Intern in the Human Exploration Science Team, Radiation Microbiology

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Position Title: Intern in the Human Exploration Science Team, Radiation Microbiology
Location: Noordwijk
Country: Netherlands
Deadline Date: 30 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Job Details

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, including NASA and the Russian space agency. ESA's mission encompasses a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration, with a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in the field of space exploration.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes. The Human Exploration Science Office focuses on advancing human exploration into deep space, with the goal of improving life and health both in space and on Earth. The intern will engage in a systematic literature review on radioresistance in the microbiome, exploring how certain bacteria and fungi can withstand high doses of radiation encountered during space missions. This research is crucial for ensuring the health of astronauts and the integrity of spacecraft during long-term missions. The intern will be expected to identify mechanisms of radioresistance and explore the potential applications of these findings for future space exploration missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive literature review on the topic of microbiology and radiation protection. This includes searching for and analyzing existing research on the radioresistance of various microorganisms, documenting findings, and synthesizing information into a coherent report. The intern will also be tasked with identifying specific organisms that exhibit notable resistance to radiation and could be of interest for further study. Additionally, the intern may be involved in discussions with team members about the implications of their findings for countermeasures against radiation in space. The role requires a proactive approach to research and collaboration with other team members to enhance the overall understanding of microbiological responses to radiation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master’s level program. A strong background in microbiology, radiation biology, or a related field is essential. The intern should possess good analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature. Familiarity with research methodologies and data analysis is also beneficial. The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to the objectives of the internship and be able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in a university program, ideally pursuing a Master’s degree in microbiology, radiation biology, or a closely related field. The intern must remain enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship, ensuring that they can balance academic commitments with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, any relevant research experience in microbiology or radiation biology will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in space exploration and the scientific challenges associated with human spaceflight. Experience in conducting literature reviews or research projects during their studies will be advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required for the position, while knowledge of additional languages spoken in ESA member states would be considered a valuable asset. This multilingual environment emphasizes the importance of effective communication within the team and with external collaborators.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to applicants from ESA member states and associated countries. The internship is designed to last for a specific duration, typically aligned with the academic calendar of the intern. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The agency provides necessary support to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Additionally, applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations.