Vacancy: Assistant Human Resources Manager

Dirma van Eck | 25 June 2024

***Applications closed*** Have you been working as HR professional in an international organisation and are looking for a change? Then this job may be for you.

We are looking for an experienced human resources professional to help out with our HR needs. You will be working closely together with our HR manager in our Leiden office in The Netherlands to help with payroll, recruiting, liaising with employees and training/onboarding.

We’re looking for someone with…

At least four years’ experience working in a similar role, preferably for an international organisation
A degree in human resources management, business administration or equivalent studies
Extensive knowledge of Dutch employment law
Fluency in Dutch and excellent communication skills in English
The capacity to engage and work effectively with people at all levels of an organisation
Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances
A proactive approach and the ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines

We also value…

A can-do attitude
A solution-oriented mindset and readiness to take initiative
The ability to operate in a friendly, professional and discreet manner at all times
Experience working in an international environment
Knowledge of international employment law (mainly European laws)
A keen eye for detail

Your tasks will include:

Supporting our HR manager with payroll and other administrative tasks
Liaising with payroll and pension implementors and intermediaries
Supporting internal communications and onboarding strategies
Keeping up-to-date with changes in HR law in Europe and The Netherlands in particular
Helping to formalise HR strategies and coordinate communication activities

Contractual matters

The position is part-time (0.6-0.8 FTE) and on-site in our Leiden office. Hybrid working is possible after the first three months. This is a 1-year contract, with possibility of renewal. The optimal start date is 1 August 2024.

Closing date: 22 July 2024 at 12:30 CEST.

Salary range: 3600-4000 EUR per month (+8% holiday allowance) based on 0.8 FTE, depending on experience.

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

If you think this is for you, tell us why you’d like to join our team. Please send your cover letter, CV and references to: vacancy@ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Please note that only applications in English will be considered. During the application process we may perform a quick check of your social media channels. If you do not agree to such screening, please let us know when you apply. Any data collected during the application process will of course be processed according to EU GDPR. For more information, please check our Data Policy.

Stellenausschreibung: Redakteur/in fließend in Deutsch und Englisch

Dirma van Eck | 17 May 2024

***Bewerbung geschlossen*** Du bist ein/e erfahrene/r deutschsprachige/r Redakteur/in mit einem starken wissenschaftlichen Hintergrund und einem Gespür für die Übersetzung ins Deutsche und das Aufspüren von Inhalten? Ist es deine Passion, wissenschaftliche Inhalte in ansprechende Formate für ein breites Publikum zu verwandeln? Dann könnte dies der richtige Job für dich sein!

Wir suchen dringend eine/n zweisprachigen Redakteur/in, der/die Erfahrung in der Übersetzung und Aufspüren von wissenschaftlichen Inhalten ins Deutsche hat.

Englische Stellenausschreibung siehe unten.

Der/die erfolgreiche Bewerber/in verfügt über:

Ausgezeichnete Kommunikationsfähigkeiten in Englisch und Deutsch
Einen Master-Abschluss in der Linguistik (Englisch/Deutsch) oder Wissenschaftskommunikation
Einen soliden wissenschaftlichen Hintergrund (vorzugsweise einen Bachelor-Abschluss oder Abitur)
Mindestens vier Jahre Berufserfahrung im Übersetzen, Schreiben und Redigieren, vorzugsweise in einem Kommunikationsteam einer großen internationalen Organisation.
Ein außergewöhnliches Auge für Details
Erfahrung in der Einhaltung von Unternehmensrichtlinien zur Erstellung präziser, überzeugender Texte.
Kenntnisse der europäischen Raumfahrtprogramme

Zu Ihren Aufgaben gehören:

Übersetzen und Bearbeiten von Texten zur Verbesserung von KI-generierten Inhalten
Erstellung und Bearbeitung von Inhalten in deutscher Sprache, darunter Nachrichtenartikel, Pressemitteilungen und Beiträge für soziale Medien, Texte für Druckzwecke usw., wobei eine gleichbleibend hohe Qualität der Sprache und der Erzählstruktur zu gewährleisten ist.
Übersetzen, Redigieren und Lokalisieren von Artikeln für Druckzwecke
Unterstützung von Kollegen im breiteren EJR-Quartz-Team bei Bedarf

Hört sich das nach Ihnen an? Sagen Sie uns, warum Sie glauben, dass Sie der/die Richtige für diese spannende Aufgabe sind, indem Sie Ihren Lebenslauf und Ihr Anschreiben an vacancy@ejr-quartz.com schicken oder sich über die sozialen Medien an @ejrquartz wenden.

