Intern in the Human Exploration Science Team, Life Science Handbook

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Position Title: Intern in the Human Exploration Science Team, Life Science Handbook
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 various locations in Europe and is involved in numerous international collaborations. 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.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The Human Exploration Science Office aims to enhance human exploration into deep space by understanding biological and physiological responses to space stressors. The intern will focus on generating a comprehensive research handbook for life science experiments in space, which will serve as a valuable resource for the research community. This handbook will compile insights from past experiments, including successes and failures, to guide future research in space biology. The intern will engage in document mining, utilizing internal reports and published studies, potentially employing AI tools to extract relevant findings. The ultimate goal is to publish the handbook in a peer-reviewed, open-access journal, contributing to the scientific community's knowledge base.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Mining internal documents related to life science experiments in space, such as requirements, post-flight reviews, and lessons learned reports.
• Analyzing published work from previous life science projects to identify recurrent findings and best practices.
• Collaborating with internal teams and the scientific community to synthesize insights into a cohesive handbook.
• Documenting optimal conditions for various biological samples, including temperature requirements and medium adjustments necessary for sample survival in space.
• Assisting in the preparation of the handbook for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Engaging in discussions and meetings with team members to ensure alignment on project objectives and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They should remain enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A background in life sciences or biology is essential, along with a strong interest in space research and experimentation. Additionally, candidates should possess good analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as life sciences, biology, or a related discipline. The internship is designed for students who are in their final or second-to-last year of their university studies, ensuring that they have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills applicable to the tasks at hand.

Experience:
While prior experience in space research is not mandatory, any relevant experience in life sciences, laboratory work, or research methodologies will be advantageous. The internship is primarily aimed at students, so the focus is on providing practical experience and exposure to the field rather than requiring extensive professional experience.

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. Knowledge of an additional language from one of the ESA member states would be considered an asset, enhancing communication within the diverse team.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position based at the ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. The agency values the contributions of individuals with disabilities and strives to provide necessary accommodations in the workplace. Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware subject to European and US export control regulations. Applications are only accepted from nationals of specific ESA member states and associated countries.