, practical/lab activities, tablet applications and content, etc.); in particular, whenever applicable and in close collaboration with the ESERO Science & Project Coordinator, coordinate with the ESA ESERO national offices for the design, co-production, and delivery of such classroom activities to the benefit of ESA Member States;
• Adapt/update/upgrade existing teacher training modules and classroom resources/ activities when required;
• Contribute to the design and manage the implementation of ESA challenges and competitions on the subject of sciences for secondary schools at European level (e.g. using micro/hyper gravity platforms to perform experiments, such as Drop Towers, etc.);
• Contribute to: 1) the procurement actions for material items and services needed to implement the activities; 2) the logistics associated to the activities;
• Collaborate with the ESERO Science & Project Coordinator for the promotion of the teacher training sessions to the benefit of the whole ESERO network; equally promote such opportunities within all ESA Member States;
• Support the outreach, promotion and dissemination of ESA primary and secondary education activities, through appropriate channels and in compliance with ESA Education outreach guidelines, in the area of concern;
• Contribute in general to the design and implementation of ESA STEM informal education projects at secondary school level, also addressing role modeling, STEM/space careers and gender issues;
• Support the evaluation of education activities against Key Performance Indicators in the area of concern;
• Respond to the direct contacts and external requests from education partners and the European education community;
• Support in general the activities of the STEM Education and Outreach Unit when requested.

In addition, the contractor shall:

• Provide inputs to the definition of educational activities for ESA missions to the ISS;
• Support the definition of the requirements for on-orbit activities, the development and testing/review process of educational payloads and the preparation of documentation and procedures for on-orbit execution;
• Support the implementation and coordination of the agreed pre-flight, on-orbit and post-flight activities, collect the results and distribute them to the involved target audiences;
• Organise and manage educational in-flight calls and ESA’s quota of ARISS contacts;
• Support the participation of ESA to the ISS Education Working Group composed of ASI, CSA, ESA, JAXA, Roscosmos and NASA.

Specific qualification requirements

• The Candidate shall have a university Master degree, or equivalent, in Engineering or Science.
• Knowledge of European STEM school curricula, with a focus on Sciences.
• Specific experience in the design and development of didactic content on scientific subjects applied to secondary school curricula.
• Direct teaching experience and/or teacher training experience.
• Sound knowledge of ESA and the space field.
• Experience in international environments.
• Project management skills and experience.
• Capability of establishing and maintaining interfaces within and outside the Agency; capability to respond and adapt to the needs of the European education communities.
• Autonomy in the execution of tasks and ability to manage workload, identify priorities and strategic actions; ability to cope with pressure, meet deadlines and deliver on time.
• Creativity; strong conceptual, analytical, interpersonal skills; ability to work in a team.
• Good communication skills, verbal (in public and during formal meetings) and written.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of another Member State language is an asset.

Legal and Security Requirements

• All applicants must be legally allowed to work in The Netherlands
• 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 Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC) at Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Contract

• The selected candidate will receive good remuneration.
• Will be registered for both social security and tax in the Netherlands.
• 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.
• Aurora contributes to a company pension scheme.

To be considered for this Position

Provide prior to 28 June 2017 a summary of why you are a good candidate for the position together with a complete and detailed Recruitment Form or CV and Motivation Letter to Mr. Davide Starnone, at email davide.starnone@aurora.nl quoting reference ECO-28/29.

Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with candidates before presenting them by 4 July 2017, 13.00 hours.