Planetary Protection Researcher Volunteer

About the position: In this position, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Tumbleweed mission complies with international planetary protection guidelines for sustainable exploration of Mars. Your responsibilities will include producing and effectively communicating planetary protection requirements, as well as conducting comprehensive risk assessments that will provide invaluable guidance for mission planning. You will support the definition of science cases and the design of scientific payloads, within the context of planetary protection.

Expectations:

• Strong communication and intercultural skills

• Excellent written & spoken English

• Willingness for continuous learning and personal development

• Familiarity with spacecraft sterilization and contamination

• Good documentation and reporting skills

• Graduated or enrolled in a Bachelor’s or higher degree in Planetary science, Biology, Engineering with an interest in law

• Expected commitment of at least 1.5 years and approximately 15 hours per week

Responsibilities:

• Establishing guidelines for spacecraft sterilization and planetary protection per ECSS-U-ST-20C & ECSS-Q-ST-70.

• Provide oversight and guidance during mission planning and spacecraft design to ensure compliance with planetary protection requirements such as zones of special interest.

• Communicate planetary protection requirements and guidelines to mission teams and (external) stakeholders.

• Ensuring compliance with international treaties, agreements, and guidelines (e.g. of COSPAR).

• Conducting risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood and consequences of biological contamination of the swarm-based robotic mission.

• Conducting applied research regarding the impact of swarm-based Mars missions on extant Martian life and biomarkers.

Rewards: Check out the perks of being in our team at teamtumbleweed.eu/apply!