Young Graduate Trainee for Space Environments and Effects

The Space Environments & Effects Section supports the development of ESA missions and programmes by investigating the space environments within which they will operate, assessing likely effects and defining mitigation methods. Environments addressed include: high-energy radiation from radiation belts, solar-particle events and cosmic rays; plasmas encountered in planetary magnetospheres, the solar wind and artificially-generated charges and fields on spacecraft; micro-meteoroids and non-trackable debris as well as planetary atmospheres. The Section initiates and manages related technology R&D activities. See its web page (http://space-env.esa.int) for more details.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

The Section addresses a number of challenges, which are excellent possible research areas;  two examples of fields of activity are given below.

1. ESA has over a number of years been involved in the development of models for the high-energy radiation fluxes encountered during Solar Particle Events (SPEs). These events are typically concentrated during solar maximum (high activity) periods during each solar cycle – which last an average of 11 years. SPEs can have various effects on spacecraft, ranging from radiation doses affecting components, effects on solar cells, various types of Single Event Effects, instrument noise and effects on astronauts. SPE models are developed for specification of the environment in space for use in the spacecraft design processes, but also for forecasting radiation storms for use in spacecraft operations and human spaceflight activities. As part of this research effort, you will analyse various existing SPE models and compare them to available radiation environment data from in-orbit radiation monitor instruments. Deficiencies in existing models will be identified and solutions proposed.
    
2. In-orbit space debris is a steadily growing concern for ESA, other space agencies and industry. While ground-based radars can track debris above about 1 cm in size, allowing collision-avoidance manoeuvers, particle populations below this size-range can only be measured in situ and analysed by numerical models, requiring risk-mitigation by design (shielding). In addition to human-made particulate populations, micrometeoroids have been identified in recent interplanetary missions as significant contributors to mission risk, especially in the planetary protection domain. There are existing, ongoing and planned activities to develop dedicated instruments to monitor space debris and the micrometeorite environment, and to improve related environment models and impact risk assessment and effects tools. As part of this research effort, you will evaluate and utilise the existing European data sources, investigate and develop the different modelling approaches and contribute to the design efforts for future instrumentation in the domain.

You should have just completed, or be in the final year of a university course at Master's level (or equivalent) in a technical or scientific discipline.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.　

You should demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. 　

During the interview your motivation and overall professional perspective/career goals will also be explored.