ESA's Exploration Science Programme: Advancing Knowledge, Inspiring Innovation

The European Space Agency's Exploration Science Programme, a cornerstone of its Explore2040 strategy, invites scientists, researchers and innovators to join us in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and technological capabilities. Our programme uniquely balances exploration-focused science, essential for enabling future human missions beyond Earth, with exploration-enabled science that leverages our capabilities for groundbreaking research across disciplines. 

From the microgravity environment of low Earth orbit to the dusty plains of Mars, we offer unparalleled opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research. Our comprehensive approach spans multiple destinations – including the International Space Station, future commercial LEO platforms, the lunar Gateway, the Moon's surface and Mars – providing a diverse array of research environments and challenges. 

Guided by core European values of collaboration, scientific excellence and responsible exploration, we seek proposals that not only advance our understanding of the universe but also contribute to solving global challenges here on Earth. Our programme emphasises open science, international cooperation and the inspiration of future generations. 

Developing countermeasures for long-duration spaceflight, investigating fundamental physics in microgravity, prospecting for lunar resources or searching for signs of past life on Mars, the ESA Exploration Science Programme offers a platform to turn your scientific vision into reality. 

Our team and mission

Within ESA’s Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (HRE), the Human Exploration Science Office has the mission to advance human exploration into deep space, harvesting unique knowledge that can improve life and health in space and on Earth. The main objectives of the team are to better understand the fundamental mechanisms and responses to the different deep space stressors on biological and physiological processes; to optimise and personalise countermeasures to manage spaceflight adaptation and mitigate the risks of deep space; to push the frontiers of habitability to advance sustainable human exploration in deep space; and to foster and inspire translation of space-acquired scientific knowledge to address terrestrial challenges.

You are strongly encouraged to familiarise yourself with the research carried out by in ESA’s HRE directorate (https://scispace.esa.int) especially in the field of human exploration and life sciences.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

You will propose and carry out research in the field of blood coagulation, hemodynamics and deep venous thrombosis in relation to microgravity and space missions. The areas of research and research projects will be partly chosen by you based on your own expert judgement and insight into trends and developments, and partly chosen by the Human Exploration Science Office and the Space Medicine Team to follow the Agency's strategic directions and operational needs.

Scientifically, you will:

• propose and perform research in the field of blood coagulation, hemodynamics and deep venous thrombosis in relation to microgravity and space missions, where appropriate in collaboration with universities of ESA Member States;
• conduct a (systematic) literature review, specifically focusing on (individual) risk factors and mitigation strategies;
• leverage advanced biomedical tools and technologies to propose, develop and test new concepts for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events in space environments;
• explore research questions such as the impact of microgravity on blood coagulation pathways, the development of countermeasures to prevent deep venous thrombosis during long-duration space missions and the potential effects of individual factors on thrombotic risk;
• disseminate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at international conferences and internal ESA reports.

Technical competencies

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

You should have recently completed, or be close to completing a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates who have received their PhD within the past five years. In particular for this position, the following is required:

• a degree in biomedical sciences, physiology, medicine, or a related field;
• a PhD (completed before taking up duty) in biomedical sciences, physiology, medicine or a related field, with a focus on blood coagulation, thrombosis, or space physiology. The PhD should have a thesis topic relevant to the description of the tasks outlined above (candidates are assumed to be aiming for an academic/research career).

Additional requirements

• Interest in and ability to perform prospective interdisciplinary research.
• Familiarity with modern laboratory techniques and computational methods used in the study of blood coagulation and thromboembolic disorders.
• Proven experience in conducting high-quality research, demonstrated by a strong publication record in relevant fields.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Academic networking to add active links to universities and research institutes.
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently in accordance with your personal research plans and directions.
• Natural curiosity and a passion for new subjects and research areas.
• A keen interest in space exploration and the challenges associated with human health in space environments.

Specific characteristics of the Research Fellowship. The position of Research Fellow in ESA's Human Exploration Science Team (HRE-HS) is similar to a regular academic post-doc placement with, however, a few key differences: 

1.    HRE Research Fellows have no teaching obligations. However, they will likely be involved in the mentoring of Young Graduate Trainees and student interns within the Team.
2.    HRE Research Fellows join a diverse, changing and interdisciplinary research team embedded in a large space agency. 
3.    For this position, you will also be working closely with the Space Medicine Team (HRE-HM).
4.    HRE Research Fellows need to communicate their expertise and research results internally and externally, including the potential implications and importance for ESA's long-term strategy.

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.