Intern in the Φ-lab Explore Office, Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation

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 in Europe and collaborates with various international partners. 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 innovation and advancing scientific knowledge through its various programs, including Earth Observation, Human Spaceflight, and Space Science.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position in the Φ-lab Explore Office focuses on Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation (EO). The intern will work closely with the Head of the Explore Office and collaborate with other staff members within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. The Φ-lab aims to accelerate the future of EO by integrating disruptive technologies such as AI, machine learning, and quantum computing into its operations. The intern will be involved in cutting-edge research and development activities that leverage AI to extract actionable insights from complex EO datasets. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions that address global challenges while gaining hands-on experience in AI development cycles, including data preparation, model training, and deployment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks related to AI4EO research activities. These tasks include preparing EO datasets for AI pipelines, training AI models and analyzing their performance, running inference on edge computing devices, benchmarking AI models, and supporting model design and optimization. The intern will actively engage with Φ-lab researchers and staff, contributing to the development of foundation models for Earth Observation and exploring edge computing applications in space. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to achieve project goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably at the master’s level, and must provide proof of enrollment for the entire duration of the internship. A strong background in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, or embedded systems is highly desirable. Familiarity with AI4EO technologies, foundation models, and edge computing will be considered an asset. Previous experience with AI model training and inference is also advantageous. The intern should demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, or a related discipline. A master’s level education is preferred, and candidates must be able to demonstrate ongoing enrollment at their university throughout the internship period. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical foundation and practical skills required for the internship tasks.

Experience:
The position is designed for candidates who are currently enrolled in a university program, thus prior professional experience is not strictly required. However, any relevant internships, projects, or coursework that demonstrate familiarity with AI technologies, data analysis, or Earth Observation will be beneficial. The internship is an entry-level position aimed at students looking to gain practical experience in a research environment.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in ESA member states is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse team at ESA.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position with a contract duration aligned with the academic calendar of the intern's university. The role is open to nationals of ESA member states and cooperating states, including Canada and several European countries. The agency is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Compensation details and specific benefits associated with the internship will be provided during the recruitment process.