Intern in the Science Engagement & Oversight Office, investigating Galactic Bar Formation via Euclid
Villanueva de la Cañada | Madrid
- Organization: ESA - European Space Agency
- Location: Villanueva de la Cañada | Madrid
- Grade: Internship - Internship
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Occupational Groups:
- Legal - Broad
- Human Resources
- Banking and Finance
- Internal audit, Investigation and Inspection
- Scientist and Researcher
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Science Engagement & Oversight Office, investigating Galactic Bar Formation via Euclid
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: Investigating Galactic Bar Formation with Euclid
For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:
https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/investigating-galactic-bar-formation-with-euclid
Galactic bars - large stellar structures found at the centre of many disk galaxies - are key drivers of galaxy evolution. While bars are known to form via internal instabilities to the galactic disk, interactions with companion galaxies may also play a significant role. However, the impact of galaxy interactions on bar strength and formation remains poorly understood. This project will be the first large-scale observational study on how galaxy interactions influence the formation, evolution and strength of galactic bars.
We will conduct the first population study of galactic bars in interacting pairs by using machine learning methods with the first quick release from the Euclid survey to identify galaxies hosting galactic bars. Our goal is to identify galaxies that host galactic bars and examine their environments—whether they are undergoing interactions or mergers with close companions, or evolving in isolation. This pioneering study will shed light on the influence of an interaction on the evolution of the galactic bar and provide insight into this understudied formation mechanism.
What you’ll do:
- train and apply machine learning models to detect galactic bars in galaxy images.
- develop a pipeline to classify galaxies by bar strength.
- analyze trends in bar properties as a function of interaction and merger properties.
- contribute to the first large-scale observational study linking galaxy interactions to bar evolution and strength.
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:
- experience with the Python programming language.
- experience with Anaconda (or equivalent) and JupyterLab.
- experience with using and deploying machine learning algorithms.
- experience with handling large astronomical datasets and imaging.
- knowledge of extragalactic astronomy is desired, but not essential.
- knowledge of CUDA and GPU programming is desired, but not essential.
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.