Sie finden uns auch auf Twitter, Instagram und LinkedIn.

Erfahren Sie mehr über unser Unternehmen und lernen Sie das Team kennen unter: www.ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz ist ein Arbeitgeber der Chancengleichheit. Wir sind stolz auf unser vielfältiges Team mit einer Vielzahl von Hintergründen, Perspektiven und Fähigkeiten. Je integrativer wir sind, desto besser wird unsere Arbeit sein.

Vertragliche Angelegenheiten

Wir suchen eine Person, die halbtags zur Verfügung stehen kann (0,5 VZÄ). Die Stelle ist außerhalb des Unternehmens angesiedelt und der Vertrag wird von EJR-Quartz BV in den Niederlanden ausgestellt. Freiberufliche Tätigkeit ist möglich. Anfangsdatum so bald wie möglich.

Einsendeschluss für Bewerbungen: 27. Mai 2024 um 12:30 Uhr MESZ

Gehalt: € 1700-2000 brutto für eine Halbtagsstelle (20 Std./Woche), je nach Erfahrung, Preise für freie Mitarbeit nach Absprache.

Anfangsdatum: so bald wie möglich

Bitte beachten Sie, dass nur Bewerbungen in englischer oder deutscher Sprache berücksichtigt werden können. Während des Bewerbungsverfahrens können wir einen kurzen Check Ihrer Social-Media-Kanäle durchführen. Wenn Sie mit einer solchen Überprüfung nicht einverstanden sind, teilen Sie uns dies bitte bei Ihrer Bewerbung mit. Alle während des Bewerbungsverfahrens erhobenen Daten werden selbstverständlich gemäß der EU-DSGVO verarbeitet. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzrichtlinie.

Vacancy: Editor fluent in German and English

***Applications closed***Are you an experienced German-speaking editor with a strong science background and a flair for translating and localising content into German? Is your passion to turn scientific content into engaging materials for a general audience? Then this might be the job for you!

We are urgently looking for a bilingual editor who has experience in translating, localising and curating scientific content in German.

The successful candidate will have:

Excellent communication skills in English and German
A master’s degree in languages (English/German) or science communication
A strong science background (preferably a bachelor’s degree)
Minimum of four years’ professional experience in translating, writing and editing, preferably for a communications team of a large international organisation.
An exceptional eye for detail
Experience of working in compliance with corporate guidelines to create accurate, compelling copy.
Knowledge of European Space Programmes

Your tasks will include:

Translating and editing texts to help improve AI-generated content
Creating and editing content in German, including news articles, press releases, social media posts, copy for print purposes etc., ensuring consistent high quality of the language and narrative structure.
Translating, editing and localising articles for print purposes
Supporting colleagues as necessary in the wider EJR-Quartz team

Does this sound like you? Tell us why you think you’re the right fit for this exciting role by sending your CV and cover letter to: vacancy@ejr-quartz.com or reach out via social media to @ejrquartz

You’ll find us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Contractual matters

We are looking for a person who can be available half time (0.5 FTE). The position is off site and the contract will be issued by EJR-Quartz BV in the Netherlands. Freelancing is possible. Starting date as soon as possible.

Closing date for applications: 27 May 2024 at 12:30 CEST

Salary: €1700-2000 gross for a half-time position (20 h/week), depending on experience, freelance rates to be discussed.

Starting date: as soon as possible

Please note that only applications in English or German will be considered. During the application process we may perform a quick check of your social media channels. If you do not agree to such screening, please let us know when you apply. Any data collected during the application process will of course be processed according to EU GDPR. For more information, please check our Data Policy.

My experience at EJR-Quartz

Dirma van Eck | 7 May 2024

A few months ago, I had to find an internship in an English-speaking company for my school’s Cambridge programme. Because Linda Carrette who works at EJR-Quartz and I live near each other, I asked if I could do my internship there. This was allowed so a few months later I had my one week long internship there.

At the start I was very nervous as I barely knew anyone who worked there, but I quickly started worrying less since everyone there was so nice and helpful. After arriving there on Monday and meeting everyone who was present that day, I could start doing small tasks.

