News & Events

2 juli 2025

New position: Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in exploiting Earth observation for climate science

Opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to advance satellite-based data with ESA's Climate Change Initiative programme

Location: ESA ECSAT, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Contract: 2-year Internal Research Fellow
Grade Band: F2
Application Deadline: 18 July 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

ESA's Actionable Climate Information Section at ECSAT in Harwell, UK, is seeking an Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) to enhance the use of satellite-based Earth observation data in climate research. This exciting two-year position offers you the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that directly supports international climate action, including United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement.

Being the focal point of the Agency’s climate-related activities, the Actionable Climate Information Section aims to increase the availability and use of global, satellite-based Earth observation data for decision-making. In response to the UNFCCC requirements for the systematic monitoring of the climate system, ESA launched the Climate Change Initiative (CCI), a major research and development programme. Through the CCI, ESA generates global, decades-long satellite data records to track and understand key aspects of the Earth’s climate system, known as Essential Climate Variables (ECVs). These climate-quality datasets make a significant contribution to the evidence base for understanding climate change and driving international action.

In this role, you will collaborate with leading scientists within the CCI programme and across ESA, while having the opportunity to mentor and supervise junior researchers through programmes such as ESA’s Graduate Trainee programme.

Fields of research for the traineeship:

Your research will advance the activities of the ESA Actionable Climate Information Section through innovative work in:

  • the use of satellite-based observations in addressing key climate science questions
  • the development of improved climate data records from satellite data, and/or improved methods of uncertainty characterisation
  • the investigations into the physical consistency between different satellite-derived climate data records, and the impact of inconsistencies in the data on applications
  • the quality assessment and validation of satellite-based data sets for climate science
  • improving public understanding of climate science and raising awareness of ESA's climate activities.

Candidate profile:

  • Recently completed or close to be completed PhD in related technical or scientific discipline (within past 3 years preferred)
  • Proven research experience based on the use of relevant satellite measurements
  • Science software development experience and programming skills
  • Good analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work in a multicultural environment in an autonomous manner
  • Experience in mentoring and supervising.
  • Additional experience in modelling would be an asset.

How to apply:

  • CV and motivation letter
  • Research proposal (max 5 pages) uploaded as additional document

Follow this link to apply for the position: https://jobs.esa.int/job/Harwell-Internal-Research-Fellow-%28PostDoc%29-in-Exploiting-Earth-Observation-for-Climate-Research/1216117101/