Ofertes d'ocupació a European Space Agency - ESA

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. Python Office

Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, Icy Moons Surface Alteration

Job Requisition ID: 19847

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Intern

Directorate: Science

Workplace:

Villanueva de la Cañada, ES

Location

ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/SCI, the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office is responsible for overseeing the scientific content of the Programme, interfacing with the scientific community and providing scientific expertise to studies, projects and missions, also in other Directorates as needed.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Icy Moons Surface Alteration

For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/icy-moons-surface-alteration

Numerical models are an excellent way to simulate the conditions on the surfaces of icy moons. Recently, an ice microstructure model, "LunaIcy," has been developed and applied to Europa, providing insights into the properties of the ice.

This internship will improve upon this by including processes currently lacking in the model, with a particular focus on the influence of micrometeorite bombardment on the surface of these moons. You will simulate micrometeorite impacts and assess their effects on the ice mechanical strength. By incorporating their developments into LunaIcy, you will be able to study the evolution of the surface cohesiveness and strength on icy moons, which is essential for future lander missions. The intern's work will improve our understanding of the surface conditions on icy moons, providing valuable insights for future missions including JUICE/ESA. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss with members of the JUICE science team to enhance their understanding of the mission's scientific output.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional Requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

For this position you should have:

• good experience with coding in Python.
• proficiency in English.
• interest in Planetary Sciences.
• interest in Scientific Research.
  
  
  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).





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. Python

Intern in the Science Operations Department, Mission Management and Science Operations Division

Job Requisition ID: 19865

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Intern

Directorate: Science

Workplace:

Villanueva de la Cañada, ES

Location

ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/SCI, the Head of the Science Operations Department is responsible for the development of the science operations infrastructure under the Directorate responsibility, the operation of the Directorate’s missions once successfully commissioned, and the curation of all scientific data in the missions’ legacy phase. These responsibilities are discharged in full coordination with the Directorate’s Departments and Offices and as appropriate, with the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).

In implementing his/her duties, SCI-S is supported by the:

• mission Management and Science Operations Division (SCI-SO).
• science Operations Development Division (SCI-SD).
• data Science and Archives Division (SCI-SA).
  
  
  

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: From Sco X-1 to Calibration: Probing the Mirror Misalingment of XMM-Newton

For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/from-sco-x-1-to-calibration-probing-the-mirror-misalingment-of-xmm-newton

ESA’s XMM-Newton observatory has been a cornerstone of high-energy astrophysics for over two decades, enabling detailed studies of black holes, supernova remnants, and galaxy clusters. Its three gold-coated X-ray telescopes, consisting of arrays of concentring mirror shells, continue to deliver high-quality data, but recent observations showed some unexpected features that might impact the scientific accuracy.

The telescope mirrors were extensively characterized on the ground, and a model based on those measurements has been used throughout the mission. To update that model, we recently obtained off-axis observations of one of the brightest X-ray sources in the sky: Sco X-1. The data show characteristic single reflection rings from the mirror shells. Based on a preliminary analysis, we found a significant difference between the intensity of the rings depending on the source’s position relative to the optical axis. This asymmetry is not captured in the current telescope model.

In this internship, the successful candidate will use a ray-tracing simulator software to investigate which parts of the telescope and mirror model need to be updated to explain the observed asymmetry. The results will have a direct impact on the throughput function and may lead to improved accuracy in XMM-Newton’s scientific data products. The next step will be to determine whether all three XMM-Newton telescopes require similar adjustments or have separate issues.

You will work in close collaboration with calibration experts at ESAC and the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany. The project sits at the intersection between engineering and science and is therefore suited for any candidate curious about X-ray optics, X-ray astronomy, and modern satellite operations. The expected duration is 6 months, providing time for the candidate to become familiar with XMM-Newton and the necessary software, and to work towards obtaining results.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional Requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Candidates for this position should have:

• enthusiasm and curiosity for exploring scientific data.
• the trainee should be comfortable with working in an international environment.
• some experience with command line computing (e.g. terminal, Unix) and a scripting language (e.g. python) is beneficial.
• basic knowledge about X-ray telescopes and X-ray data is desirable, but not required.
  
