Gaia Vacancies

 

Openings

 

Postdoctoral researcher on Gaia tool development and data analysis at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany

We are looking for a researcher to develop software tools to infer phase space coordinates (positions, velocities) for ensembles of stars using the Gaia astrometry, photometry, and spectroscopy as well as data from other surveys.

This is a full-time position for up to four years. For more details and to apply, see here .

The application deadline is 10 April 2026.

 

ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme call open

ESA welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives.

The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States. All visits must comply with the ESA security directives, which may necessitate additional checks. Early-career scientists including students are particularly encouraged to apply. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC and at ESTEC. Visits last typically 1-3 months. ESA covers travel costs and provides support for lodging expenses and meals. We encourage applications from women and minorities. The evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026.

 

ESA funding sources
Research Fellowships
ESA's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme is aimed at providing young scientists and engineers, holding a doctorate or the equivalent, with the means of doing research in space science and space applications. The Fellowships are open to nationals of ESA Member States and Canada (associated member). Fellows are hosted at one of the ESA establishments. All Fellowships in ESA's Science Support Office (SRE-S) at ESTEC belong to this category. More details are available from the Research Fellowship website.
Young Graduate Trainees
ESA's Young Graduate Trainee (YGT) programme offers recently graduated men and women, a one-year non-renewable training contract designed to give valuable work experience and to prepare for future employment in the space industry and/or research. More details are available from the ESA website.
Student placements
ESA's Internship Programme assists young people within its Member States interested in space and related areas. It helps them to meet their university requirements to carry out an internship as part of their degree course, and promotes their academic and professional development by placing them under the guidance of experienced professionals. More details are available from the ESA website.
 

General funding sources
European Commission: The Marie Curie Actions
In the Framework Programme of the Human Resources and Mobility initiative the European Commission provides funding to researchers and research organisations with a view to promoting new skills and participation in multinational research teams. More details on eligability and application procedures are available on the Marie Curie Actions website.
European Researcher's Mobility Portal
This web portal links to a full range of organisations offering training, mobility and career development opportunities for researchers across Europe. A special section is devoted to Fellowships and Grants.