Covering the return of a European astronaut

ESA project astronaut Marcus Wandt returned from space

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)

Creating ESA Highlights 2023: a print editor’s experience

ESA Highlights 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.)

EJR-Quartz at the Reinventing Space Conference

As technology advances and becomes more accessible, the world is witnessing a new era of space exploration. Private space companies are leading the way towards more agile, innovative and greater-risk technologies, which is driving the established players in the field to embrace ‘New Space’. As a contractor for many organisations in the space sector, EJR-Quartz recognises the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments in the industry. That is one of the reasons why we are taking part in the 20th Reinventing Space Conference from 11 to 13 October 2023.

Credit: The British Interplanetary Society

Organised by the British Interplanetary Society, this year’s theme is ‘The Evolving Architecture of New Space’, centred around the key benefits and challenges of these novel economic models. The first day of the conference featured a series of incredible talks given by representatives of various ‘New Space’ companies, as well as established corporations such as Airbus.

Throughout the conference, our representatives will be showcasing our communication and graphic design services to the participants. In addition to attending the many talks and networking with industry and academic peers, we are also using this opportunity to engage with talented enthusiastic students, informing them about our work and possible job opportunities. We will be actively participating in the conference’s Careers Day on Friday 13 October, hoping to enthuse young academics to choose a career in science communication.

Aside from our day-filling programme, there is also time for some fun and games, where we try to command one of only two ISS docking simulators in the world, with mixed success.

DLR wins a prize in the Digital Communication Awards 2023

We are proud to announce that the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) won the Digital Communication Awards 2023 in the category ‘Campaigns from Associations and Institutions’ … with a little help from us. The award was presented during the online award ceremony last Friday, 29 September 2023. DLR shares first place with Helmholtz Munich’s ‘Kids are Heroes’ campaign.

DLR’s MARE communication campaign featured a Twitter takeover by two female mannequins aboard the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis I mission to the Moon. The campaign had previously been shortlisted for the German Online Communication Award 2023.

The award recognises the notable results of the Artemis I Takeover. The campaign shed light on the critical issue of high radiation exposure to humans beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field, particularly during long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. The Matroshka AstroRad Radiation Experiment (MARE), led by DLR, marked a significant milestone by measuring radiation exposure to the female body beyond the International Space Station (ISS) orbit.

Under contract to DLR, we manage their primary English-language social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook. The narrative of the two mannequins, Helga and Zohar, unfolded on Twitter through dialogues with the crew on board the Orion spacecraft – NASA’s mannequin Commander Moonikin Campus and ‘baahstronaut’ Shaun the Sheep, with Helga communicating via @DLR_en, Zohar via @ILSpaceAgency and Campos via @NASAArtemis. The ‘Luna Twins’ also engaged with accounts from other space agencies and industrial partners involved in the Artemis I mission, such as @esaspaceflight and @AirbusSpace.

Through the takeover, DLR provided insights into the experiment, its goal to address the gender data gap, and the historic journey to the Moon and back. The jury evaluated the campaign based on consistency and appropriateness of tactics, tools and channels as well as strategy and target audience.

Related links

Finding the sound of Earth’s winds

Our social media editor Peter Bickerton takes us behind the scenes of Life of Aeolus, a music project he supported on behalf of the European Space Agency.

What’s the perfect way to tell the story of the life of a wind satellite?

One that had so many intricate parts, orchestrated by expert teams across Europe, skilfully mastering instruments and data?

A music piece formed by a mixture of wind instruments seemed the perfect choice.

Much like Aeolus transformed our seemingly invisible winds into data that hugely improved weather forecasts, woodwind instruments turn breaths into beautiful sounds.

That idea became reality through the Life of Aeolus sonification. The result is beautiful.

Making the Life of Aeolus

Earlier in the year, we were introduced to composer Jamie Perera after a beautiful journal called Wild Alchemy featured ESA Aeolus Mission Manager Tommaso Parrinello in their Air Edition.

We initially teamed up to see how we might turn some Aeolus data into music. After linking him up with Daniel Santillan of EOX, Jamie produced an eerie soundtrack of the winds above Hunga Tonga’s dramatic eruption in 2022.

Who better to create the Life of Aeolus?

Again, Jamie and Daniel put their heads together to turn five years of a satellite mission into a half hour orchestral piece.

The task sounds monumental.

But bit by bit, it all came together.

Every day of Aeolus became a second of music.

Each layer of the winds Aeolus measured, in vertical profiles up to 30 km above Earth’s surface, were matched to the notes on a keyboard (imagine a keyboard on its side).

