Human Exploration Enabling Science Team Leader

Job Requisition ID: 20141

Date Posted: 18 December 2025

Closing Date: 8 January :59 CET/CEST

Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration

This is a 4-year appointment, which can be extended for an indefinite duration depending on performance.

The Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes (D/HRE) is a programme directorate within the ESA matrix structure. Through a partnership between humans and robots, the Directorate is dedicated to exploring destinations in space where humans are already living and working – or will live and work in the future – for the purpose of scientific research, economic development, international cooperation and public inspiration.

The Team Lead of the Human Exploration Science Team works very closely with the Office of the Chief Exploration Scientist and the Human Exploration Group.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

acting as the primary scientific advisor on human exploration science to the Chief Exploration Scientist (HRE‑S), the Human Exploration Group Leader (HRE‑H)and relevant Agency bodies;
coordinating closely within HRE‑H, and in particular the Space Medicine Team (HRE‑HM), to ensure scientific activities address operational priorities;
defining within Explore2040 the strategic priorities for human exploration science and life sciences in coordination with HRE‑S and Future Preparation (HRE‑F);
defining and delivering, on schedule and budget, human exploration science activities across all HRE destinations for long‑duration human habitation, as well as human‑related ground‑based R&D on all platforms/analogues that are essential for exploration preparation;
leading the definition and selection of scientific activities and payloads relating to human exploration science across destinations and platforms in close coordination with other exploration science teams and according to the priorities within Human Exploration overall;
selecting and managing science teams required to support and implement human exploration science activities;
managing the preparation and dissemination of science data products;
engaging with the science community, ESA’s science advisory structure and Member States for human exploration science topics;
supporting other teams within the Directorate in engaging with international partners to prepare and coordinate cooperative activities;
managing the delegated budget from HRE‑S assigned to human exploration science activities;
defining the human exploration mission‑specific science benefits and messaging in coordination with HRE‑S, HRE‑F and ESA Corporate Communication;
providing executive secretariat services to the relevant working group(s) of the ESA science advisory structure, notably the Life Sciences Working Group or its successor.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Extensive record of accomplishment in space‑related scientific research, including leadership on major projects or missions.

Demonstrated ability to bridge science and engineering through effective collaboration with technical teams.

Experience in managing scientific budgets and resources.

Familiarity with international scientific collaborations and partnerships.

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

A PhD in a relevant domain and/or a medical degree is required for this post.

Additional requirements

An understanding of ESA’s exploration roadmap and strategic priorities;
Experience in science communication and public outreach;
Proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team;
The ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within a team;
Demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and oral and written communication skills;
Excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
The ability to anticipate problems, resolve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
The ability to make solution‑oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity and to support others, such as team members, upper management and other stakeholders, in this process;
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 your team’s performance, developing your 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 result 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 required, and international experience would be an asset, including outside your home country, as would experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.

Mobility is inherent to management functions and this position may be subject to rotation. Therefore, mobility opportunities may be offered as part of your career evolution at ESA, starting after approximately five years in this role.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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 via email at

Important Information and Disclaimer

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2‑A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

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

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following states: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

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 internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under‑represented Member States.

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.

Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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European Space Agency

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Human Exploration Enabling Science Team Leader

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