Call in High-Performance and Innovative Computing Paradigms

Deadline: 30 April 2025 at 23:59 CET

The ESA Φ-lab CIN is now opening applications for visionary researchers and innovators in Transformative Technologies to strengthen ESA Φ-lab ongoing and future projects in Earth Observation (EO). Find out more and apply now.

Introduction and Context

This call is in the context of the European Space Agency (ESA) Φ-lab Collaborative Innovation Network (CIN), an initiative to foster collaborations among Earth Observation and Transformative Technologies experts. The CIN was created with the aim of attracting high-level researchers, distinguished advisors and key leaders in the above-mentioned fields to the ESA Φ-lab @ ESRIN establishment (Frascati, Italy).

ESA Φ-lab is the division of ESA with the mission to accelerate the future of Earth Observation (EO) by means of transformational innovations, i.e., innovations that completely transform or create entire industries via new technologies,  thereby strengthening the global competitiveness of the European EO industrial and research sectors.

Pi School, which operates in the field of AI and research innovation and has numerous academic contacts through its staff, is responsible for supporting ESA Φ-lab in this mission by creating, managing, coordinating, animating the ESA Φ-lab CIN.

Purpose and Scope of Work

This specific call aims to engage with experts in High-performance Computing (HPC) and more in general with Innovative Computing Paradigms. Some of the topics of interest are: Parallel and Distributed Computing, HPC hardwares and infrastructures, Edge Computing for real-time data processing, Neuromorphic and Analog Computing, Photonic Computing, Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), Thermodynamics Computing (e.g. Reversible Computing, Near-Zero Energy Computing), Satellite and Satellite-terrestrial Computing. Any other emerging subfield related to these areas.

The call targets experts that can provide high-impact via short-term engagement, contributing with their profound knowledge and innovative approaches to ESA Φ-lab’s ongoing and future projects in the field of Earth Observation.

This collaboration is an opportunity to influence cutting-edge Earth Observation technologies and advance Europe's space capabilities. Experts will be expected to deliver insights and strategic guidance, sharing their technical expertise and ecosystem in the field of High-performance Computing (HPC) and more in general Innovative Computing Paradigms.

Note that the call is open to candidates with expertise in the above mentioned fields, even if their primary focus is not on the EO sector.

Who are we looking for?

Through our highly selective process, we are looking for people with excellent skills, creativity, and a passion for pushing research boundaries.

You will have to select one of the two types of profiles:

• Φ-lab Visiting Researcher Framework: you are a researcher or a talented innovator from industry or academia, and you want to come onsite at the ESA Φ-lab for a certain period to mingle with researchers, support and enhance ESA Φ-lab 's research and innovation projects, and promote research results in the community (e.g., through seminars, workshops, and publications).
• Consultancy Framework: You are a distinguished expert (researcher, professor in academia or industrial expert) in your field, and you want to lead strategic activity aiming to deliver positioning/white papers and overview reports, mentor research teams, strategically contribute to ESA Φ-lab mission on specific topics of interest where ESA Φ-lab would benefit.

Type of Engagement

We envisage two types of engagement:

• Φ-lab Visiting Researcher Framework: this is an unpaid collaboration performed at ESA Φ-lab with the goal of jointly advancing a specific research proposal of shared interest by merging our competence, time and resources within an ESA Φ-lab team.
• Consultancy Framework: this is a paid collaboration (on a time and material basis) where your distinguished expertise is exploited to strategically advance the ESA Φ-lab innovation pipeline and research agenda, strengthen its community, engage in future partnerships, etc.

Expectations and deliverables

Example of activities and possible deliverables:

• For the Φ-lab Visiting researcher scheme
• Perform joint research based on an agreed research proposal
• Deliver proof of concepts, in the form of benchmarking, prototypes or others
• Scientific publications in top-tier journals and conferences
• For the Consultancy scheme
• Provide advice, recommendations, and strategic and emerging lines of research to ESA Φ-lab
• Mentor ESA Φ-lab staff and Research Fellows
• Deliver high-quality positioning papers, white papers, and overview reports on emerging and transformative technology applications to EO
• Contribute to workshops, scientific gatherings and forums in support of designing them, chairing sessions, etc.
• Open up new doors and ecosystems in the field of expertise, including strategic partnerships for ESA Φ-lab

Qualifications

• Proven expertise and extensive experience in one or more of the specified technology areas, especially HPC, Innovative Computational Paradigms, and Quantum Computing.
• Knowledge of Earth Observation is appreciated but not required. The aim of the Collaborative Innovation Network is to bring together experts in EO together with those in emerging technologies
• Strong track record of high-impact scientific papers, consultancy and advisory roles
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical applications
• Candidates can come from Academia, Industry or any other organization such as research institution, space agency or NGO

Legal Framework for engagement

• Under the Φ-lab Visiting Researcher Framework
• ESA will send you an invitation letter (see template here)
• As a Consultant
• Pi School will give you a freelancer consultancy contract for this work in agreement with ESA (see template here).

How to apply?

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications, including a detailed CV and any supporting documents or references in the form below. They are asked to include a brief proposal or concept note, detailing an area of collaboration that aligns with ESA Φ-lab's strategic focus and where they believe they could make a significant impact.

Selection Criteria:

• Technical expertise and experience
• Impact and innovation in previous consultancy roles
• Alignment with ESA Φ-lab’s strategic objectives and mission goals
• Availability and flexibility for short-term engagements
• Fit with the specific ESA Φ-lab culture and modus operandi

Conclusion: This call represents a unique opportunity to contribute to ESA Φ-lab and, more broadly, to ESA’s pioneering projects, influencing the future of space technology. We look forward to welcoming esteemed advisors and consultants who are eager to collaborate on transformative space initiatives.