Ranges were then ascribed to musical instruments. Piccolos would play the tops of clouds, whilst the bassoon and bass clarinet would represent the layer closest to Earth’s surface.

In between, clarinets, flutes and oboes played Aeolus’s winds, and other data such as air temperature and pressure.

It’s much more complicated than this

Turning data into music – particularly five years’ worth of data – isn’t easy. In fact, it could quite easily sound like an unmelodious racket.

But sonification is an art as well as a science. There’s a balance to be struck between ultimate accuracy and musicality.

“It required some aesthetic decisions because having so many data playing at once could potentially sound quite cacophonous,” explains Jamie. “It’s a balancing act between having something that’s both accurate to the data and accessible to the audience.”

There were plenty of other considerations, and some quite ingenious ways to turn wind data into notes.

One nifty trick was choosing the right mode, a type of scale. Jamie went for the Lydian mode, which, he says “has an expansive, pioneering sort of feel to it, which was perfect for Aeolus.”

A beautiful end to a pioneering mission

As far as we know, this is the first time anyone has turned satellite data into an orchestral woodwind piece.

It’s fitting. Aeolus is a feat of European innovation and teamwork that put the first ever laser in space to measure global winds. After many trials and tribulations, it was a whopping success.

Weather forecasters used the data to fill gaps in weather data during Covid lockdowns, when planes (that would normally provide weather data) were grounded.

The same effect helped improve hurricane forecasts where it wasn’t possible to fly reconnaissance trips.

Now, ESA’s wind mission will return to Earth – in a pioneering attempt to improve space safety and sustainability for future generations.

Aeolus’s achievements are too many to list here. It’s best to enjoy them through the sounds of the wonderful mission that will see a follow-on launch within a decade.

All the best, Aeolus.

Find out more on ESA channels

Listen to the Life of Aeolus on SoundCloud

Watch the video on YouTubeRead the article on esa.int

MARE campaign shortlisted for Online Communication Award 2023

We are happy to be part of the Online Communication Awards 2023 in Berlin, Germany on 30 June. Together with the Social Media team of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), EJR-Quartz’s Sara Emily Kehrer presented the MARE communication campaign. The campaign involved a Twitter takeover by the two female mannequins on board the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis I mission forward to the Moon. Beginning of June, it was announced that the campaign was shortlisted for the award.

There are 50 categories in total, ranging from Purpose Driven Communication to Internal Campaign Communications. DLR made the shortlist of the top five entries in the category of Science, Education & Culture for the impressive results achieved during the MARE communication campaign. This category honours online events that are unique in their scope of creative planning and implementation. The jury evaluates the projects based on their strategic approach, creativity, innovation, implementation and efficiency.

As part of our contract with DLR, we are involved in a variety of their English-language communications projects, including managing the main accounts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The story of the two mannequins, Helga and Zohar, unfolded on Twitter in dialogues between the crew on board the Orion spacecraft. This included NASA’s mannequin Commander Moonikin Campus, as well as ‘baahstronaut’ Shaun the Sheep. For an entire day, Helga ‘conversed’ with her crew via @DLR_en, Zohar via @ILSpaceAgency and Campos via @NASAArtemis. The ‘Luna Twins’ also interacted with accounts of other space agencies and industrial partners involved in the Artemis I mission, such as @esaspaceflight and @AirbusSpace.

Outside Earth’s protective magnetic field, radiation exposure is very high for humans. It poses a considerable health risk for future crews on long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. That is why it is crucial to determine this exposure more precisely and to develop measures to protect astronauts. The international Matroshka AstroRad Radiation Experiment (MARE) led by DLR was the first to measure the radiation exposure to the female body beyond the orbit of the International Space Station ISS. 

Through the Twitter takeover, Helga and Zohar shared insights into the experiment, its goal to help close the gender data gap and their historical journey to the Moon and beyond. Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and Mars. The mission lasted around 25 days, in which the spacecraft broke the distance record held by Apollo 13 and sent back spectacular images of Earth’s satellite.

Later today, the team will attend the Award Gala. We are proud to be a part of the Artemis generation and to share the fascinating science with the world through the eyes of Helga and Zohar. We wish Sara and her DLR colleagues the best of luck tonight.

For more information, visit the website and check out #LunaTwins on Twitter!

Related links

EJR-Quartz for the German Aerospace Center (DLR)

We are delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded the contract with the Department of Corporate Communications at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) for cross media English-language editorial support. We will be supporting DLR for the next four years.

