OverviewAs Science Operations Scientist you will be assigned to one ESA Planetary mission. The Aurora Service Team currently supports a wide portfolio of planetary science missions, including JUICE, BepiColombo, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, EnVision, Mars Express, Hera, and M-Matisse. You will contribute to the work of the Science Operations Centre (SOC), which is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of scientific operations. Your primary tasks will be on the BepiColombo mission, but you are expected to be adaptable to work on other planetary missions, as needed.
The role is based at ESAC and involves close collaboration with instrument teams to ensure science operational aspects are clearly defined, communicated, and implemented.
Specific Service Tasks
Support to strategic science planning.
Support to long term science planning.
Definition and maintenance of instrument observations.
Scientific and operational monitoring of science operation scenarios.
Quick-look analysis, definition of use cases and testing.
Coverage analysis of science observations.
Specification of requirements, design, development, testing, and validation of scripts and software required to support each task.
You will act as the SOC contact point for several instrument teams, ensuring that all science operational aspects, including instrument science planning, calibration activities, and quick-look requirements are clearly defined, communicated, and implemented. You will also contribute to the development and evolution of the Science Operations System by specifying requirements and supporting the design and prototyping of new functionalities.
Specific Qualification Requirements
A PhD in Planetary Science or a related discipline (e.g., Astronomy, Physics, Space Engineering).
Active researcher in planetary science.
Well-established profile within the scientific community with a recognized expertise and a strong professional network.
Expertise in a field relevant for the mission(s), ideally with a strong background in spectroscopic analysis techniques for surface mineralogy and thermal properties and/or gamma-ray and neutron spectroscopy for geochemical and elemental composition studies.
Experience in coordinating internal/external stakeholders on scientific projects.
Experience with science operations for planetary missions, space instrumentation, and planetary data calibration and analysis.
Proficiency with at least one scripting or programming language (preferably Python).
Knowledge of the NAIF SPICE system and spacecraft pointing design and analysis is a plus.
Fluent in spoken and written English.
Strong skills in communication, teamwork, planning, and organization, with the ability to work effectively in an international environment.
Legal And Security Requirements
All applicants must be legally allowed to work in Spain without the need to obtain a work visa. Only European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and SWISS citizens can be employed by Aurora in Spain.
Applicants are required to provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate. Aurora will validate the degree with the issuing University.
In line with ESA’s security requirements, prior to issuing a letter of employment the applicant shall provide a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country of residence, and Aurora will validate your employment history.
Location
The work will be performed at ESAC, the European Space Astronomy Centre at Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid (Spain).
Employment Contract
The selected candidate will receive good remuneration.
You will be registered for both social security and tax in Spain.
The standard working hours are 40 per week. There are 12 public holidays and an additional 30 annual days holiday.
In addition to public health services, Aurora provides private medical insurance in Spain (inclusion into the private health insurance policy is at the discretion of the insurance provider).
Training to improve efficiency and provide strength for future career are included.
Aurora can assist financially and provide information for relocation.
To be considered for this position
Prior to 31 October 2025, please apply via our Job Application form quoting SCO-05_Sc-BepiColombo as reference.
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Job Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
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