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Position Title: Intern in the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Educational Device Development
Location: Frascati, Rome
Country: Italy
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 operates across various countries in Europe. The agency's mission is to provide Europe with a space capability and to foster cooperation in the field of space exploration. ESA employs thousands of professionals and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance scientific knowledge and technological innovation in space.

Job Overview:
This Internship opportunity is situated within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes at the ESA Centre for Earth Observation (ESRIN) in Frascati, Italy. The intern will work under the direct authority of the Head of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department. The primary focus of this role is to develop and test educational devices and experiments aimed at enhancing Earth Observation education. The intern will engage in designing, testing, and integrating an Internet of Things (IoT) device that measures tree health, which will be utilized in educational settings, particularly during the LPS2025 School Lab. This position is crucial for fostering awareness among secondary school students about tree health and the methodologies for measuring it using both in-situ electronic devices and satellite data. The intern will also contribute to the development of educational demonstrations that will facilitate hands-on learning experiences for students.

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

• Developing a prototype of the Health Tree Platform (HTP) for the LPS202
• Implementing and interfacing IoT sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and humidity sensors) on the HTP platform to measure tree health.
• Developing software to interface with the sensors, including the implementation of Machine Learning algorithms.
• Establishing LORA communication for transmitting HTP data to the ESA server.
• Analyzing correlations between in-situ data and satellite data, addressing any limitations or challenges encountered.
• Creating educational demonstrations for the LPS2025, which may include measuring wind direction and intensity, assessing the 3D accelerometer and gyro of the tree, and evaluating NDVI with varying leaf conditions.
• Documenting the results in a technical report, including a user manual for schools and a video tutorial to aid in educational outreach.

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. Additionally, a strong background in computer programming (specifically Python and C), electronics, and IoT is required. Familiarity with Earth Observation and Remote Sensing concepts will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Computer Science, Electronics, or a related discipline. The internship is designed for students who are nearing the completion of their studies, ensuring that they can apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to ESA's mission.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships or projects related to Earth Observation, IoT, or educational technology will be considered beneficial. The candidate should demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving, as well as the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is required, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This multilingual environment emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills in a diverse workplace.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and candidates must be nationals of one of the specified ESA member states or cooperating states. The internship is expected to provide valuable experience in a leading space agency, with opportunities for professional development and networking within the field of Earth Observation. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The closing date for applications is set for 30 November 2024 at 23:59 CET/CEST.