Permanent contract | Belvaux

Are you passionate about space resources? So are we! Come and join us

The European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) is a joint initiative of the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). ESRIC aims to become an internationally recognized centre of expertise for scientific, technical, business and economic aspects related to the use of space resources for human and robotic exploration, as well as for a future in-space economy.

You ‘d like to contribute as a researcher? Join us!

ESRIC exists in a rapidly changing international environment. Being part of this new adventure and contributing to build successful activities with ESRIC’s partners is common to all of ESRIC’s team.

ESRIC is implemented as a department of LIST, with a dedicated governance structure that includes its partners LSA, ESA and LIST. It is conducting activities along three main areas: Research and testing facilities, Business support and incubation, and Community management.

The primary objective of ESRIC is to research, develop and improve the understanding and performance of processes enabling the utilization of space resources with an initial focus on the Moon.

To know more about ESRIC activities: www.esric.lu

How will you contribute?

As part of a new phase of growth for ESRIC, supported by the FNR PEARL programme “Solutions for the Sustainable and Responsible Uses of Space Resources”, we are seeking a Research & Technology (R&T) Scientist to join our dynamic RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) team.

You will be an integral part of the team, focusing on processes and systems related to space resources. Specific areas of activity currently in ESRIC include resource characterisation, beneficiation and production of water, oxygen and metals from lunar regolith. We are particularly interested in technology transfer between Earth and space, and applicants from the terrestrial resources research sector who are interested in space applications are welcome.

You will have the potential to be a research leader in computational and/or experimental research related to these fields, either for a given technology domain in the space resources value chain, or at the system level. You will have the opportunity to develop your research career as part of a growing team in an exciting field, reporting directly to the Head of ESRIC.

We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have research experience in the following areas:

• Beneficiation or mineral processing technology and/or processes
• Modelling and simulation of multiphase systems
• Design and optimization of technology for space resources utilisation

As an experienced researcher, you will carry out your own research in space resources, while supporting the research effort across ESRIC in line with our mission to become a world leading centre of excellence in space resources. You will join a dynamic team of researchers, supervise PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, and help to grow the team by attracting additional projects and funding. 

Your mission includes:

• The development of technologies, systems and approaches to find, harness and use resources in space.
• Management of a portfolio of RDI projects, ranging from fundamental research to industry-applied research, primarily focusing on the harnessing and sustainable use of resources in space, and supporting systems.
• Securing funding for projects at both national and international levels
• Supervising postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates.
• Enhancing the group's recognition by developing scientific and technological cooperation networks and partnerships with industries and institutions.
• Contributing actively to the development of Research & Technology activities in ESRIC.

Is your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

As to join us, you:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geoscience or a related field.
• At least 5 years postdoctoral experience in a relevant field.
• Experience specifically in space resources research and development would be highly beneficial.
• A track record in attracting competitive funding
• A publication record in a relevant field in line with experience.
• Experience in supervising PhD candidates.
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including industrial partners.
• Excellent autonomy in the management of technical, time management and organizational issues.
• Excellent English, both written and oral.

What ESRIC and LIST can offer

ESRIC has an ambitious development plan over the next years, adding further partners and expanding its activities. The team that you will be joining is expected to grow quickly with the possibility to see ESRIC evolve towards a self-standing entity in a few years.

Your ESRIC and LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Has this vacancy caught your interest?

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience;
• A scientific CV with contact details;
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable);
• Contact details of 2 references.

Application procedure and conditions

• We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.
• ESRIC is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.
• Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.