Research Fellows [f/m/x]: Strategy & Governance, Security & Defence, or Green Transition & Sustainability – Full-time (40 hours/week)

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), the leading independent European think-tank on space, is looking to employ Research Fellows focused on one of the following specialisations:

• strategy & governance analyses,
• security & defence, or
• the Institute’s Green & Sustainable societies.

The positions are based on-site at the Institute’s premises in Vienna and are expected to start no later than Q3 2026 (please see all the details on the ESPI website https://www.espi.eu/vacancies/). Three specific specialisations are sought.

About the role

Can you read beyond the job description? Are you driven by purpose and thrive in a pool of bright minds? Do you cherish independence, and can you stand up in open debate and advocate for impact? Can you build bridges in complex spheres of influence and power? Are you inspired by space? Depending on your experience, you will be tasked to work as part of project teams of 1-4 additional Research Fellows, including project lead of selected projects, notably:

• delivery of high-quality expert advice regarding space policy, the space industry, space operations, market assessments, budget evolutions, and non-space policies impacting the space sector;
• concepts, studies and continuous content output in support of programme implementers and policy-makers;
• strategic direction and organisation of high-level events, workshops, and educational courses;
• managing projects including contract, budget, and deliverable management;
• quality assurance and compliance with project terms.

As part of our Research Team, you will also contribute to the strategic orientation and further development of the Institute, our Engagement activities and Key Partner Management efforts.

We invite candidates with experience in Strategy & Governance analyses, Security & Defence activities, or Green Transition and Sustainability initiatives related to the space sector to apply for one of these ESPI Research Fellow positions. You will be joining a fast-paced growth environment in a culturally diverse team with varied backgrounds. We are characterised by a strong appreciation of new initiatives & impact-driven objectives, paired with a commitment to rigour, continuous learning, and team-wide exchange where the best ideas prevail. Space is undergoing a transformative change in market dynamics, technology developments, and policy implications. As an ESPI Research Fellow, you are responsible for developing insights and maintaining the Institute’s position at the cutting edge of analysing these advancements and evolution across the following domains defined in ESPI2040 (see https://www.espi.or.at/espi-2040/):

• Green & Sustainable Societies;
• Security & Defence;
• Exploration & Science;
• Space as an Asset;
• Industry, Innovation, Finance, Workforce.

Qualifications

• a Master’s degree that relates to the Institute’s work and mission (e.g. Law, Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Business, Engineering, Physics, Banking & Finance, Technology & Innovation);
• at least 5 years of relevant full-time work experience (Consultancy, Think Tank, Industry, Public Sector, NGO);
• excellent analytical or writing skills, ability to work in teams, and intercultural competence;
• demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the space sector and the space policy landscape;
• flexibility, impact-oriented thinking and excellent organisational skills;
• excellent command of English, written and oral.

Application Process

We accept applications by EU/EEA citizens as well as non-EU citizens. To apply for this position, please send:

• a copy of your CV in .pdf format,
• a motivation letter in .pdf format

to vacancies@espi.eu before 26 April 2026, 23:59 CEST. Based on your specialisation, please use one of the following subject lines in your email: “ESPI Research Fellow SG” (strategy & governance), “ESPI Research Fellow SD” (security & defence), or “ESPI Research Fellow GTS” (green transition & sustainability). Please do not submit educational records or certificates at this stage.

The position is full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working conditions. The advertised salary is in the range of € 50,000 – € 55,000 gross per year (paid 14 times a year). Given ESPI’s status as a Quasi-International Organisation (QuIO) since July 2025, the salary of ESPI employees is exempt from tax.

Any additional bonus payment is subject to the Management’s decision and the Institute’s overall performance.

Why work with us? Read more about the benefits of working at ESPI here (see https://www.espi.or.at/vacancies/).