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Position Title: Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, Solar Atmospheric Elemental Composition
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'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 science, and collaborates with numerous international partners.

Job Overview:
This Internship opportunity is situated within the Directorate of Science at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The intern will work under the direct authority of the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, who is responsible for overseeing the scientific content of the Programme. The intern will engage with the scientific community and provide scientific expertise to various studies, projects, and missions. The focus of the internship is on exploring the elemental composition across the solar atmospheric layers, a critical area of research that seeks to understand the complex interactions and processes occurring within the solar atmosphere. The intern will analyze data from two significant space missions, JAXA/ESA's Hinode and ESA's Solar Orbiter, to investigate the correlation of elemental composition across different solar atmospheric layers and structures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with analyzing and comparing elemental abundance data from the Hinode/EIS and Solar Orbiter/SPICE missions. This will involve utilizing a new composition diagnostic designed for future missions. The intern will quantify the correlation of elemental composition across various solar atmospheric layers and structures, contributing to a deeper understanding of solar physics. Additionally, the intern will be expected to collaborate with other team members, participate in meetings, and present findings to the team and potentially to the wider scientific community. The role will also require the intern to maintain detailed documentation of their research and findings, ensuring that all data is accurately recorded and easily accessible for future reference.

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 strong background in relevant scientific fields, particularly those related to solar physics, is essential. The intern should possess advanced knowledge of Python programming, as well as a solid understanding of solar physics principles. Additionally, proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French or another language spoken in ESA member states would be advantageous.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be pursuing a Master's degree in a relevant field such as astrophysics, space science, or a related discipline. The educational background should include coursework or research experience in solar physics, data Analysis, and programming, particularly in Python. Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to their field of study.

Experience:
While prior internship experience is not strictly required, any relevant experience in research, particularly in solar physics or Data Analysis, would be beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with Scientific Research methodologies and data interpretation. Experience working with scientific instruments or data from space missions would be a significant advantage, as it would provide context for the internship's objectives.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of English is required, and knowledge of French or another language from ESA member states would be considered an asset. Proficiency in additional languages can enhance a candidate's application, especially if they are from a member state or cooperating state.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position and is open to nationals of specific ESA member states, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Canada, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus are also eligible to apply. The internship is expected to provide valuable experience in a leading space research organization and may lead to future opportunities within ESA or the broader space science community. ESA is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities.