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Position Title: Intern in the AI and Data Science section
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. 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 involved in a wide range of activities, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, and planetary exploration, and is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in the field of space exploration.

Job Overview:
The Internship opportunity is situated within the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The AI and Data Science section is recognized as the Agency's center of excellence for Artificial Intelligence and data science technologies, specifically tailored for space applications. Interns will engage in various projects that involve the application of AI technologies to enhance the development and exploitation of future space missions. The internship offers a unique chance to work on cutting-edge topics such as building knowledge graphs, automated planning for lunar missions, and developing autonomous systems using Large Language Models (LLMs). Interns will be expected to contribute to innovative solutions that can significantly impact ESA's future projects and missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will have the opportunity to select from several topics, each with specific responsibilities. For instance, in the Knowledge Graph project, interns will define the ontology, populate the graph database, and explore AI methods to predict relationships. In the Automated Planning project, interns will identify tasks for a lunar crew, evaluate scheduling methods, and Design a scheduler that justifies its decisions. Other projects involve developing proof-of-concept applications for LLM agents, creating a semantic segmentation demo in a simulated Mars environment, and analyzing AI solutions for edge computing in space. Each project requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and collaboration with team members to achieve project goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be university students, preferably in their final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. A strong foundation in AI applications development and proficiency in Python is essential. Depending on the selected project, additional qualifications may include knowledge of databases management, natural language processing, embedded systems, and game programming. Interns should demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen interest in space technology and AI.

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 Computer Science, engineering, or data science. It is crucial that candidates remain enrolled for the entire duration of the internship to meet ESA's educational requirements.

Experience:
While specific experience levels may vary by project, a general background in AI applications development is necessary. Interns should have hands-on experience with Programming Languages, particularly Python, and familiarity with relevant technologies and methodologies related to their chosen project. Experience in game development or 3D modeling may be required for certain projects, such as those involving the simulation of Mars environments.

Languages:
The working languages at ESA are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of additional languages from ESA member states is considered an asset. This multilingual environment encourages collaboration and communication among diverse teams.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to nationals from specific ESA member states, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and others. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. ESA provides necessary support to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace. The internship is expected to last for the duration of the academic semester, and interns will receive guidance and resources from ESA throughout their projects.