Research Fellow (International Engagement) - Full-time (40 hours/week)

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), the leading European think-tank on space, is looking to employ a Research Fellow focused on International Engagement 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 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 ESPI 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? As a Research Fellow focused on International Engagement, you will cover all research domains. And be tasked with several responsibilities and activities, notably:

• delivery of high-quality expert advice regarding space policy and international space politics, space diplomacy and international space governance;
• shaping the evolution of ESPI’s international engagement activities to drive greater impact;
• implementation and support to ESPI’s International engagement initiatives (e.g. VSD, Inter-regional Dialogues, external events and partnerships with non-European stakeholders, engagement in multilateral fora);
• concepts, studies and continuous content output in support of program implementers and policy-makers;
• managing projects including contract, budget, and deliverable management;
• quality assurance and compliance with project terms.

As part of our Research Team, you also contribute to the strategic orientation and further development of the Institute, 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 3 years of relevant full-time work experience (Consultancy, Think Tank, Industry, Public Sector, NGO);
• excellent organisational and representation skills, coupled with inter- cultural competence and self-starting mindset;
• demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the international space sector;
• flexibility, impact-oriented thinking and strong sense of ownership of initiatives;
• excellent command of English, written and oral, with proficiency in additional languages considered an asset.

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 Research Fellow INT” 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 € 50,000 – € 55,000 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. Junior Research Fellows qualify for a lower salary tier set at € 45,000 gross per year.

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