KBR GmbH Space Medicine Project Support Scientist

Title:

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR 

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We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

Purpose of the Job

The Space Medicine Project Support Scientist is a member of the Space Medicine Projects & Technologies (SMP) Team within ESA's Space Medicine Team. The goal of the SMP Team is to identify and evaluate innovative technologies and approaches (based on new knowledge/evidence) with the potential to improve medical support to ESA astronauts.

The role of the Space Medicine Project Support Scientist is to contribute to KBR GmbH's SMP activities as defined in the Space Medicine Services Contract which is coordinated by the KBR GmbH SMP Work Package Lead. As such the Space Medicine Project Support Scientist is expected where appropriate to contribute to the:

• Generation and evaluation of requirements for space medicine projects and Crew Health and Performance.
• Generation of knowledge of potential Crew Health and Performance technologies through the definition and support of activities with human volunteers on ground or in-flight.
• Maintenance of a Medical Knowledge Gaps priority list to facilitate collaboration with ESA Life Sciences and ESA Member State academic institutions.
• Liaising with other ESA directorates, space agencies, industry, and universities in support of functional and performance evaluation of medical technologies and/or space medicine-related knowledge (evidence) development
• Development of tools and define/evaluate studies to answer questions relevant to Crew Health and Performance
• Conducting of specification, and functional performance evaluations of technologies of potential interest to the ESA SMT as defined by the ESA Medical Projects Lead.
• Support of functional and performance evaluations of medical technologies and/or space medicine- related knowledge (evidence) development in spaceflight, analogue environments and within large- scale analogue studies.
• Where appropriate, act as the Principal Investigator (PI) for identified technology functional and performance evaluations and/or space medicine-related knowledge (evidence) development studies with human volunteers in spaceflight, analogue environments and within large-scale analogue studies.
• Definition, drafting and evaluation of the execution of ESA Purchase Orders (POs) and other ESA contracts related to SMP Objectives.
• Conduct administrative tasks including contract support to facilitate and evaluate functional and performance evaluation of medical technologies and/or space medicine-related knowledge (evidence) development
• Provision of expert support to the Medical Projects Lead related to Medical Technology and Space- Medicine related knowledge (evidence) development by:
  • Reviewing and summarizing scientific and grey literature and data relevant to Crew Health and Performance
  • Reviewing and summarizing technical documentation of candidate medical technologies
  • Analyzing, summarizing, and reporting qualitative and quantitative data

Background and Experience

The candidate should be fluent in English (written and spoken) and have a master's degree or higher in the area of human physiology, bioengineering or a related field. Knowledge of human space physiology / space medicine is an asset. The candidate should be familiar with the principles of conducting experiments / evaluations with human participants including the need for, and experience of, the process of acquiring ethical approval. The role is a full-time equivalent (e.g., 40 hours per week) with core hours Monday through Friday.

The candidate should have proven experience in:

• defining and evaluating scientific &/or clinical projects, ideally in interdisciplinary and international contexts
• performing evaluations / studies that have included human participants
• synthesizing data / studies (i.e., a systematic review) and generating concise summaries including recommendations for action
• demonstrated skills and experience in scientific project management
• procurement / management / delivery of contracted (e.g., military) evaluations / studies
• applying strong analytical and problem-solving skills including qualitative and quantitative data processing.
• reporting and/or disseminating the findings of scientific evaluations or verification reports.
• demonstrating flexibility and positive attitude towards teamwork
• demonstrating an ability to work effectively on projects with little pre-existing experience and meeting tight deadlines.
• demonstrating proficiency using Microsoft Office applications

Additional candidate assets

• Knowledge of German and/or another ESA member state language is an asset
• Experience in agile project management and performance evaluation is an asset
• Experience in ESA's procurement mechanisms is an asset
• Knowledge about ESA and its different funding

Employee Benefits Overview

Relocation Support

• Assistance with relocation and initial housing costs.

Vacation & Public Holidays

• 30 days of annual leave and 12 public holidays.

• Additional leave granted based on long-term service.

Salary & Compensation

• Annual salary review and recognition of extra working hours through flexible arrangements.

Transportation

• Support for local commuting costs.

Health & Wellness

• Company-supported sports and wellness programs.

• Workmen's Compensation coverage.

Training & Education

• Support for professional development and and training up to €1,500 per year, including education leave paid time.

Work Arrangement

• Flexible hybrid working options.

Savings Plan

• Opportunity to participate in the company savings program.