Science Lead for Human Research

Job Requisition ID: 19745

Date Posted: 18 July 2025

Application Deadline: 17 August 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Fixed-Term

Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration

Workplace: Porz-Wahn, DE

Grade Band: A2 – A4

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of 4 years.

Location
EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany

Description
It is expected that the selected candidate will take up duty in 2026.

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is part of ESA’s matrix structure. It aims to explore space destinations with humans and robots for scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Science Lead for Human Research will oversee and coordinate all human research-related scientific activities within HRE, reporting directly to the Lead of the Human Exploration Enabling Science Team (HRE-HS). The position is focused on ensuring a streamlined portfolio of human research across the HRE platforms and destinations. In this role, you will work mainly within the HRE-HS team, but will also work closely with the Space Medicine and Medical Operations Team (HRE-HM) to ensure alignment between applied exploration-focused studies and mission-relevant human exploration-related risk models and knowledge gaps. The purpose of the close exchange between the Science Lead for Human Research and HRE-HM is to generate actionable knowledge that is required for the successful implementation of a mission. You will also support input into the overall science strategy for human research activities.

Duties
Portfolio Management and Coordination

• Lead and coordinate research activities on ground-based analogues, in relation to bedrest, dry immersion, Concordia and parabolic flights, for example, as well as for flight opportunities, for example to the International Space Station or Commercial LEO Destinations;
• Act as portfolio manager for the human research activities portfolio, following human research project status and flagging risks and issues to management as relevant.

Community Engagement

• Represent ESA to the external scientific community with an interest in human research in space;
• Participate in relevant scientific associations and conferences to engage with the scientific community and to communicate the ESA HRE science programme to the community;
• Work with the European and international science community to advance the ESA HRE programme;
• Act as a liaison with international space agencies, academic institutions and industry partners to foster collaboration and advance shared research goals;
• Provide human research science expert support to other groups and teams within HRE and the wider ESA community.

Science Development, Planning, Implementation and Strategy

• Stay up to date on the latest scientific advancements in space medicine and physiology;
• Provide in-depth scientific expertise and support to the development of ESA elements of science strategy, science policy and/or science planning, representing human research in space as a whole;
• Lead the definition of experimental and scientific requirements for human research activities implemented by ESA and coordinate science teams with international partners as required;
• Safeguard scientific requirements associated with ESA payloads and research throughout the life cycle of the space activity or mission;
• Monitor associated technology developments and track scientific performance through the life cycle of space missions;
• Write, update and manage science selection processes such as open, scoped or directed Announcements of Opportunity and research calls for space research led by ESA or ESA’s participation in international calls, including communicating the process and results to the European science community;
• Identify peer reviewers and coordinate the review process for science selection;
• Act as ESA project scientist for specific flight projects, such as flights to the International Space Station and Commercial LEO Destinations, and research activities in ground-based facilities, selecting and working with external scientific teams;
• Act as technical officer for specific human research activities and ensure delivery on schedule and within budget;
• Identify and support collaborative activities within ESA, in Europe and internationally to promote ESA’s human research in space interests;
• Actively pursue personal scientific research, participating in research activities without perceived or actual conflict of interest.

Support to ESA

• Prepare reports relating to ESA science activities for internal and external presentation, including to ESA’s advisory structure and working groups;
• Support ESA outreach, communication and education activities relating to human and robotic exploration science;
• Promote ESA’s activities and scientific results to a variety of audiences, including the general public;
• Supervise European and national graduate trainees, internship students, research fellows and/or persons involved in other similar programmes, in their own human research in a space-related area of expertise as required.

Technical competencies
Knowledge relevant to the field of research

Ability to conduct research autonomously

Experience with the publication of scientific research

Understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge in the field and an awareness of priorities for future research

Knowledge of the activities, programmes and goals of the European Space Agency

Experience in the organisation of international scientific activities

Experience in science management at the academic, industrial or governmental level

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

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

Education
A PhD in a relevant domain or a master’s degree with relevant experience is required for this post.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency\’s security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

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