EJR-Quartz has been providing English-language support to DLR’s Corporate Communications Department since 2005. Our work with DLR involves the production, translation, editing, and publication of web articles, press releases and the DLRmagazine, and the maintenance of the English-language web portal. In addition, we are also responsible for managing their corporate English-language social media channels, providing live event coverage and providing support for the German corporate social media platforms.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the national aeronautics and space research centre of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, digitalisation, and security is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. In addition to its own research, as Germany’s space agency, DLR has been given responsibility by the federal government for the planning and implementation of the German space programme. DLR is also the umbrella organisation for one of Germany’s largest project management agencies.

Our new four-year service contract, the fourth with DLR, has been extended until the end of February 2027. We’re excited to see what the future with DLR will bring!

Helping ESA to tell its story – episode 2

We’re delighted to announce that our contract to provide 360-degree communications services to the European Space Agency (ESA) has been extended for a further two years, to end 2024.

Back in 2019 ESA was looking for a single communications service for all its channels, across three main pillars: editorial, video/image and graphics. Early in 2020 a fourth pillar was added, for outreach and media relations support. We teamed up with graphics experts Publicis Sapient, TV and video veterans World Wide Group and ATG Europe to form a consortium dedicated to providing integrated communications solutions to ensure the Agency speaks with one voice, on message, every time.

As the Prime contractor, EJR-Quartz provides all editorial, social media and publishing services; Worldwide Group is responsible for the video and related distribution services, including ESA TV and ESA Web TV; Publicis Sapient provides graphics services, including CVI and environmental branding; while ATG Europe provides media relations and outreach services.

Our three-year service contract has been extended until the end of 2024 and we’re proud to continue to help ESA to tell the next chapter in its story, from the Moon to Mars and beyond!

EJR-Quartz goes weightless: a parabolic flight experience with Laylan

ESA Education’s manifesto is learning by doing, and as editor and content producer for the department our colleague Laylan Saadaldin got to experience this first-hand. She joined researchers, including two university student teams, for the 79th ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign, a mission she will remember for the rest of her life.

Laylan, take us through this amazing day at work.

We flew to Novespace in Bordeaux to board the Air Zero G, an aircraft that flies in parabolas providing researchers 20-second bursts of weightlessness to test their experiments. ESA Academy’s PETRI programme offers university student teams access to this (and more!) gravity platforms. I tagged along to film the student experience of this programme, which included the mind-blowing sensation of floating, sure, but also stress, disappointment, trouble shooting and even some failure. Science is hard and you have to be able to adapt and respond quickly. As it happens, filming science requires similar skills – when you’re a fly on the wall, you have to be ready to move out of the way but still get what you need. But it’s fair to say that for both science and communication, the effort is worth it. And because I’m never one to let an opportunity pass me by, we also shot some content for ESA Kids on the complicated wonder that is gravity. Look out for both episodes on ESA Education!

Fun fact: a campaign is made up of three flights, and each flight has a ‘media’ seat reserved for journalists, content creators and influencers to promote the science and experience of a zero-G flight. Joining this campaign was Jamie from Cosmic Kids Yoga, whom adults with kids might know from lockdown experience as a life saver! Cosmic Kids collaborated with ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti during her Minerva mission to create a yoga plan for her aboard the ISS. You can do this at home, by the way. Find this cool bonus activity on the Mission X: Train like an Astronaut. Jamie got to try out her yoga sequence in weightlessness, and I can’t wait to see how that turned out.

But Laylan, tell us how you really feel about going weightless.

I’ll do one better, I’ll show you!

EJR-Quartz at world’s largest Earth observation event

ESA’s Living Planet Symposium (LPS), held every three years, is the largest Earth observation conference in the world. Last week, the event drew record-breaking numbers of remote sensing experts and data users from around the world to convene in the German city of Bonn, to share their latest findings on how Earth observation satellites help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. EJR-Quartz editors for ESA were present in full strength, contributing to the large ESA team who made the live symposium possible. The ESA Web TV production team made sure the main sessions of LPS were live-streamed and recorded as many interviews with key players as possible. The team shot about ten interviews in two days – the highlight being chatting to an astronaut!

EJR-Quartz video producer Gaelle Legroux interviews Luca Parmitano live at LPS22.

With over 240 scientific sessions and over 1370 oral presentations, as well as over 80 agora sessions in the dramatic exhibition hall centred around an enormous replica of Earth, EJR-Quartz social media editors were working at full speed all week to keep the community connected to the pulse of LPS.