The things I did in the past week include doing a small reflection on the site as they wanted to know whether it was fully clear to someone who didn’t exactly know who they were, updating the book list for a future library, making barcodes for the library cards and later making the library cards, translating four scripts for animations about Hera and her job and designing a logo patch for EJR-Quartz.

My favourite thing to do was making the logo patch as I really enjoy almost everything that has anything to do with art. I got to sketch some ideas and later digitalise the final one, I had a lot of fun doing so.

My school also gave me a few assignments to do while at EJR-Quartz, I had to answer a few questions about the workplace and interview two people about their job.

They had no issue with helping me with the questions, and I almost immediately had both interviews planned. I did one with Oana Grigore and one with Mariana, David and Joana from the Science Office.

In the end I was very happy I was able to do my internship at EJR-Quartz. The people were amazing, it felt like they were all one big friend group. At lunch break everyone would sit together, have fun conversations and laugh about the dog Chica asking everyone for a bit of their food.

The work I did was also enjoyable, it was different from what I would normally do in school, and I think I learned quite a lot from only being there for one week. It was a great experience in general and I’m glad I got to do it!

Vacancy: Editor for ESA’s Operations activities in Darmstadt, Germany

Dirma van Eck | 23 April 2024

***Applications closed*** Do you have excellent editorial skills and a flair for storytelling? EJR-Quartz has an immediate opening for a fluent English editor familiar with spacecraft operations activities, to be part of our service team for the European Space Agency, based onsite at ESA’s Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.

We’re looking for an experienced editor to develop inspiring content and creative campaigns for ESA’s Operations Directorate. We seek an individual who shares our passion for creative problem solving and who is able to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will have:

Proficiency in English (mother-tongue or equivalent) and the ability to write and edit independently
A Masters degree in communications/journalism or a scientific or technical subject
Minimum of 4 years’ professional experience in writing and editing with a flair for marketing
Strong content management skills and familiarity with online publishing and social media tools
Great communication and networking skills
Demonstrable knowledge of communications, marketing and social media strategy
Ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines, both independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of another European language is an asset
Knowledge of European spacecraft operations is an advantage

Tasks include:

Researching and writing/editing content with the aim of publishing news, web stories, blog posts, social media posts, brochures, fact sheets, and other materials promoting the technical and programmatic activities of the directorate
Supporting internal communications on the topic by putting together content for newsletters and working with the wider internal communications team
Validating information with the relevant technical experts, and ensuring that it is compliant with ESA’s editorial and branding guidelines
Coordinating with ESA Corporate Communications to ensure that the content is aligned with ESA’s overall communication strategy
Creating and updating content in the content management system
Coordinating and implementing the creation of multimedia content for use on different platforms
Assisting in devising and implementing a communication strategy

Contractual matters

The successful candidate will be employed directly by EJR-Quartz as part of our service team for ESA. The position is full-time (1 FTE) and onsite at ESA’s Operations Centre in Darmstadt. This is a temporary contract until 31 December 2024, with possibility of renewal. The optimal start date is 1 June 2024.

Candidates must already have a valid residence/working permit for Germany.

Closing date: 6 May 2024 at 12:30 CEST

Salary range: 3800-4200 EUR gross per month, depending on experience.

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

If you think this is for you, tell us why you’d like to join our team. Please send your cover letter, CV and references to: vacancy@ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Please note that only applications in English will be considered. During the application process we may perform a check of your social media channels. If you do not agree to such screening, please let us know when you apply. Any data collected during the application process will of course be processed according to EU GDPR. For more information, please check our Data Policy.

(Banner: ESOC’s main facility in Darmstadt, Germany. Credit: ESA)

Vacancy: Communication specialist for ESA’s Ф-Lab

Dirma van Eck | 23 April 2024

***Applications closed*** When was the last time you were in the front row of exciting innovations and your job was all about sharing this enthusiasm with external and internal stakeholders? Time for a change? We are looking for a communications specialist with a passion for space applications, specifically in the Earth observation field.

The position is full-time (1 FTE) for EJR-Quartz under contract to ESA, at ESA’s Earth Observation Centre in Frascati, Italy.

You will help to support Ф-lab communications, campaigns and events and will be responsible for organising outreach activities. As part of the EJR-Quartz for ESA communications team you will liaise closely with the corporate and EO communications teams to plan and coordinate events and materials.

