The ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science let early-career researchers pursue independent projects across the agency’s science programme. Fellows join one of three duty stations — ESAC near Madrid (Spain), ESTEC in Noordwijk (the Netherlands), or ESA’s office at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore (USA) — and work alongside mission teams in astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, and fundamental physics. About nine to ten fellowships are offered each year. The scheme is aimed at researchers who have recently completed, or are close to completing, a PhD.
Benefits & funding
- Salaried appointment: net monthly remuneration circa €3,200–€4,100 at ESAC/ESTEC; about US$4,500 monthly at STScI.
- Appointments run for a maximum of three years (an initial two-year project, extendable by one year).
- Independent research aligned with ESA missions, with access to mission teams and facilities.
Eligibility
- Nationals of an ESA Member, Associate, or Cooperating State (see the country list); Canadian nationals are also eligible.
- Recently completed, or near completion of, a PhD in a technical or scientific discipline.
- Preference (not a hard requirement) for candidates with up to five years of post-PhD experience.
Can you apply?
Worth a closer look
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Eligible nationalities
Austria · Belgium · Bulgaria · Canada · Croatia · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Estonia · Finland · France · Germany
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Greece · Hungary · Ireland · Italy · Latvia · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Malta · Netherlands · Norway · Poland · Portugal · Romania · Slovakia · Slovenia · Spain · Sweden · Switzerland · UK
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Education required
PhD · PhD Enrolled
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Choose a duty station and a research area within ESA’s science programme.
- 2Prepare a motivation letter, CV, a separate publications list, and a research proposal (maximum 4 pages, minimum 11pt font).
- 3Arrange three reference letters.
- 4Submit the application through ESA’s recruitment portal before the call deadline.
Program timeline
Call expected to open.
Late August 2026
Application deadline.
Second half of September 2026
Long-listed candidates contacted for video interviews.
Early November
Short-listed candidates interviewed.
Mid-December
Offers issued.
February