Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, Gaia searches for neutron star companions
Noordwijk
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Noordwijk
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Translations and Languages
- Internal audit, Investigation and Inspection
- Scientist and Researcher
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, Gaia searches for neutron star companions
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
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: Searching for former companions to young neutron stars with Gaia
For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:
Most massive stars are born in binaries or high order systems. In binaries, when the first star goes supernova, the binary is thought to unbind in most cases. The newborn neutron star and former companion star then travel away from each other. Direct observational constraints on this process have wide ranging implications, e.g. for the formation rate of binary compact objects.
In this project, based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESA/ESTEC), the intern will use the Gaia DR3 catalogue to search for former binary companions to young pulsars: if the proper motion of a pulsar is known, we can search for Gaia stars whose past trajectories intersect the past trajectory of the pulsar. The intern will evaluate the probability that candidates are truly associated and compare their properties with expectations for recently ejected companion stars. The sample size will be much larger than in previous studies, and the results of this systematic search will provide the new benchmark for observational constraints on unbound neutron star companions.
Depending on progress, there is the possibility of (co-)authorship of a paper publishing the results following the internship.
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:
- proficiency in a programming language, preferably python.
- basic understanding of high-mass stellar evolution and binary stars (e.g. through undergraduate astronomy courses).
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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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).
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.