European Space Agency
1 month ago
Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Space × Quantum, Space × Materials, Space × Data, and FutureNav at ESA ESDI European Space Agency in Spain
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
This is a co-sponsored postdoctoral research opportunity through ESA ESDI. The call supports embedded postdoctoral researchers within ESDI Platforms for Research; it is not described as a standard salaried job post, and funding is tied to the co-sponsored research scheme rather than a fixed stipend in the provided text.
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
Spain
University
European Space Agency
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About this position
European Space Agency (ESA) / European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) is inviting applications for a postdoctoral research opportunity in Switzerland through its Platforms for Research. This call is aimed at outstanding postdoctoral researchers who want to work at the intersection of deep-tech and space, while contributing to a coordinated research ecosystem led by ESA.
The opportunity spans several research directions, including Space × Quantum, Space × Materials, Space × Data, and FutureNav. Example topics include quantum-enhanced navigation, AI-augmented Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), autonomous decision-making, sensor fusion, explainable AI, anomaly detection, GNSS-denied navigation, and next-generation navigation technologies. The call also highlights research on advanced manufacturing, adaptive spacecraft structures, and trustworthy autonomous space systems.
This is not a conventional postdoctoral scheme. Selected researchers will be embedded within ESDI’s Platforms for Research, where they will pursue their own postdoctoral projects while also contributing to platform-level goals, community building, and the development of a European deep-tech network for space. The scheme is designed to strengthen links between academia, industry, and ESA stakeholders, and to give researchers experience in coordinated research programmes.
The call places strong emphasis on both the quality of the proposed research and the profile of the researcher. Applicants are expected to be strong postdoctoral candidates with relevant expertise and the ability to engage with ESDI’s collaborative mission. A CV of the nominated researcher(s) is required as part of the proposal.
Funding is described as a co-sponsored research arrangement rather than a standard job advertisement. The post is based in Switzerland and is associated with ESA’s European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre.
Interested candidates should review the full call information, identify the most relevant research platform or topic, and submit the required proposal materials through the ESA application process.
Funding details
This is a co-sponsored postdoctoral research opportunity through ESA ESDI. The call supports embedded postdoctoral researchers within ESDI Platforms for Research; it is not described as a standard salaried job post, and funding is tied to the co-sponsored research scheme rather than a fixed stipend in the provided text.
What's required
Applicants should be outstanding postdoctoral researchers. The call emphasizes scientific excellence, the quality of the proposed research, and the profile, capabilities, and engagement potential of the individual researcher. A curriculum vitae of the nominated researcher(s) is required. Research should align with one of the ESDI Platforms for Research or FutureNav topics, and candidates are expected to contribute to platform-level objectives and community development.
How to apply
Review the ESDI call details and choose a relevant research topic. Prepare a proposal including the nominated researcher’s CV and submit through the ESA OSIP/call process. Use the provided information page for full application instructions.
More information can be found here
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