Our team and mission

You will work in close cooperation with other staff in the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

You will be part of the ESA Φ-lab. Our mission is to accelerate the future of Earth Observation (EO) by embracing disruptive innovation and be the catalyst for disruptive/transformative innovation in the sector.

Our vision is to become an “EO innovation hub” connecting EO with a growing ecosystem of disruptive and transformative innovation like AI, ML, Quantum Computing, Edge Computing, Metamaterials, Photonics, etc.. Many of the challenges posed by new technologies still need to be tackled at scientific, application and capability levels to deliver the maximum value from satellite-derived EO assets for our climate, society, and economy. The Φ-lab will bring together early career and senior researchers from a variety of disciplines across EO and disruptive/transformative innovation to contribute developing innovative EO solutions.

We offer:

• a stimulating multinational, interdisciplinary and open work environment;
• access to high-performance computing infrastructure and unparalleled EO and technology expertise;
• a unique opportunity to work on innovative solutions to address global challenges;
• freedom and focus to conduct creative research while making an impact in relation to ESA’s strategy;
• a wide network of relationships and collaboration with top academia, industry and research centres;
• the opportunity to contribute to the Φ-lab strategy and activities.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Leveraging AI to Monitoring Cultural Heritage Under Climate Stress

Climate change is placing increasing stress on cultural heritage, from Venice’s flood risk to coastal erosion of archaeological sites and desertification threatening ancient settlements. Earth Observation satellites such as Sentinel-1, -2, and -3 provide valuable data for monitoring these pressures at multiple scales (structural, environmental, regional). Proactive monitoring could safeguard cultural tourism, which represents a major socio-economic sector.

As part of the internship you shall:

1. Use EO data to monitor climate-related threats to heritage landscapes and monuments, such as:
   • flooding and saltwater intrusion (Sentinel-1, Sentinel-3);
   • vegetation encroachment and erosion (Sentinel-2);
   • round deformation/subsidence (Sentinel-1 InSAR).
2. Develop a vulnerability index for selected UNESCO sites for specific geographical areas.
3. Assess potential socio-economic consequences of site degradation, focusing on cultural tourism revenues and regional development.

Tasks may include: 

• select a small number of high-profile heritage case studies (e.g., Venice, Petra, Stonehenge);
• understand the concept, architectures, applications and benchmarking practices related to Foundation Models for EO applications and AI models for edge computing in space;
• conduct EO dataset preparation activities, including EO data download, wrangling, and pre-processing;
• in particular: collect and preprocess Sentinel-1/2/3 data for each site;
• apply EO methods (in particular InSar);
• combine EO-derived indicators into a multi-dimensional vulnerability index;
• link vulnerability scores with socio-economic data (tourism revenues, population, site management costs).

Expected Outcomes:

• EO-based monitoring framework for heritage under climate change;
• a vulnerability index applicable across different types of sites;
• a socio-economic impact assessment of potential heritage loss;
• visual outputs (maps, dashboards) usable by policymakers and heritage managers.

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.

The following would be considered an asset:

• background / knowledge of computer science, data-science, Artificial Intelligence;
• knowledge of EO data and applications;
• InSAR, NDVI/vegetation indices for overgrowth and encroachment, Water/flood mapping.