IRF (PostDoc) in Space Physiology - Blood Coagulation, Hemodynamics, and Thromboembolic Disorders

Job Requisition ID: 18869

Application Deadline: 18 September 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Establishment: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Directorate: Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Progr

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Internal Research Fellow

Date Posted: 28 August 2024

Internal Research Fellowship 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. 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.

This post is classified F2 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location
EAC, Cologne, Germany.

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
Knowledge relevant to the field of research

Research/publication record

Ability to conduct research autonomously

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

Ability to gather and share relevant information

General interest in space and space research

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.

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

For further information on the Internal Research Fellowship Programme please visit: Internal Research Fellowship

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

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please add your proposal of no more than 5 pages outlining your proposed research in the "additional documents" field of the "application information" section.

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 [email protected].

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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.

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