Intern in the Vulcan Team

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency operates across multiple countries, focusing on various aspects of space exploration, including human and robotic missions. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and research, and it plays a pivotal role in global initiatives related to space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Vulcan Team is designed for university students who are interested in planetary and material science. The Vulcan Analogue Sample Facility, part of the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration, focuses on supporting long-term lunar and Martian surface exploration. The intern will engage in research activities that involve developing operational concepts and low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies. The role will require collaboration with various ESA teams, primarily focusing on analogue samples and related technologies. The intern will be expected to contribute to the creation of new analogue sample recipes for upcoming missions, as well as assist in the advanced characterization of analogue samples. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science and engineering, contributing to the future of space exploration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Assisting in the development of low-medium fidelity simulants for different planetary bodies and sites.
• Creating high fidelity mechanical simulants for engineering and geotechnical applications, such as plume surface interaction and contamination testing.
• Investigating artificial simulant components to enhance the understanding of sample behavior.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to validate and de-risk low TRL technologies.
• Supporting the characterization of the physical, mechanical, mineralogical, and chemical properties of analogue samples.
• Engaging in research activities that contribute to the overall mission of the Vulcan Facility and ESA's exploration goals.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing to discussions on project progress and challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. A strong background in Planetary Science or Geoscience is required, along with the ability to demonstrate ongoing enrollment at their university throughout the internship. Knowledge of coding languages, geotechnical engineering, and materials processing will be considered an asset. Additionally, candidates must possess a good command of English or French, with knowledge of another ESA Member State language being advantageous.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as Planetary Science, Geoscience, or a related discipline. The internship is particularly suited for students who are in their final or penultimate year of a Master's program, ensuring that they have a solid foundation in the necessary scientific and technical principles.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships or projects related to planetary science, geoscience, or materials science will be beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in space exploration and a willingness to learn and contribute to ongoing research efforts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of an additional language from an ESA Member State is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. The internship duration aligns with the academic calendar, and candidates must be able to commit for the entire period. ESA is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity and inclusiveness within the workplace. The organization welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Compensation details and benefits will be provided during the recruitment process.