Mars and Beyond Science Team Leader

European Space Agency - ESA; Darmstadt; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading space exploration agency in Germany is looking for a Mars Science Team Leader to manage and coordinate scientific activities for Mars missions. The ideal candidate should possess a PhD and have a proven track record in space-related research, budget management, and effective leadership. Responsibilities include serving as the primary advisor on Mars Science, defining scientific priorities, and engaging with international partners. This role offers a 4-year appointment with the potential for extension.

Qualifikationen

• Extensive record of accomplishment in space-related scientific research.
• Demonstrated ability to bridge science and engineering.
• Experience in managing scientific budgets and resources.

Aufgaben

• Act as the primary scientific advisor on Mars Science.
• Define scientific objectives for Mars and Beyond activities.
• Engage with the science community for Mars Science topics.

Ausbildung

PhD in a relevant domain

Jobbeschreibung

Job Requisition ID: 20139

Date Posted: 18 December 2025

Application Deadline: 8 January 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration

Workplace: Porz-Wahn, DE

Grade Band: A2 - A4

This is a 4-year appointment, which can be extended for an indefinite duration depending on performance.

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany with a resident assignment to EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany.

Description

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programme (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Mars and Beyond Science Team Leader works very closely with the Office of the Chief Exploration Scientist (HRE-S) and the Mars and Beyond Projects Group (HRE-M).

Duties

• acting as the primary scientific advisor on Mars Science to the Chief Exploration Scientist, the Mars and Beyond Projects Group Leader and relevant Agency bodies;
• defining, within Explore2040 and under the guidance of HRE-S, the priorities for Mars and Beyond Science and its related implementation plan in coordination with HRE-S, the other Science Teams, the ExPeRT team (HRE-FE) and Future Preparation (HRE-F);
• defining scientific objectives and requirements to be applied to Mars and Beyond ground-based and flight activities;
• leading the definition and selection of scientific activities and payloads for Mars and Beyond missions under the guidance of the Chief Exploration Scientist and the Mars and Beyond Projects Group Leader;
• selecting and managing science teams required to support and implement Mars and Beyond Science activities;
• managing the preparation and dissemination of science data products;
• engaging with the science community, ESA’s science advisory structure and Member States for Mars and Beyond Science topics;
• supporting other teams within the Directorate in engaging with international partners to prepare and coordinate cooperative activities;
• managing the delegated budget from HRE-S assigned to Mars and Beyond Science activities;
• defining the Mars and Beyond-specific science benefits and messaging in coordination with HRE-S, HRE-F, and ESA Corporate Communication;
• providing executive secretariat services to the relevant working group(s) of the ESA science advisory structure, if applicable.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

• Extensive record of accomplishment in space-related scientific research, including leadership on major projects or missions
• Demonstrated ability to bridge science and engineering through effective collaboration with technical teams
• Experience in managing scientific budgets and resources
• Familiarity with international scientific collaborations and partnerships

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

A PhD in a relevant domain is required for this post.

Additional requirements

• An understanding of ESA’s exploration roadmap and strategic priorities;
• Experience in science communication and public outreach;
• Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team;
• The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within a team;
• Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• The ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• The ability to make solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity and to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process;
• The potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
• The ability to organise individual and team activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• Strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• The ability to drive your team’s performance, developing your people by encouraging learning, delegating responsibility and giving regular and constructive feedback;
• Strong problem-solving skills to deal with day-to-day operational challenges, together with demonstrated planning and organisational skills;
• A strong result orientation with the ability to set priorities and present practical solutions both orally and in writing;
• The ability to manage challenging situations proactively and constructively and to be customer-focused.

People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

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 [e-mail].

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

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 are only 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented 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.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.