Description

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

Under the direct authority of the Chief Exploration Scientist, the Science Lead for Radiation is responsible for the definition and management of a coordinated and integrated radiation research plan, ensuring alignment of the radiation research activities across the Directorate’s platforms and destinations to meet the Directorate’s exploration objectives while facilitating strong collaboration between the various stakeholders.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• establishing and managing a radiation research roadmap and implementation plan in line with the Explore2040 Strategy;
• leading the definition of experimental and scientific requirements for space radiation research activities implemented by ESA and coordinating science teams with international partners as required;
• coordinating the definition and implementation of radiation research activities across the science offices (the Lunar Science Office (HRE-LS), the Mars and Beyond Science Office (HRE-MS), the Human Exploration Enabling Science Office (HRE-HS) and the Enabled Science Office (HRE-SU), including data generated or being generated on the ground and on the flight platforms, data analysis and interpretation, and identifying consequences;
• coordination of scientific development and exploitation of propagation models of radiation in the heliosphere and transport of radiation through shielding for mission planning, design, and operational forecasts of the environment;
• coordination of science relating to radiation health risk modelling and biophysical models to provide input for the Space Medicine Team (HRE-HM) on the impact on astronauts and to support safe crew operations in deep space, as well as mission design;
• supporting the creation of tools for planning safe crew operations in deep space, working closely with ESA’s Space Medicine Team, particularly in relation to radiation protection services;
• supporting the establishment and maintenance of environments and effects models for the Moon and Mars, which include radiation aspects, ensuring careful management of interfaces between these models and other radiation-related models used by D/HRE;
• acting as ESA Project Scientist for specific flight projects and research activities in ground-based facilities, selecting and working with external scientific teams;
• acting as Technical Officer for specific radiation research activities and ensuring delivery on schedule and within budget;
• providing radiation science expert support to other groups and teams within D/HRE, in particular the ExPeRT Team;
• coordinating with radiation-related activities undertaken by other ESA programmes in other ESA directorates, including Space Weather, and the Technology Development Programmes;
• supporting engagement with the science community, ESA’s science advisory structure, and Member States for radiation science topics;
• harmonising data from various radiation research activities and working closely with HRE-SD in ensuring proper archiving and accessibility in compliance with the ESA HRE Data Policy and open science frameworks;
• staying up to date on the latest scientific advancements in space radiation research, with a particular focus on crew-related aspects;
• supporting ESA outreach, communication and education activities relating to Human and Robotic Exploration science;
• promoting ESA’s activities and scientific results to a variety of audiences, including the general public;
• supervising Young Graduate Trainees, interns, Research Fellows and/or persons involved in other similar programmes in their space biology-related areas of expertise as required.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.

Education

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills;
• The ability to foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the Directorate and the organisation;
• Understanding of ESA’s exploration strategic priorities;
• Academic networking to create active links to universities and research institutes.