ESA Research Fellowship in Space Science Grant

ESA Research Fellowship in Space Science Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: European Space Agency (ESA)
Amount: Approximately €60,000
Last Updated: August 29, 2025

Summary

The ESA Research Fellowship in Space Science offers early-career scientists and engineers a unique opportunity to conduct independent research across various fields such as heliophysics and astrophysics. The fellowship, lasting up to three years, provides access to leading space science resources and collaboration with top experts. Candidates from ESA member states with a completed or near-completed PhD are encouraged to apply, particularly those with up to five years of post-PhD experience. Applications from diverse backgrounds are welcomed.

Overview

ESA's postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers early-career scientists and engineers the possibility to carry out research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications or space technology. Research Fellowships in Space Science specifically offer the opportunity to contribute to ESA's endeavour to explore our Solar System and the Universe in the fields of heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundament What Are Space Science Fellowships? ESA's postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers early-career scientists and engineers the possibility to carry out independent research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications or space technology. ESA Fellowships provide a unique opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at the forefront of space science, and experience first-hand how ESA works with communities across the Member States to maximise the scientific return from our missions. Research Fellowships in Space Science specifically offer the opportunity to contribute to ESA's endeavour to explore our Solar System and the Universe in the fields of heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Duration Appointments are for a maximum of three years. The initial project is for two years. An extension for a third year requires a dedicated proposal and is very frequently granted. Location Research Fellowships in Space Science (SCI) can be taken at any of three locations: European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villafranca del Castillo near Madrid, Spain European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands The ESA office at Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, USA The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. The Department for Science and Operations (SCI-S), within ESA's Directorate for Science, hosts the scientists and engineers that oversee the space missions from study to end of operations; it develops the science operation systems for the missions and conducts their science operations in flight; it archives and curates their data during operations and beyond. The main objective of the department is to maximise the scientific return of the missions for the benefit of humankind. The Science and Operations Department also supports research activities, which are coordinated by the ESA Science Faculty. Research Fellows are encouraged to take leading roles in Faculty research programmes and initiatives, in close collaboration with scientific staff. The Research Fellowship programme nurtures and strengthens the links between ESA and the scientific communities in the Member States. Research Fellows in Space Science spend their time on their independent scientific research and can choose to spend up to 20% of the time on scientific activities in support of ESA science-related activities (e.g., archive/data science, citizen science, operations, calibration, communication). Research Fellows have no teaching obligations, but do have various opportunities to supervise undergraduate or masters-level student trainees. Further clarifications, tips and hints are given in the Science Fellowship FAQ.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who can apply: 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, and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Slovakia 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. Applicants should have recently completed, or be close to completing their PhD in a technical or scientific discipline. 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 female scientists are encouraged.

Ineligibility

The Fellowship Programme does not currently grant fellowships in institutions outside of ESA.