  
  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).





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. Python Eclipse

Intern in the Science Operations Dept., data reduction pipeline for the Ariel exoplanet mission

Job Requisition ID: 19861

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Intern

Directorate: Science

Workplace:

Villanueva de la Cañada, ES

Location

ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/SCI, the Head of the Science Operations Department is responsible for the development of the science operations infrastructure under the Directorate responsibility, the operation of the Directorate’s missions once successfully commissioned, and the curation of all scientific data in the missions’ legacy phase. These responsibilities are discharged in full coordination with the Directorate’s Departments and Offices and as appropriate, with the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).

In implementing his/her duties, SCI-S is supported by the:

• mission Management and Science Operations Division (SCI-SO).
• science Operations Development Division (SCI-SD).
• data Science and Archives Division (SCI-SA).
  
  
  

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Exploring the data reduction pipeline for the Ariel exoplanet mission

For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/exploring-the-data-reduction-pipeline-for-the-ariel-exoplanet-mission

Ariel is an upcoming ESA exoplanet mission, designed to perform a large survey of diverse exoplanets (goal >1000 planets observed) and to characterise their atmospheres during the nominal four-year mission. The telescope will observe each planet during multiple transits of and/or eclipses by its host star: during a transit, a fraction of the starlight is blocked by the planet and an even smaller fraction is filtered through the planet’s atmosphere; during an eclipse, the reflected and/or emitted light of the dayside of the planet’s atmosphere is blocked by the star. Both types of observations can be utilized to deduce the composition of the planet’s atmosphere by analysing the obtained transit/eclipse spectra.

The atmospheric signatures of exoplanets are typically very small, often measured in parts per million (ppm). Achieving the level of precision required to detect such faint signals involves 1) collecting vast numbers of photons per spectral bin to reach an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio, and 2) applying sophisticated data reduction and calibration techniques. These techniques must correct for numerous factors, including detector artefacts (e.g., dark current), instrumental effects (e.g., throughput variations), spacecraft influences (e.g., pointing errors or jitter), and astronomical phenomena (e.g., limb darkening, stellar variability). In recent years, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has set new benchmarks for near-infrared exoplanet spectroscopy, demonstrating the power and necessity of advanced data pipelines to extract atmospheric information from such challenging observations. Building on lessons learned from JWST, the Ariel Mission Consortium (AMC) is developing a dedicated data reduction pipeline to address these challenges. The pipeline, designed to deliver transit and eclipse spectra of the highest possible quality, will be deployed at the Science Operations Centre (SOC) at ESAC in Madrid, Spain.

Your goal is to explore and assess the AMC-developed pipeline within the SOC environment, using both simulated data and ground-based test datasets. The selected intern will become familiar with the Ariel pipeline’s structure and algorithms and will have the opportunity to directly compare its performance and methodology to those of JWST. By offering feedback on pipeline development and deployment, you will contribute valuable insights for the Ariel mission, while also gaining a deeper understanding of ESA as an international organisation and about ESAC’s science operations in particular.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional Requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

For this position you should have:

Some experience with command line computing (e.g. terminal, Unix) and a scripting language (e.g. python) is beneficial.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).





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Internship Programme »

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. HTML Eclipse Office

Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, CESAR Programme

Job Requisition ID: 19846

Date Posted: 1 November 2025

Closing Date: 30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Intern

Directorate: Science

Workplace:

Villanueva de la Cañada, ES

Location

ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/SCI, the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office is responsible for overseeing the scientific content of the Programme, interfacing with the scientific community and providing scientific expertise to studies, projects and missions, also in other Directorates as needed.

CESAR (Cooperation through Education in Science and Astronomy Research) is a joint educational programme developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), and the public company ISDEFE. It is based at ESA’s European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain. Its main goal is to provide students and teachers from European schools with hands-on educational materials and resources about Astrophysics and Space Sciences, to be used in the classroom, as well as easy access to ESA’s data archive and to optical and radio telescopes.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

Topic 1: Support in the pedagogical development of CESAR’s educational activities, with a special focus on the educational campaign for the upcoming solar eclipses.

