Intern in the Science Operations Department, JUICE Strategic Science Planning
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:
- Operations and Administrations
- Scientist and Researcher
- Closing Date: 2025-11-30
Intern in the Science Operations Department, JUICE Strategic Science Planning
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: JUICE Strategic Science Planning: Scientific Opportunity Analysis, Trajectory Studies and Tools development in support of the Science Operations Center
For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:
The role of the Science Operations Center at ESAC is to support our science mission in maximising the scientific return they can yield. The Juice (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) mission is currently on its way to Jupiter. It is an ambitious mission that has many targets in the Jovian system - its three icy moons (of course) but also Jupiter, its magnetosphere, its plasma environment and its other moons.
This internship aims to support the thematic working groups of the science working team and the SOC in identifying the most critical parts of the mission for each discipline and help build the strategic science planning that will enable Juice to make the most of its Jovian adventure. This includes trajectory analysis, interaction with the operations scientists and the working group leads, implementation of the identified needs with python notebooks and synthesis of the findings.
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:
- interest in Planetary Sciences.
- knowledge of one or several of the main disciplines relevant for Juice: Geophysics, Planetary surfaces, Geology, Jupiter atmosphere, Magnetospheric science.
- interest in Science Operations.
- good level of coding in python.
- proficiency in English.
- familiarity with SPICE ancillary data would be a plus.
- experience in complex data analysis.
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.