Science Manager – Biophysical Modelling

A fast-growing space and data analytics business is building a next-generation Earth Observation constellation focused on thermal infrared imagery. Its ambition is simple but bold: to deliver high-resolution, high-frequency thermal data that enables better decisions around agriculture, water use and environmental resilience.

As Science Manager – Biophysical Modelling, you’ll take ownership of the scientific direction behind crop and land-surface modelling, leading a specialist team working at the intersection of thermal infrared, multispectral satellite data and applied environmental science.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys shaping both science and people in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and developing a team of scientists focused on crop development, evapotranspiration and plant–water interactions
• Driving innovation in surface energy balance models, vegetation stress indicators and data-fusion approaches
• Designing, validating and reviewing algorithms for thermal and multispectral Earth Observation data
• Working closely with machine learning, software engineering and product teams to take models from research into production
• Owning scientific methodology, model architecture and technical decision-making
• Setting clear objectives, tracking delivery and ensuring outputs are robust, scalable and reproducible
• Mentoring team members and supporting their technical and leadership development
• Contributing to research proposals, publications and conference activity
• Supporting the recruitment and onboarding of new scientific talent as the team grows

What we’re looking for

• Master’s degree in environmental science, agronomy, physics or a closely related field
• 10+ years’ experience in Earth Observation, remote sensing or environmental / land-surface modelling
• At least 2 years’ experience leading technical or scientific teams
• Strong practical experience working with EO and geospatial data (e.g. GDAL, Rasterio or similar)
• Deep understanding of land-surface processes, soil–plant–atmosphere interactions and vegetation indices
• Strong programming capability in Python or an equivalent language
• Proven ability to work effectively with software and data engineering teams
• Clear, confident communication skills and strong organisational capability
• Fluent English, written and spoken

Nice to have

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline
• Experience working in cloud-based environments
• A record of peer-reviewed publications or applied research delivery
• Prior exposure to thermal infrared data

What’s on offer

• Competitive salary package
• Equity participation through stock options
• A high-impact role in a mission-led, fast-moving start-up
• Hybrid working with flexibility
• EU visa sponsorship where required
• Relocation support and access to Luxembourg tax advantages
• Meal vouchers
• The opportunity to live and work in Luxembourg, with excellent quality of life, transport and international schooling options

If you’re motivated by applied science, enjoy leading experienced technical teams and want your work to have real-world impact at scale, this role offers both influence and ownership.