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Position Title: Intern in Earth Observation Department, Analysis of Scalloping Effects in Synthetic Aperture Radar
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 countries in Europe and collaborates with numerous 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 agency is known for its ambitious Earth observation programs, including the Copernicus initiative, which aims to monitor the planet's environment and climate.

Job Overview:
The Internship-position" id="link" class="link">Internship Position is located at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes. The intern will focus on the analysis of scalloping effects in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, particularly in relation to the Sentinel-1 Next Generation (NG) mission. This mission is crucial for providing continuous C-band SAR observations to support operational Copernicus services. The intern will engage in various activities, including familiarization with SAR remote sensing principles, analysis of existing SAR data, and the development of mitigation strategies for scalloping effects. The role is designed to provide hands-on experience in a cutting-edge field of Earth observation, contributing to the advancement of satellite technology and Data Analysis techniques.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for several key activities:

• Familiarizing themselves with the principles of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing and the future concepts for multichannel SAR systems, particularly those planned for the Sentinel-1 NG mission.
• Understanding scalloping effects in SAR data and exploring known mitigation techniques.
• Analyzing Envisat and Radarsat Constellation Mission (RCM) data using Python tools to gain insights into scalloping and its impact on SAR images.
• Extending the analysis to predict the impact of residual scalloping on Sentinel-1 NG and recommending potential mitigation strategies.
• Depending on the internship duration and the candidate's interests, additional activities related to multichannel systems for estimating radial velocities and ocean surface currents may be included.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. They must remain enrolled at their university for the entire duration of the internship. A good knowledge of English or French is required, and familiarity with another language from a Member State is considered an asset. Specific competencies in signal processing, geophysics, electromagnetics, or remote sensing are advantageous, as is experience in developing data analysis tools using Python or MATLAB.

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 Earth observation, remote sensing, geophysics, or a related discipline. The candidate should have a solid understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of SAR technology and data analysis.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, familiarity with SAR technology, remote sensing principles, and data analysis tools will be beneficial. The internship is designed for students who are eager to learn and apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, thus prior internships or projects related to Earth observation or data analysis would be advantageous.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of an additional language from a Member State is considered a valuable asset. This multilingual environment emphasizes the importance of effective communication in a diverse workplace.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position with a contract duration aligned with the academic calendar of the selected candidate. 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 actively seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities and provides support during the recruitment process. Applications are only accepted from nationals of specific European countries and associated states, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.