Discipline Scientist in 1) Exoplanet Sciences 2) Planetary Science and 3) Climate Science

Located in Bern Switzerland, ISSI is a premier international institution that advances space sciences by addressing compelling scientific issues in the areas of Astrophysics, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Earth Observations. We do so by facilitating community discussions in a stimulating collegial, neutral and inclusive environment. We typically host 1000+ visitors per year through a variety of scientific opportunities: Workshops, Forums, International Team collaborations, senior fellowships and visits by individual scientists. While some of these activities come in response to open calls, the ISSI Directors and Discipline Scientists play a major role in designing and implementing them. Further information about ISSI and related activities can be found at www.issibern.ch.

ISSI is now seeking to hire three active mid-career or senior, internationally recognised, scientists with demonstrable and broad scientific contributions in the disciplines above, to leverage ISSI’s unique resources and propose and implement impactful scientific activities, in their own field of expertise, aimed at advancing science and serving the community worldwide. Experience with space missions is desired. ISSI is now seeking to hire three active mid-career or senior, internationally recognised, scientists with demonstrable and broad scientific contributions in the disciplines above, to leverage ISSI’s unique resources and propose and implement impactful scientific activities, in their own field of expertise, aimed at advancing science and serving the community worldwide. These activities involve, but are not limited to, proposing and organising Workshops and Forums, attracting internationally recognised visitors, etc.

Discipline Scientists are expected to commit to 20–40 working days (negotiable) per year at ISSI in Bern, where they work with ISSI Directors to establish initiatives aimed at fostering scientific discussions on important topics in the scientific areas they are experts of. These are not full time positions.

The three specific fields of expertise for which we are seeking discipline scientists are:
- Exoplanet Sciences, with an emphasis on observations from space missions, in the context of the broader picture of habitability and search for life. Here the Discipline Scientist would help establish at ISSI a new focused scientific programme.
- Planetary Science, from small bodies to large planets.
- Earth Observation from space, with focus on the scientific understanding of climate change effects on the environment, their observation and quantification, as well as their predictability through modelling efforts, using remote sensing techniques. The Discipline Scientist's contributions should help establish a focused scientific programme on Climate Change Science, emphasising space mission observations to support broader climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

The appointment will be for a period of one year and is renewable. For these positions, ISSI offers a competitive package: a salary (commensurate to the seniority level), and fully reimbursed travel costs and accommodation while in Bern. In addition, the Discipline Scientist will have privileged access to ISSI opportunities and infrastructure, including state-of-the art meeting facilities, the ability to invite collaborating scientists to ISSI, and the close proximity to prominent neighbouring institutions such as the University of Bern.

Applications from interested scientists should include: 1) a one page cover letter presenting the candidate’s qualifications and rationale for the application. The letter should also include ideas for establishing scientific initiatives at ISSI and 2) a curriculum vitae including a list of publications. Scientists based in ESA member states are particularly encouraged to apply.

All applications must be submitted to ISSI by May 20, 2024, through the online submission form at https://www.issibern.ch/DS-application/. For questions on the position, please contact Dr. Antonella Nota ([email protected]).