Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Cal/Val, Data Quality & Algorithm Evolution (BIOMASS mission)
European Space Agency (ESA)
Scholarship/Fellowship Close on 21 Jul 2026
Frascati, IT
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
As a research fellow, you will be part of the Earth Observation (EO) Mission Management and Product Quality Division within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA’s Earth observation centre: ESRIN. The Division is responsible for the management of ESA’s Earth observation missions, the development of the ground processors, sensor performance, and data and product quality.
You will join the section in charge of sensor performance, data quality, algorithm development, and calibration and validation (Cal/Val) for the ESA EO missions.
The Sensor Performance, Products and Algorithms (EOP-GMQ) Section has a wide range of functions to serve the end users of Earth observation missions with the best possible product quality. Among the tasks managed by the Section are the in-orbit sensor calibration, product validation and verification and the routine quality monitoring of data generated by the missions’ scientific payloads. In addition, the Section is in charge of the improvement of processing algorithms during the exploitation phase of a mission.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: https://www.esa.int/
This fellowship relates to the exploitation of the ESA Biomass mission.
Biomass is ESA’s seventh Earth Explorer mission and launched on 29 April 2025. The main objective of the mission is to measure forest biomass to assess terrestrial carbon stocks and fluxes to support understanding of the Earth’s carbon cycle. The Biomass mission is imaging the Earth’s surface with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) at the P-band wavelength — the first time this technique is being used from space. The mission aims to provide accurate maps of tropical, temperate and boreal forest biomass that are not obtainable from ground measurement techniques. To this end, the mission is exploiting novel observation techniques such as SAR tomography and polarimetric SAR interferometry. The main products of the mission are maps of above-ground forest biomass and forest height at a resolution of 200m, and forest disturbances, such as clear-cutting, at a resolution of 50m.
You will be involved in the following activities:
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. In particular for this position, the following is required:
PhD in physics, engineering or Earth science, with research experience and peer-reviewed publications on topics of relevance to the proposed fields of research. Your PhD subject should relate to the use of SAR data for forest applications.
In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please prepare a research proposal of no more than 5 pages. This proposal should be uploaded to the "additional documents" field of the "application information" section.
You should have:
Experience in the following areas will be considered an asset:
You should also have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
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.
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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
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.
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 can only be 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, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.
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.