Your main tasks will be to:

Produce communication materials for the Ф-lab and InCubed programmes
Coordinate the production of content for the Ф-lab websites
Support the Ф-lab communication strategy by organising events and press activities, preparing relevant materials, creating promotional campaigns etc.
Contribute to the preparation of communications plans and campaigns
Produce promotional content for different platforms, including web, social media and print

The successful candidate will have:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Italian
A degree in communication, marketing, public relations or events planning
A strong interest and background in Earth observation
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role
Experience working in an international environment with governmental institutes
The capacity to engage and work effectively with people at all levels of an organisation and with the general public
Excellent organisational and administrative skills
Flexibility and a capacity to adapt to changing circumstances
Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure

Contractual matters

The successful candidate will be employed directly by EJR-Quartz srl. The position is full-time (1 FTE) onsite at ESRIN, Frascati (Italy). This is a temporary contract until 31 December 2024, with possibility of renewal. The optimal start date is 1 June 2024. Candidates must already have a valid residence/work permit for Italy.

Closing date: 6 May 2024 at 12:30 CEST

Salary range: 3600-4000 EUR gross per month, depending on experience.

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

If you think this is for you, tell us why you’d like to join our team. Please send your cover letter, CV and references to: vacancy@ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

(Banner: Observing the Earth. Credit: ESA Φ-lab)

Vacancy: Editor for ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications – Harwell, UK

Dirma van Eck | 22 April 2024

***Applications closed*** Do you have excellent writing skills and the ability to translate science into engaging content for a general audience? Are you looking for your next challenge in science communication? Then we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Working as part of the EJR-Quartz communications service team for the European Space Agency (ESA), you will be based onsite at ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT), located at the Harwell Campus for Science and Innovation in the UK.

The successful candidate will have:

A degree in communication, journalism or science/engineering
Minimum of four years’ professional experience in writing and editing, preferably for a communications team of a large international organisation
The ability to present ideas and recommendations persuasively in writing and verbally, geared towards the general public
An excellent grasp of the English language (native or equivalent), with an exceptional eye for detail
Great communication and networking skills
The ability to help plan and implement communication strategies
The capacity to conduct interviews in written, audio or video format
Experience of working in compliance with corporate guidelines to create accurate, compelling copy
A proactive approach to managing projects and the ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines
Great communication and networking skills
The ability to help plan and implement communication strategies

We also value:

Knowledge of European Space Programmes
Knowledge of another European language

Your tasks will include to:

Create content for publication on the main ESA corporate communications portal. The content must be accessible to the general public and includes web articles, as well as images and videos
Create social media posts for the @ESATelecoms X and LinkedIn accounts and other social media platforms, as required
Conduct research into the topics to be covered, working with colleagues in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications to identify newsworthy content that can be created in a timely fashion
Create and edit the content to ensure the high quality of its language and narrative structure, and to ensure it complies with the ESA corporate communications style guide
Ensure that all content is approved by the relevant stakeholders
Help external partners that seek to issue their own press releases by providing content, such as a quote from the Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications
Upload approved content into the content management system
Run the @EsaTelecoms X (formerly Twitter) account and coordinate with other relevant social media accounts.
Curate the telecommunications section of the ESA corporate communications portal
Support colleagues as necessary in ESA-wide corporate communications, including creating content for press releases and ESA Web TV
Attend editorial and other meetings as required

You’ll find us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Contractual matters

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. The contract will be issued by EJR-Quartz BV in the Netherlands. The position is full-time and onsite at ECSAT, Harwell (UK). This position is temporary until 31 December 2024 with the possibility of renewal. Ideal starting date would be 1 June 2024.

Closing date for applications: 6 May 2024 at 12:30 CEST

Salary: £3800-4200 gross for a full-time position (40 h/week), depending on experience

Starting date: 1 June 2024

(Banner: ESA’s ECSAT facility in Harwell, UK. Credit: ESA)

Being a part of Ariane 5’s history

Yasmin Tosta | 19 March 2024

Our editor Camilla MacMillan-Hughes supported ESA’s Space Transportation directorate for almost a decade. After assisting the launcher’s communications for such a long time, she was featured on ESA’s ‘Portraits of Ariane 5’ series and shared her experiences in an interview.

“I was the editor for ESA’s Space Transportation (formerly ‘Launchers’) directorate working part time for nine years until March 2023, based at ESA ESTEC in the Netherlands.

