Young Graduate Trainee in Simulant Research and Development (Vulcan Facility)

Young Graduate Opportunity in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes

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.

This post is classified F1 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location

ECSAT, Harwell, United Kingdom

Our team and mission

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration is the main ESA entity in charge of supporting and coordinating efforts towards the current and future endeavours of human spaceflight. The exploration activities are part of the strategic plans in securing a central role for Europe with respect to the global initiatives. The European Exploration Envelope Programme (E3P) is integrating the ESA activities in this field to ensure a single exploration process. The strategy includes three destinations where humans will work with robots to gather new knowledge: Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the Moon, and Mars.

The Vulcan Analogue Sample Facility is uniquely positioned within the Directorate’s Exploration Preparation, Research and Technology (ExPeRT) team to support long-term Lunar and Mars Surface Exploration by developing operational concepts and low TRL technologies. The Vulcan team provides expert support (on analogue sample topics) to research and technology development projects (focused on space exploration and planetary science applications) within ESA, its member states, and the rest of Europe.

The Vulcan Facility is a geological repository and analytical laboratory operated by a multidisciplinary, onsite team of staff and contractors. It is located on the Harwell Campus in the UK (part of ESA’s ECSAT site) and serves as a European focal point for the research, curation, and characterisation of analogue samples. The facility acts to: - support validation and de-risking of low TRL technologies & key operational concepts - improve confidence in European simulants - inspire the next generation of planetary geoscientists

You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As a Young Graduate Trainee, your research and development activities will focus upon analogue samples and related techniques and processes through collaboration with other ESA teams (e.g. Spaceship ECSAT). They include:

• New, customised analogue sample recipes for present and future missions (primarily lunar and martian): • Low-medium fidelity simulants for a range of target planetary bodies and sites • High fidelity, mechanical simulants for a range of engineering and geotechnical applications e.g. terrain/traversability • performance testing and dust interaction, mitigation, and contamination testing • High fidelity, ISRU simulants focused on resource extraction and additive manufacturing test purposes • Investigation of artificial (i.e. non-geological) simulant components e.g. simulated agglutinates • Adapted techniques for advanced characterisation of the physical, mechanical, mineralogical, and chemical properties of analogue samples

Key tasks and responsibilities will include: • Supporting the development of the analogue sample database and curation system, and validating datasets for input • Performing literature reviews and working with the curator and research fellow to define terminologies and key concepts • Assisting the research fellow in the delivery of expert support to projects and activities utilising simulants • Investigating and developing simulant recipes (according to mission priorities) • Characterising simulants using the Vulcan Facility’s range of analytical instruments • Refining and adapting technical processes and procedures (in consultation with the Vulcan team)

The precise area of work the candidate would undertake would be determined together with the candidate at the start of the traineeship and will depend on the Programme needs as well as the skill and interests of the candidate themselves.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical domains

Relevant experience gained during internships/project work

Breadth of exposure coming from past and/or current research/activities

Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have just completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in Planetary Science or Geoscience.

Additional requirements

Knowledge in geotechnical engineering, materials or metallurgy will be considered an asset.

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multi-cultural environment, both independently and as part of a team.

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.

During the interview motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information on the Young Graduate Programme please visit: Young Graduate Programme and FAQ Young Graduate Programme

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

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 email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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 candidates from under-represented Member States*.

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.