Junior Professional in AI for Climate Science

European Space Agency - ESA; Worcester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The European Space Agency is seeking a Junior Professional to join its Earth Observation Programmes. This role involves applying AI and machine learning to climate data, conducting research, and participating in a developmental programme. Candidates should have a Master’s degree and relevant experience, with opportunities for growth within ESA.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of relevant professional experience post-Master’s.
• Knowledge of Earth observation systems, data products, and algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Earth observation research focusing on climate-related applications involving AI.
• Analyze ESA’s climate datasets and explore new satellite data sources.
• Contribute to training junior team members.

Skills

AI techniques

Earth observation systems

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in physics

Master’s degree in electronic engineering

Master’s degree in computing

Master’s degree in oceanography

Master’s degree in atmospheric physics

Master’s degree in remote sensing

Master’s degree in geophysics

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 19526

Date Posted: 15 May 2025

Closing Date: 5 June 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Contract: Junior Professional

Directorate: Earth Observation Programmes

Workplace: Harwell, GB

Grade Band: A1 - A1

This post is part of ESA’s Junior Professional Programme. We are seeking enthusiastic candidates with up to 2–3 years of relevant professional experience after their Master’s degree to join ESA for a four-year assignment. During this period, you will work and learn on the job, benefiting from mobility and developmental opportunities aimed at preparing you for a successful career at ESA. Subject to performance, an indefinite contract is planned at the end of this period.

The selection process for the 2025 cohort will occur during Spring 2025, with a projected start in October or November 2025.

Recruitment will be at the A1 grade. Upon successful completion of the four-year program and if offered an indefinite contract, you will be upgraded to the A2 grade.

Location: ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom or other sites as required. Developmental assignments may include temporary relocations within ESA or externally.

Description: You will report to the Head of the Actionable Climate Information Section in the Climate and Long-Term Action Division within the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. Your work will involve collaboration with other ESA teams, especially those working on artificial intelligence (AI).

ESA’s Actionable Climate Information Section focuses on increasing the availability and use of satellite-based Earth observation data for decision-making. It supports international climate monitoring efforts, including the UNFCCC and the Climate Change Initiative (CCI).

The CCI develops global climate data records of essential climate variables (ECVs), which are crucial for understanding climate change and supporting international climate policies. AI plays a significant role in processing and analyzing these datasets, and your role will involve applying AI and machine learning techniques to climate data.

Additional activities include examining satellite data contributions to climate impact assessments, developing interfaces between Earth observation and climate modeling, and engaging with AI networks to promote responsible AI use in climate science.

Duties: Conduct Earth observation research focusing on climate-related applications involving AI and machine learning across various domains (terrestrial, ocean, cryosphere, atmosphere). Specific activities include analyzing the value of ESA’s climate datasets, exploring new satellite data sources, developing improved climate data records, assessing climate impacts, supporting climate modeling, and participating in AI community initiatives. You will also contribute to training junior team members.

Development Programme: Participate in an extensive learning and development programme, including technical and key skills training. The programme includes opportunities for internal rotations or external secondments to broaden your experience, especially in AI applications within ESA.

Technical Competencies: Knowledge of the space sector, ESA programmes, AI techniques applied to climate data, and experience with Earth observation systems.

Behavioural Competencies: Result orientation, operational efficiency, cooperation, relationship management, continuous improvement, and forward thinking. Refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook for details.

Education: Master’s degree in physics, electronic engineering, computing, oceanography, atmospheric physics, remote sensing, or geophysics. Knowledge of Earth observation systems, data products, and algorithms is required.

Additional Requirements: 2–3 years of relevant professional experience post-Master’s. Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work in multicultural environments. Prior experience in international teams is advantageous. Motivation, interests, and career aspirations will be considered during selection.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness: ESA promotes diversity and inclusivity. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, etc. Support for candidates with disabilities is available upon request.

Important Information: Selection may include tests and background screening. Organizational changes may occur. The information provided is current at publication time.

Nationality and Languages: Applications are only considered from nationals of specified ESA Member States and Canada. Priority is given to internal candidates and under-represented Member States. Working languages are English and French; proficiency in at least one is required, additional languages are assets.