Intern in the Space Weather Office of ESA's Space Safety Programme

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Position Title: Intern in the Space Weather Office of ESA's Space Safety Programme
Location: Darmstadt
Country: Germany
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 to advance space science and technology. ESA's mission encompasses a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration, with a commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is located at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, within the Directorate of Operations. The Space Weather Office is tasked with developing systems for nowcasting and forecasting space weather, which includes monitoring solar eruptions that can have significant impacts on Earth and space operations. The intern will engage in the Space Weather Mission Performance Simulation, contributing to the analysis of mission performance through various models and instrument data. This role is crucial for understanding the dynamics of Earth's magnetosphere and optimizing mission design and operations, providing a comprehensive learning experience in space mission execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for analyzing the performance of ESA's Space Weather missions, utilizing different Space Weather models and instrument data. This includes capturing the state of the magnetic field and particle distribution around Earth, ensuring high reliability and low data latencies for operational purposes. The intern will also assist in the development of enhanced Space Weather Sensor Systems, participate in the optimization of mission design, and contribute to ongoing mission management. Additionally, the intern will collaborate with team members to foster cooperation and continuous improvement in mission execution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master’s level course. A good knowledge of English is mandatory, while knowledge of another ESA Member State language is considered an asset. Familiarity with Python programming and data analysis is also advantageous, as these skills will be utilized in the analysis of mission performance and data interpretation.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in a university program, ideally pursuing a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as space science, physics, engineering, or data analysis. The candidate must remain enrolled for the entire duration of the internship, ensuring that they can apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, any background in space science, engineering, or data analysis will be beneficial. The internship is designed for students who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of space weather and operations, and thus, a strong academic foundation is essential.

Languages:
A good command of English is required for this position. Knowledge of an additional language from one of the ESA Member States is considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication within the diverse team environment.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to nationals from specific ESA member states and cooperating states. The European Space Agency is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The internship will provide a unique opportunity to work in a leading space organization, contributing to significant projects in space safety and weather monitoring.