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Position Title: Intern in the Destination Earth and Copernicus Activities
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 employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency'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. ESA operates in various domains, including Earth observation, human spaceflight, exploration, and telecommunications, and collaborates with numerous international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
This internship opportunity is situated within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes at the European Space Agency (ESA), specifically at the ESA Centre for Earth Observation (ESRIN) in Frascati, Italy. The internship focuses on the DestinE Initiative (Destination Earth) and Copernicus Programme activities, which aim to develop a next-generation digital ecosystem for optimizing Earth observation and Data Management. Interns will work closely with leading experts and industry partners, gaining hands-on experience in shaping the future of digital Earth systems. The role involves understanding Earth observation systems and how data supports environmental monitoring, climate resilience, and Disaster Management. Interns will explore the functionalities of various Sentinel satellites and how Copernicus services can be applied across sectors such as Agriculture, Emergency response, and urban planning. Additionally, the internship will provide insights into the development of digital twins using Earth observation data, which are crucial for modeling climate and environmental changes, thereby aiding decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to actively contribute to the activities of Copernicus and DestinE, including piloting the use of the DestinE Platform services. They will support the definition of the roadmap for DestinE and Copernicus service evolution, assist in outreach and communication activities, and help prepare for the 4th DestinE User Exchange in Vienna. Interns will engage in Data Analytics and Design AI-based applications utilizing Copernicus and/or DestinE data. The specific tasks may vary based on the intern's expertise and interests, allowing for a tailored experience that aligns with their academic background and career aspirations.

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 earth sciences, geography, remote sensing, geoinformatics, informatics, or engineering is essential. Additionally, candidates should possess a basic understanding of Earth Observation (EO) and how EO data can be utilized in climate monitoring, environmental Analysis, and disaster management. Familiarity with programming languages, particularly Python, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a university student, ideally in the final or penultimate year of a Master's program. Candidates should have a relevant academic focus in fields such as earth sciences, geography, remote sensing, geoinformatics, informatics, or engineering, which will provide the necessary foundation for the internship's technical and analytical tasks.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a basic understanding of Earth Observation systems and data applications. Any practical experience or coursework related to climate monitoring, environmental analysis, or programming will be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's application.

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 is considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for effective communication within the diverse international environment of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, and ESA is committed to equal opportunity employment, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. Applications from women are particularly encouraged. The internship is open to nationals of specific European countries and cooperating states, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. ESA values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities, providing necessary support in the workplace and during the recruitment process.