For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:

www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/support-in-the-pedagogical-development-of-cesar-s-educational-activities-with-a-special-focus-on-the-educational-campaign-for-the-upcoming-solar-eclipses

The CESAR team carries out continuous work on transforming its activities and educational materials, adapting them to new formats and pedagogical strategies that are more engaging for students. Some examples include the development of new activities such as online labs, VR applications, and e-learning platforms. In this context, we follow the principles and guidelines already established by our colleagues at ESA Education, with whom the CESAR team is in regular contact. These updates are also carried out with the aim of making the materials progressively more accessible, inclusive, and diverse.

In addition to continuing our usual educational activities, in 2025 the CESAR project has launched a specific educational campaign in preparation for the total and annular solar eclipses that will be visible from Europe over the next three years.

Your goal would be:

• to collaborate in the development and revision of CESAR’s educational resources, with a particular focus on inclusion.
• to take part specifically in the design and implementation of CESAR’s educational campaign related to the solar eclipses visible from Europe in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
  
  
  

Topic 2: Support for the operation and educational implementation of CESAR’s telescopes.

For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/support-for-the-operation-and-educational-implementation-of-cesar-s-telescopes

The CESAR Project comprises three observatories: a solar observatory with three telescopes, currently operational; a 0.5 m optical telescope at the Cebreros Observatory, which has been fully refurbished and will be operational from January 2026; and two smaller optical telescopes, which will be upgraded throughout 2026. These telescopes serve as resources for the CESAR project's educational activities.

The main objectives of this internship are:

• support for the educational implementation of the 0.5 m optical telescope at the Cebreros Observatory, by creating observational cases and developing the system that will allow educational institutions to request and carry out their own observations.
• support for the operation of the solar and Cebreros telescopes, as well as the development of software to manage the acquired data. This includes the support in the design of a CESAR data archive, with data curation and search tools.
  
  
  

Topic 3: Design of multimedia, web and social media contents for educational activities, with a special focus on the total solar eclipse of August 2026

For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/design-of-multimedia-web-and-social-media-contents-for-educational-activities-with-a-special-focus-on-the-total-solar-eclipse-of-august-2026

The aim of this internship is the design and development of new multimedia material for the educational activities of the CESAR project, as well as its publication and impact monitoring on the project's website and social media channels. The content will be related to all areas of the project, but the main focus will be on the development of material about solar eclipses, both in preparation for, during, and after the total solar eclipse visible from Europe in August 2026. Materials will be created for all types of audiences, with particular attention to the educational context (children, families, teachers). Efforts will also be made to ensure that the work promotes equality and inclusion across all sectors of society. The work will be carried out in collaboration with the ESAC Communication team.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional Requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

For this position you should have:

Topic 1:

• good understanding of astronomical concepts.
• pedagological skills, experience working with primary and secondary school-level students.
• experience designing education materials for inclusive and diverse audiences.
• capable of working in international teams.
• fluent in English and Spanish (reading and writing).
• creative, capable to meet milestones within schedules.
  
  
  

Topic 2:

• good understanding of astronomical concepts.
• familiar with the use of telescopes
• programing skills based in astronomical software, like phyton, ASCOM.
• familiarity with all computer parts and hardware, to be able to add new components in case of need.
• pedagogical skills to apply in school observations.
• capable of working in international teams.
• fluent in English (reading and writing).
• creative, capable to meet milestones within schedules.
  
  
  

Topic 3:

• required:
• interest in Planetary Science, Space Science and Communications.
• general multimedia and social media knowledge.
• good level of English and Spanish, spoken and written.
• good communication skills.
• good understanding of astronomical concepts.

• desired:
• knowledge of graphic design and basic HTML.
• good level of editing pictures and videos.
• experience and/or knowledge in UX Design.
• familiarity with inclusive and diverse environments.
• creativity, capable of working in international teams and alone.
• capable of meeting milestones within schedules.
  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).





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