The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for a Climate Applications Scientist to join its Actionable Climate Information Section at ECSAT in Harwell, UK.

What does the position involve?

  • Focus: Land surface, terrestrial carbon and water cycles and their interaction with the atmosphere
  • Tasks: Derive technical EO specifications for land surface data; establish dialogue with climate user communities; initiate and monitor R&D projects; validate results; promote EO data for UNFCCC Global Stocktake commitments; cooperate with partner organisations
  • Requirements: PhD in Earth System Science or related field + min. 2 years post-doctoral experience; experience in satellite-based remote sensing over land surfaces; knowledge of international initiatives such as UNFCCC, IPCC, GCOS, WCRP and CEOS; machine learning skills an asset
  • Location: ESA ECSAT, Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
  • Application Deadline: 21 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Being the focal point of the Agency’s climate-related activities, the Actionable Climate Information Section aims to increase the availability and use of global, satellite-based Earth observation data for decision-making. In response to the UNFCCC requirements for the systematic monitoring of the climate system, ESA launched the Climate Change Initiative (CCI), a major research and development programme. Through the CCI, ESA generates global, decades-long satellite data records to track and understand key aspects of the Earth’s climate system, known as Essential Climate Variables (ECVs). These climate-quality datasets make a significant contribution to the evidence base for understanding climate change and driving international action.

In this role, you will expand the awareness and scientific impact of long-term satellite Earth observation data records, with a primary focus on land surface, while advising international user communities on climate research, modelling, adaptation and mitigation activities.

Learn more about the position here: Climate Applications Scientist Job Details | ESA