Aurora is an established supplier of skilled manpower to ESA. At ESAC, Aurora provides service in the area of Science Planning Development & Implementation and Quick-Look Analysis for Planetary Missions. 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 strong background in spectroscopic analysis techniques for surface mineralogy and thermal properties and/or in 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 ).
Expertise in the NAIF SPICE system and spacecraft pointing design and analysis could be interesting.
Be 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.
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 to Aurora a recent official document declaring that they are of good conduct from the country where currently resident, and Aurora will validate your employment history.
As Science Operations Scientist, you will be assigned to one ESA planetary mission. The Aurora Service Team 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 Science Operations Centre (SOC), responsible for planning, coordination, and execution of scientific operations. Support to strategic science planning
Support to long term science planning
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, validation of any 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.
Employment Contract
You will be registered for both social security and tax in Spain.
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 of course included.
Aurora can assist financially and provide recent experience information for relocation.