ESA Graduate Trainee in Applications of Non-Equilibrium for Space

Our team and mission

ESA’s Advanced Concepts Team (ACT) monitors, performs, and promotes cutting-edge multidisciplinary research for space. It explores innovative approaches to space-related R&D, including competitions, prizes, and games, as well as research aimed at fostering disruptive innovation. The team develops an expert network within academia and provides rapid first-look analyses of challenges, opportunities, and problems.

The ACT collaborates with universities and research centers, focusing on advanced topics of strategic relevance to the space sector while experimenting with novel teamwork methods. To achieve its objectives, the ACT fosters a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment where early-career researchers—spanning postdoctoral and postgraduate levels in science and engineering—contribute to the development of emerging technologies and innovative concepts.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

As an ESA Graduate Trainee, you will primarily focus on applications of non-equilibrium thermodynamics to space, with an emphasis on theoretical investigations and computational modelling. This research aims to deepen our understanding of energy transfer, material and collective behaviour, chemical processes, and dynamical systems under non-equilibrium conditions relevant to space. The goal is to uncover phenomena of potential relevance to space exploration and related applications.

While you are encouraged to propose your own innovative projects, the following topics have been identified as potential areas of research:

• Modelling of active matter: Study systems of particles, agents, or materials that consume energy from their environment to produce mechanical work and self-propel. Investigate collective behaviours leading to complex, adaptive, and emergent properties such as self-organisation, which could inspire novel orbital construction techniques.
• Quantum non-equilibrium thermodynamics: Explore quantum devices capable of efficient energy transfer, storage, transportation, conversion, or extraction (e.g., quantum batteries, engines, refrigerators). Investigate methods for converting quantum coherence into mechanical work.
• Phase transitions and dynamics in out-of-equilibrium systems: Enhance understanding of dynamic processes, such as supercritical fluid injection in rocket propulsion, to optimise propulsion efficiency.
• Out-of-equilibrium systems and the origin of life: Investigate chemical gradients on exoplanets driven by external energy sources as potential scenarios for abiogenesis, providing insights into the origins of life beyond Earth.
• Atmospheric non-equilibrium thermodynamics of exoplanets: Analyse atmospheric dynamics of exoplanets to complement limited observational data. This research can help explain anomalies and features observed in the spectral data of exoplanets and refine our understanding of their climates.

As a member of the Advanced Concepts Team (ACT), you will contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative space technologies and concepts. You will collaborate with experts across various disciplines, including biomimetics, artificial intelligence, computer science, fundamental physics, and mission analysis. Depending on your background and interests, you will engage in diverse initiatives, such as studies conducted under ESA's Ariadna scheme, and assist in communicating research findings within ESA and to external audiences.

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains

Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities

General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities

Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

Education

You should have recently completed or be in the final year of your master’s degree in physics, mathematics, chemistry or other related fields.

Additional requirements

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations & security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.