“One of my tasks was to write news articles and produce other media for the ESA web portal about Ariane 5, its launches and technical developments. It’s important to get the level of technical detail right, to appeal to rocket enthusiasts as well as the general public, and to make it interesting and understandable by an international audience.

“I previously worked for the company that developed the software and user interface for the Jupiter Control Centre display system on the wall and consoles. As the technical writer there, I wrote the French user manuals for the system administrator and operators.

“Who doesn’t like watching a rocket launch? Rockets are magnificent and cool but everything has to be perfect before the ‘GO’ for launch is given. I liked to see the teams in the control room, their anticipation, concentration, then their relief and joy. Given Ariane 5’s stunning reliability it was easy to forget how much of an accomplishment every successful launch is – and how much it matters to these people.

“Covering launches was always very exciting and a little nerve-racking too. When the Arianespace broadcast started I would have that feeling: the launch is beginning! ESA mission launches involved a whole team. There’s a great sense of camaraderie and belonging.

“But for most commercial launches, occurring in the early hours of the morning European time, there would only be a couple of us from Communications online. I’m a night owl so was happy to be covering these launches and publishing from home. My cat would love to join me and his paws often reached out onto my keyboard!

“It was exhilarating – the countdown, the roar of the Vulcain engine, and liftoff! After Arianespace announced launch success, I would publish my prepared ESA article and update background pages before going to bed.

“In the early days, the picture at the top of the article would be my screenshot taken at exactly eight seconds after the liftoff announcement as Ariane 5 left the ground (it was the best view in the frame of the TV broadcast and sometimes this could be tricky to capture as network technology was not what it is now).

“Nowadays Europe’s Spaceport sends out beautiful high-resolution photos soon after liftoff. Of course, the best launches to watch were during the daytime, when there was a clear view and blue skies.

“One of the most intense launch campaigns for me was for the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, which lifted off on Christmas Day in 2021. In the month leading up to launch, I published something every day about Ariane 5 and spaceport activities. What crowned it all was the perfect launch injection which saved fuel which will extend Webb’s expected lifetime.

“As part of outreach, Ariane 5 was also an important part of ESA Open days. This was a chance to get together with some of my STS colleagues from HQ. Our stand had rocket models, posters, brochures and quizzes for kids. It was great fun to create the stand and meet the enthusiastic public.”

“Ariane 5 is an incredible feat of engineering and I’m very proud to have been part of the team helping the public to follow and understand its evolution.

“I never missed a launch in all the time I worked for Space Transportation. I have moved on from STS but am still keen to watch our European launchers lift off. The final Ariane 5 launch, for me, marked the end of an era.”

Nine years later, Camilla continues as an editor at EJR-Quartz for ESA, but now writes for the ‘Business with ESA’ portal.

(Interview and images credit: ESA)

Vacancy: Earth Observation editor for ESA’s Ф-Lab

Dirma van Eck | 7 March 2024

***Applications closed*** Do you have a passion for Earth observation (EO) and are you able to transform that enthusiasm into creating engaging content for relevant stakeholders? Do you want to be in the front row of exciting innovations in the EO field? Then we are looking for you!

We have an immediate opening for a mother-tongue English writer/editor to join our communications team for ESA.

The position is part-time (0.5 FTE) for EJR-Quartz under contract to ESA, at ESA’s Earth Observation Centre in Frascati, Italy. Remote working is an option, but being able to travel easily to Frascati for meetings would be an advantage.

You will help to promote the activities of the Ф-lab team using a range of platforms, including the Ф-lab website and InCubed sections, social media and other channels. As part of the ESA communications team you will liaise closely with the corporate and EO social media and web editor teams and create regular content.

Your main tasks will be to:

Write and edit content in English for the news and events pages of the Ф-lab and InCubed sections of the ESA website
Collect relevant input according to Ф-lab procedures
Ensure that all content published is compliant with ESA editorial guidelines and agreed approval processes
Ensure content publishing on the ESA online channels
Support social media campaigns and content creation
Contribute to the creation of other media, such as newsletters, brochures or booklets
Regularly check and update existing content

The successful candidate will have:

Mother-tongue English or equivalent
An Honours degree in science, engineering or communications/journalism
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in writing and editing on scientific and technical topics
Experience with content management systems
Familiarity with space topics is an advantage
Knowledge of another European language would be an asset

Contractual matters

The successful candidate will be employed directly by EJR-Quartz srl. The position is part-time (0.5 FTE) but could be combined with other scientific writing/editing. The position will require regular presence at ESRIN, Frascati (Italy). This is a temporary contract until 31 December 2024, with possibility of renewal. The optimal start date is 15 April 2024. Candidates must already have a valid residence/work permit for the European Union.

