Senior Research Fellow [f/m/x] – Full-time (40 hours/week)

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), the leading European think-tank on space, is looking to employ a Senior Research Fellow at the premises of the Institute in Vienna (on-site), starting in Q3 2025 (please see all the details on the ESPI website.

About the role

As an ESPI Senior Research Fellow, you will be joining a fast-paced growth environment in a culturally diverse team with varied backgrounds. We are characterised by a strong appreciation of new initiatives & impact-driven objectives, paired with a commitment to rigour, continuous learning, and team-wide exchange where the best ideas prevail. Space is undergoing a transformative change in market dynamics, technology developments, and policy implications. As an Senior Research Fellow, you are responsible for developing insights and maintaining the Institute’s position at the cutting edge of analysing these advancements and evolution across the following domains defined in ESPI2040:

• Green & Sustainable Societies;
• Security & Defence;
• Exploration & Science;
• Space as an Asset;
• Industry, Innovation, Finance, Workforce.

Can you read beyond the job description? Are you driven by purpose and thrive in a pool of bright young minds? Do you cherish independence and can you stand up in open debate and advocate for impact? Can you build bridges in complex spheres of influence and power? Are you inspired by space? Applications across our research agenda are welcome, noting that as a Senior Research Fellow, you will cover at least two research domains. Depending on your experience, you will be tasked to both work as part of project teams as well as to lead and develop projects with teams of 1-4 additional Research Fellows or Interns, notably:

• delivery of high-quality expert advice regarding space policy, the space industry, space operations, market assessments, budget evolutions, and non-space policies impacting the space sector;
• concepts, studies and continuous content output in support of program implementers and policy-makers;
• strategic direction and organisation of high-level events, workshops, and educational courses;
• managing projects including contract, budget, and deliverable management;
• quality assurance and compliance with project terms.

As part of our Research Team, you will also contribute to the strategic orientation and further development of ESPI, our Engagement activities and Key Partner Management efforts.

Qualifications

• a Master’s degree that relates to the Institute’s work and mission (e.g. Law, Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Business, Engineering, Physics, Banking & Finance, Technology & Innovation);
• at least 8 years of relevant work experience (Consultancy, Think Tank, Industry, Public Sector, NGO);
• excellent analytical or writing skills, ability to work in teams, and intercultural competence;
• demonstrated project management, team development, and leadership skills;
• demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the space sector and the space policy landscape;
• flexibility, impact-oriented thinking and excellent organisational skills;
• excellent command of English, written and oral.

Application Process

We accept applications by EU/EEA citizens as well as non-EU citizens. To apply for this position, please send:

• a copy of your CV in .pdf format,
• a motivation letter in .pdf format,

to [email protected] with the subject: “ESPI Senior Research Fellow” before 25 May 2025, 23:59 CEST. Please do not submit educational records or certificates at this stage.

The position is full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working conditions. The advertised salary is in the range of € 75,000 – € 85,000 gross per year (paid 14 times a year). In expectation of ESPI acquiring the status of a Quasi-International Organisation (QIO) later in 2025, under the provisions of QIO the salary of ESPI staff will be partially exempt from national taxation. An additional bonus payment is subject to the Management’s decision and the Institute’s overall performance.

Why work with us? Read more about benefits of working at ESPI here.