Former ESA Research Fellows: Where are they now?
Christiane Helling discusses her time as an ESA Research Fellow and her current work as Director of the Space Research Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the Research Fellowship Programme you must:
- Have recently completed or be close to completing a PhD in a relevant technical or scientific discipline. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD.
- Be a citizen of one of the ESA Member States, European Cooperating States, Associate Members or Canada as a Cooperating State. The full list of eligible countries is published in the footer of each ESA vacancy.
What we offer
The Research Fellowship Programme offers:
- Inspiring missions and a unique opportunity to carry out advanced research related to space science, space applications and technology in ESA establishments.
- A friendly, international and multicultural working environment.
- A two year appointment (with the possibility of renewal for a third year) with 2.5 days paid leave per month.
- ESA Research Fellows receive a monthly salary exempt from national income tax in ESA Member States, as well as excellent employment conditions.
- Travel expenses reimbursed at the beginning and end of the appointment.
- Expatriation allowance and/or an installation allowance on arrival if you meet the conditions of entitlement. Excess luggage costs are reimbursed.
- Affiliation to ESA’s comprehensive social security scheme and pension scheme.
- ESA also makes provision for pregnancy, bonding, parental/family care and sick leave, as well as special leave for personal and family related reasons.
More about life at ESA
Find out everything you need to know about life at ESA. For more information about ESA sites, check out ESA establishments.
ESA Research Fellowship opportunities are published on our recruiting site throughout the year, with the exception of Space Science Research Fellowships, which are published once per year (usually in August). You can set up a job alert to be informed as soon as the opportunities are published!
Learn more about the recruitment process at ESA.
Research Fellowships in Space Science
Research Fellowships in Space Science offer the opportunity to conduct research on our Solar System and Universe specifically in the fields of heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. These fellowships provide a unique opportunity to work with scientists and engineers at the forefront of space science and experience first-hand how ESA works with communities across the Member States to maximise the scientific return from our missions.
Hear directly from our 2026 Space Science Research Fellows and discover what it’s really like to be part of the programme.
Where can ESA's Research Fellowships in Space Science take you?
Meet some of our former Research Fellows and discover how their careers have developed since participating in the programme.
Former ESA Research Fellows: Where are they now?
Tra-Mi Ho tells us about her Research Fellowship in Space Science and her work as Head of the Department of System Engineering and Project Office at the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Former ESA Research Fellows: Where are they now?
Catarina Alves de Oliveira, Science Operations Development Manager at ESA, reflects on her current work at ESA and her time as a Research Fellow.
Former ESA Research Fellows: Where are they now?
Japheth Yates, former ESA Research Fellow, discusses his work as lead computational engineer at Arrival, an electric vehicle startup.
Former ESA Research Fellows: Where are they now?
We asked Ágnes Kóspál, astronomer and physicist at Konkoly Observatory in Budapest, about her work and her time as an ESA Research Fellow.
ESA Academy
Looking for more learning and hands-on opportunities? ESA Academy is run in close collaboration with European universities and is designed to complement academic education. Its objective is to enhance university students’ educational experience and help them develop both practical and theoretical know-how and expertise in a wide range of disciplines through projects, training and engagement initiatives, such as scholarships, conference sponsorships and more. ESA Academy is open to university students from undergraduate to PhD level coming from ESA Member States, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
You can also explore ESA Education's training courses and workshops on the ESA Education and Community Platform.
Media modal
Continue exploring
Entry-level progammes
Discover how to take part in ESA’s missions and projects as a student or recent graduate.
Find your path with ESA
Take our careers quiz to see which ESA opportunity is right for you!
Join us
Interested in working for ESA? Find out more about what it means to be a part of our unique and inspiring environment.