Closing date: 20 March 2024

Salary range: 1800-2400 EUR gross per month, based on 0.5 FTE (20 hrs per week), depending on experience and duty country.

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

If you think this is for you, tell us why you’d like to join our team. Please send your cover letter, CV and references to: vacancy@ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

(Banner: Observing the Earth. Credit: ESA Φ-lab)

Covering the return of a European astronaut

Dirma van Eck | 16 February 2024

On 10 February ESA project astronaut Marcus Wandt returned from space, and our Human Spaceflight editor Laura Zurmuehlen was on hand to cover it, on behalf of ESA. This was Laura’s fourth live coverage of a Direct Return, and she shared the experience with us.

Direct returns are always a special moment, and I feel fortunate when I get the chance to be there, in the middle of the action, reporting live from the event. It’s one of those moments when all the hard work during astronaut missions reaches a final milestone, and you get to see the astronaut you have worked with while they were in space, in person again — just a few hours or a day after they have been floating in space.

It’s an incredible experience to get the prime spot in the front row at the airport and capture the first moments of an astronaut stepping out of the plane back in Europe. This moment must be emotional for them as well! And I have the privilege of capturing this on camera and sharing it with all the space fans who cannot be on-site.

The general feeling is always super positive, with people excited to welcome back the astronaut. Everyone is in a happy mood, and this time we had amazing weather!

As always, Marcus had the biggest smile when he came out of the plane and walked towards the cheering crowd – it was amazing to be part of this moment.

(Banner image credit: ESA)

Vacancy: STEM Didactics expert

Dirma van Eck | 8 February 2024

***Applications closed*** Are you fascinated by space research and experienced in STEM education? Are you able to use your passion for science to create engaging content for science teachers? Then we have an exciting opportunity for you for a temporary position (1 March to 31 August 2024)!

We have an immediate opening for an English writer/editor to join our communications team in support of ESA’s Education activities. Specifically, the position is full-time for EJR-Quartz under contract to the European Space Agency (ESA). The location will be on-site at ESA’s Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

You will be in charge of developing didactic content related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects for secondary school teachers. In close collaboration with ESERO (the European Space Education Resource Office) you will help design and promote new materials and upgrade existing classroom resources and activities.

Tasks include:

Write and edit content in English
Design and deliver didactic content and activities related to STEM subjects
Design and produce classroom resources and activities
Adapt existing teacher training modules
Contribute to the design of ESA challenges and competitions
Help promote teacher training sessions
Support the outreach activities of ESA’s primary and secondary education activities
Liaise with education partners and the European education community and provide community support

The successful candidate will have:

Fluent English
A Master’s degree or equivalent in Science
Knowledge of European school curricula with a focus on science
Experience in the design and development of didactic content for secondary schools
Sound knowledge of ESA and the space field

We always appreciate

Experience in international environments
Creative thinking and good interpersonal skills
Capability of working autonomously and able to cope with pressure
Good communication skills and the ability to establish good working relationships with a community
Demonstrable experience in presenting scientific and technical subjects in a style accessible for young students
Knowledge of another European language

Contractual matters

The successful candidate will be employed directly by EJR-Quartz B.V. This is a 6 months contract, with a strong possibility of renewal. The optimal start date is 1 March 2024. Candidates must already have a valid residence/work permit for the European Union.

Closing date: 26 February 2024 12:30 CET

Salary range: 4400-4900 EUR gross per month, based on full-time position (40 hrs per week)

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

If you think this is for you, tell us why you’d like to join our team. Please send your cover letter, CV and references to: vacancy@ejr-quartz.com

EJR-Quartz is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud of our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

(Banner: ESA’s ESTEC facility in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. Credit: ESA)

Creating ESA Highlights 2023: a print editor’s experience

Dirma van Eck | 22 December 2023

ESA Highlights is a publication that showcases the key achievements of the European Space Agency throughout the year. Our print editor Jan Kordys, who joined us in April 2023, got to produce it for the first time and told us all about it.

Curating the ESA Highlights 2023 as a new editor in the space domain proved to be both a delightful and daunting experience. Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to ESA. In a relatively short span, I had to cover the full spectrum of ESA’s activities, notably through interviews – each one as captivating as the last – with individuals from nearly every ESA site.

