Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, Icy Moons Surface Alteration
Madrid | Villanueva de la Cañada
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Madrid | Villanueva de la Cañada
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Internal audit, Investigation and Inspection
- Scientist and Researcher
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, Icy Moons Surface Alteration
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 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.