With the overarching theme of, “Taking the pulse of our planet from space” the event highlighted how the systematic use of Earth observation data can realise many benefits as we work to combat the climate crisis. EJR-Quartz editors published a wealth of stories on topics emerging from LPS, such as what satellites can reveal about climate tipping points, the ambitions of ESA’s FutureEO programme and the quantum revolution in the way measurements are made from space.

On ESA’s technical portals, Sentinel Online and Earth Online, our editors published news stories on the Copernicus Sentinel satellites and the latest updates from ESA’s many families of Earth observation satellites. A highlight was when Declan Perry and Susan Kelly hosted two drop-in sessions to introduce ESA’s Sentiboard, the new online forum that fosters collaboration among Sentinel data users, enabling quick and easy sharing of updates on Earth observation science and applications.

Design matters: Science Office joins EJR-Quartz

After six years of close collaboration, we are delighted to announce that EJR-Quartz and the Science Office are now one. By bringing the Science Office’s expert graphics and video skills under our umbrella, EJR-Quartz is now able to offer a complete package of top-quality science communication services entirely in house.

The team at the Science Office have years of experience transforming complex scientific concepts and data into images and animations that illuminate and engage audiences, whatever their age and background. Over the years, they have worked with EJR-Quartz on a range of content, animations featuring the ESA Education mascot, Paxi, to the new Hera video being released for Asteroid Day 2019.

Signed and sealed in early May, the acquisition is the start of an exciting new chapter for EJR-Quartz. With even more creative minds in the mix, we’re better placed than ever to deliver end-to-end communication solutions built on content that matters.

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

The ESA Φ-lab

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.

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.

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

Vacancy: STEM Didactics expert

***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)

Vacancy: Video Producer ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

**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)

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

**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 for a temporary cover (1 February until 30 April 2024)!

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 two 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
  • 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

The fine print

As part of our larger EJR-Quartz for ESA team, you will be working together with other editors on ESA’s communication activities.

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 Twitter account that could extend to other social media platforms as necessary.
  • Conduct research into the topics to be covered, working with colleagues in the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications to identify news-worthy 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 (formally Twitter) account and coordinate with other relevant social media accounts.
  • Curate the telecommunications section of the main ESA corporate communications portal
  • Help to identify how the Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications can contribute to ESA-wide corporate communications initiatives and create the content as needed.
  • 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

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.

Contractual matters

The successful candidate will be under contract with EJR-Quartz BV in the Netherlands. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. This contract is temporary for 3 months with the possibility of renewal, starting on 1 February 2024. 

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

Starting date: 1 February 2024

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 ECSAT facility in Harwell, UK. Credit: ESA)

Vacancy: Web developer, Frascati, Italy

ESA ESRIN

***Applications closed*** Do you have the ultimate creative mind to further develop our client’s renowned portal and associated web applications? Are you an expert in web development, programming and implementation? Then we are looking for you!

Working as part of the EJR-Quartz team for the European Space Agency (ESA), you will be based onsite at ESA’s ESRIN facility in Frascati, Italy.

The successful candidate will have:

  • A degree in web development, design, information technology, or software engineering
  • A minimum of five years’ professional experience in user design, web design/development, application building, programming and other relevant skills
  • An excellent grasp of the English language
  • Extensive knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, jQuery, RESTful APIs and JSON
  • Experience with integrating APIs into web applications
  • Knowledge of WordPress theming and customising and experience with different CMS platforms
  • Experience of working in compliance with corporate guidelines
  • A proactive approach to managing projects and the ability to work with tight deadlines
  • Great communication and networking skills
  • Extensive knowledge of responsive design and mobile-first applications
  • Basic knowledge of pre-processors such as SASS/SCSS

The fine print

You will be working together with the ESA Web and Technology Officer, our EJR-Quartz Technical Expert and a range of external providers to support the further development of ESA’s online communication channels, including the ESA web portal, its associated websites and a suite of web applications.

Your task will include to:

  • Integrate front-end components into web pages
  • Customise WordPress themes and components
  • Integrate APIs into web applications
  • Produce in-house UI templates according to specifications provided
  • Conduct technical tests on developed or delivered components
  • Provide technical assistance for user and administrative support on various content management systems
  • Stay up to date with the latest digital trends and tools to proactively meet the needs of the ESA Communication Department
  • Create web templates based on previously approved UX and UI


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 under contract with EJR-Quartz srl in Italy. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in Italy. This contract is full-time and will run for 1 year initially with a strong possibility of renewal.

