ESA Graduate Trainee in Climate Science

Closing Date: 28 February 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

The European Space Agency (ESA) leads on observing the Earth’s changing climate from space. The ESA Actionable Climate Information (EOP-SCA) is part of the ESA Climate and Long-term Action Division. Its flagship programme, the Climate Change Initiative (CCI), draws together over 40 years of data from ESA’s own satellite missions and those from other space agencies - from past as well as currently active in-orbit instrumentation.

The science teams focus on research and development activities to generate long-term, global climate data records that describe the evolution of key components of the Earth’s climate system, as defined by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) in support of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Currently more than 27 Essential Climate Variables (ECV) of the 55 GCOS defined ECVs have been addressed by science teams involved in the CCI.

The ESA Climate and Long-term Action Division is also host to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project International Project Office (CMIP-IPO), which coordinates the climate modelling community in support of its scientific goals, and climate change assessments such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

All ECV datasets are fully validated and have high levels of traceability and consistency, including quantitative estimates of uncertainty required by both climate science and modelling communities. In its contribution to climate and Earth system science, this programme has published over 1000 peer-reviewed articles and supported the IPCC headline statements on climate in its Assessment Reports.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will:

1. Contribute to Earth Observation (EO) research and applications development in Terrestrial, Oceanography, Atmosphere or Cryosphere fields in relation to climate. A broad range of project opportunities exist across all domains (terrestrial, ocean, cryosphere and atmosphere), their interfaces (e.g. for carbon, hydrological cycles) and the interface between observations and models at global, regional and local scales;
2. Analyse the outputs from CCI and data from ESA and third-party EO missions;
3. Conduct a one-year project focusing on one of the areas below. This will involve project planning and definition, acquiring suitable EO data, developing algorithms and exploiting software via CCI Toolbox, analysing and validating EO data, and documenting, publishing and presenting results. You may also help organise thematic workshops, prepare training courses, and be involved in knowledge exchange activities.

This traineeship will be developed along one or more of the following activities:

1. Examine the value of combinations of the Essential Climate Variable global data sets generated by the ESA Climate Change Initiative in contributing answers to questions about climate and climate change raised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
2. Examine the contribution of satellite datasets for assessing climate impacts, mitigation and adaptation, for example for developing early warning systems.
3. Examine the potential contribution of ESA, other European sensors and non-European sensors for Essential Climate Variables.
4. Develop the interface between Earth Observation and modelling, for example by undertaking process evaluation studies, or analysis of model intercomparison projects such as CMIP using CCI data.

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a technical or scientific discipline e.g. Physics, Electronic Engineering, Computing, Oceanography, Atmospheric Physics, Remote Sensing, Geophysics.

Additional requirements

Knowledge of Earth Observation systems, data products & algorithms is necessary. Applicants planning to undertake a PhD degree are welcome to apply.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.

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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of specific 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.