About this job

ESA is looking for a Head of the Data Science Section.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. For this purpose, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
Description
The Head of the Data Science Section reports to the Head of the Data Science and Archives Division and is responsible for the definition and implementation of a data science strategy for the Science and Operations Department. The purpose of the Data Science Section is to develop innovative and disruptive data science activities with a view to increasing the science return of ESA’s Science missions through enhancing the science data exploitation, as well as by improving the efficiency of mission science operations.
You will manage a small team and associated industrial services and external contracts. You will interface with all teams within the Department and will look for synergies and opportunities for collaboration with other data science initiatives within ESA and beyond.

Responsibilities

 
You will be responsible for leading and managing the Data Science Section in carrying out its tasks, which include:

• Defining and implementing a data science strategy for the Department, in close collaboration with the ESAC Science Data Centre and the Science Operations Centres;
• Proposing, and engaging people with, innovative new projects promoting the use of Data Science within the Department — with the aim of expanding our missions’ science return through science data exploitation and increasing the efficiency of science operations;
• Seeking partnerships for data science initiatives with other groups within and outside ESA;
• Engaging the scientific community to further exploit ESA science archives through new data science services;
• Representing the Directorate in ESA working groups about Artificial Intelligence and other Data Science technologies;
  Acting as Technical Officer for industrial services and external contracts supporting the Data Science Office;
  Representing ESA and the Science Directorate for its data science activities at external conferences, workshops and working groups;
• Keeping abreast of current and upcoming data science technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, big data, data mining, machine learning, data visualisation, and so on).

As this is a Head of Section post, the required managerial duties include:

• taking responsibility for delivering team results;
• providing direction, including the planning and distribution of team members’ activities;
• reviewing individual performance against set objectives through the annual assessment exercise and by providing timely and regular constructive feedback;
• creating a motivating work environment and promoting good team spirit;
• supporting team members with ongoing professional development by encouraging learning and delegating responsibilities.

Profile

Technical competencies
Data analytics methods and tools
Strong computational and data science skills
Computer science including Artificial Intelligence technologies
Software engineering and system design for Machine Learning
Education
Applicants for this post should have at least an MSc or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Space Science or Space Applications.
Additional requirements
Assets for this position are:

• Previous people management experience;
• Experience in dealing with (ESA) contracts, in particular those related to R&D;
• Experience in the development and execution of science operations, preferably for large space- or ground-based international projects;
• A background in one or more of the following domains: solar systems science, astrophysics, space science.

Candidates should have:

• the potential to manage individuals or a team of experts;
• the ability to organise their activities and ensure a motivating work environment;
• strong leadership capabilities, with proven relationship management and communication skills;
• the ability to drive team performance, developing their 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;
• strong results 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.
For a complete job description and to apply, click on “apply”.
The closing date for applications is 26 April 2021.
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 at 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, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia and Slovenia.

We offer
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an equal opportunities employer that offers competitive salaries exempt from national income tax and excellent employment conditions, such as allowances for expatriates and relocation support. For more information: http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA

About us
We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space. Learn more: http://www.esa.int/