Starting date: 15 January 2024 or as close as possible

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)

Internal Communications Editor, based in Darmstadt, Germany

ESOC's main building.

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

Working as part of the EJR-Quartz team for the European Space Agency (ESA), you will be based onsite at ESA’s Operations Centre, ESOC, in Darmstadt, Germany. You will join the highly motivated Internal Communications Team, which is spread over several locations.

The successful candidate will have:

  • A degree in communication, journalism or science/engineering
  • Minimum of two years’ professional experience in writing and editing, preferably for an internal communications team of a large international organisation
  • The ability to present ideas and recommendations persuasively in writing and verbally, geared towards an internal audience
  • An excellent grasp of the English language (native or equivalent), including exceptional detail for spelling, grammar and punctuation
  • The capacity to conduct interviews in written, audio or video format
  • Experience of working in compliance with corporate tone-of-voice 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
  • Experience in managing physical, online and hybrid events, including knowledge of the technical tools needed
  • A good knowledge of IT and other technical tools needed for hybrid and online events
  • The ability to plan and implement communication strategies


We also value:

  • Knowledge of analytics and planning tools
  • Basic graphic design skills
  • Knowledge of another European language, such as German
  • Knowledge of European Space Programmes


The fine print

You will be working together with ESA managers, an EJR-Quartz project lead and other editors on Internal Communications activities, across ESA establishments.

Your tasks will include to:

  • Write, edit and publish content in English for different sections of the intranet
  • Disseminate corporate messages to an internal audience
  • Serve as point of contact for workforce engagement activities at ESOC
  • Support communications campaigns and local events to help increase workforce engagement in order to foster a collaborative, transparent and engaging work environment
  • Ensure that all content published on the intranet is compliant with ESA editorial standards and agreed approval processes
  • Collect user requirements and support the evolution of tools needed by the Internal Communications Team
  • Ensure the update of internal display screens at the different ESA establishments
  • Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the implemented activities, reporting on performance requirements (PRs)


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.

Contractual matters

The successful candidate will be under contract with EJR-Quartz BV in the Netherlands. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in Germany. This contract is full-time and will run until 31 December 2024.

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

Starting date: 15 November 2023 or as close as possible

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: ESOC’s main building in Darmstadt, Germany. Credit: ESA)

Outreach support for Polish astronaut mission activities

***Applications closed***

Do you have a flair for planning and organising events and campaigns? Would you like to support ESA’s outreach activities for the Polish astronaut mission? Take this chance to become a part of our international team of communicators supporting the Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) outreach activities of the European Space Agency!

We are looking for a fluent Polish speaker (native-level) with excellent English and an interest in science and space exploration. You’ll need to have experience with creating communication materials and campaigns, as well as planning and executing in-person and online events.

You will be part of our service team that helps the European Space Agency (ESA) with their Agency-wide communication needs. Your role will be to support the day-to-day communication and outreach activities of the Polish astronaut mission, as well as engage with relevant stakeholders and the overall community.

We’re looking for someone with:

  • Fluent Polish and English, both spoken and written
  • 4+ years of hands-on experience creating communications and outreach campaigns for an organisation with a significant public presence, preferably in the aerospace or environment field;
  • Bachelor’s degree in communication, outreach or related discipline
  • Strong communication and superlative organisational and administrative skills
  • A pro-active approach and solution-oriented mindset
  • The capacity to engage and work effectively with people at all levels of an organisation, as well as a wide variety of stakeholders
  • Ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances
  • Knowledge of the Polish media landscape is an asset
  • Knowledge of German and/or other official ESA languages is appreciated


Working with the Human and Robotic Exploration communication team, your tasks will be to:

  • Support ESA astronauts presence and activities during events
  • Plan and create communication materials to support campaigns
  • Help develop communication plans for the Polish astronaut mission
  • Coordinate astronaut appearance requests
  • Maintain the editorial and events calendar
  • Engage with stakeholders and the overall community
  • Serve as point of contact for communication at EAC about the Polish astronaut mission
  • Coordinate public appearances of the astronaut in accordance with ESA’s policy on astronaut appearances

Contractual matters


The position is onsite at EAC, ESA’s Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. You therefore must have the right to live and work in Germany.

You will be part of our communications service team for ESA and employed directly by EJR-Quartz B.V., or through one of our sub-contractors. The contract is for the duration of 15 months with a strong possibility of renewal.

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.

Closing date: 31 August 2023

Ideal start date: 4 October 2023

Find out more about our company and meet our multinational 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

Or reach out to us on LinkedIn or social media and let’s talk!