Intern in the Science Operations Department, Mission Management and Science Operations Division
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:
- Operations and Administrations
- Scientist and Researcher
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Science Operations Department, Mission Management and Science Operations Division
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:
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 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.