The combination of passion, knowledge, and patience (towards me!) exhibited by these individuals truly amazed me. If we have succeeded in showcasing the amazing, interesting, and important work they are doing, then I believe we have accomplished our mission.

If I had to talk about the most challenging aspects, it would certainly be the difficulty of finding the most appropriate way of combining text and images, both pictures and infographics, and popularising the most difficult subjects, such as the application of quantum mechanics in space. Ultimately, it’s up to our readers to decide whether we have met these challenges!

It’s important to note that the annual publication of ESA Highlights is always a collaborative effort. This edition, in particular, presented a unique challenge as I took over as the print editor from our colleague Bija Knowles in April. Bija played a significant role in the preparation process, outlining subjects for the four in-depth articles and providing invaluable advice throughout. She authored an outstanding article on the Juice mission and assisted with proofreading, all while managing her new responsibilities.

Special recognition also goes to Federica Mezzo, the design wizard, and Rosa Tedesco, who are part of the ESA/EJR-Quartz consortium and crafted a remarkable interactive version. The coordination of the entire project was overseen by my ESA manager and Head of Print Media and Merchandising Production Office, Hugo Simões.

(Banner: ESA Highlights 2023. Credit: ESA.)

Vacancy: Video Producer ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Dirma van Eck | 21 December 2023

**Applications closed** New Year, new start? We’re looking for an experienced video producer to join our EJR-Quartz service team for the European Space Agency, to work full-time on site at ESA/ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. Are you a highly creative individual who is able to present complex scientific and technical topics in an approachable way? Have you got ample experience collaborating with various teams in a fast-paced international environment (working language English)? Then you may be the person we are looking for!

The successful candidate will have:

A minimum of four years of professional experience in video and TV production, including experience in presenting scientific and technical topics
A degree in communications, media studies or other relevant discipline
Great communication and networking skills
Demonstrable knowledge of communications strategy
Familiarity with online publishing and video editing tools
The ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines, both independently and as part of a team
Fluent English and knowledge of Italian and/or French. The working language at ESA is English and most products are required to be produced in English
At least a basic knowledge of European space programmes

The fine print

You will support the ESA Head of Digital Media Production Office in ensuring the planning, production and publishing of content on ESA’s digital channels, including ESA Web TV, and oversee live webstreaming activities.

Your tasks will include to:

Ensure ESA Web TV implementation, under the instruction of the Video Production Officer and Head of Digital Media Production
Prepare programme schedules, in line with the communications plan themes or campaigns
Guide the overall direction of the ESA Web TV channel
Devise and commission video content in line with the ESA Communication strategy and planning, for all of ESA’s video channels
Ensure the workflow and processes for the smooth running of the ESA Web TV channel and corporate video production across all digital channels
Liaise with the video production services across all ESA establishments on video production for both internal and external audiences
Act as anchor/writer for ESA’s videos or assign presenters as required
Commission script writing/editing by the editorial team
Support the Video Production Officer in coordinating video production resources
Support technical teams on-location, when required
Coordinate live webstream schedules and commission technical support
Ensure promotional materials for coherent publicity across all channels
Ensure approvals of all material according to agreed processes

Does this sound like you? Tell us why you think you’re the right fit for this exciting role by sending your CV and cover letter to: vacancy@ejr-quartz.com or reach out via social media to @ejrquartz

You’ll find us on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Contractual matters

The successful candidate will be employed directly by EJR-Quartz srl, as part of our communications service team for ESA. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in Italy and be able to work full time on site at ESA/ESRIN, Frascati. This is a temporary contract until 31 December 2024, with strong possibility of renewal.

Starting date: 1 February 2024 or as close to this date as possible

Closing date for applications: 17 January 2024 12:00 CET

Our company

EJR-Quartz is an international company specialised in science communication, particularly related to space. Our multinational team of digital content specialists is spread across five European countries, serving a number of clients, mainly in the aerospace sector.

Like every good company, EJR-Quartz is all about people. We are very proud of our employees and the fact that we have such a diverse team of highly dedicated staff. As an equal opportunity employer our team brings together a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills and we firmly believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Learn more about our company and meet the team at: www.ejr-quartz.com

(Banner: ESA’s ESRIN facility in Frascati, Italy. Credit: ESA)