ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science

We are pleased to announce the 2026 Call for Applications for the European Space Agency's Research Fellowships in Space Science. We expect to hire 5 to 6 fellows this year.

Location

Research Fellowships in Space Science (SCI) can be located at any of the following institutes:

• European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villafranca del Castillo near Madrid, Spain
• European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands
• ESA office at Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Your mission

ESA's postdoctoral Research Fellowship programme offers early-career scientists and engineers the possibility to carry out independent research in a variety of disciplines related to space science, space applications or space technology. ESA Research Fellowships provide a unique opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at the forefront of space science and experience first-hand how ESA works with communities across its Member States to maximise the scientific return from our missions.

Research Fellowships in Space Science offer the opportunity to contribute to ESA's endeavour to explore our Solar System and the Universe in the fields of heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics.

Who can apply

Applicants should have recently completed or be close to completing their PhD in a technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to candidates with up to five years of relevant experience after the PhD.

Applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the  ESA Member States, ESA Associate Member states or European Cooperating States.

Duration

ESA Research Fellow contracts have a maximum duration of three years. Projects initially last two years and are frequently extended to a third year upon submission of a dedicated proposal.

More information for applicants

Detailed information specific to the Science Fellowships can be found on the following site: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/fellowship

Closing date for applications is 22 September 2025.

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 female scientists are encouraged.