Intern in the Future Missions Department, Astrophysics Section of the Prodex Office

Internship Opportunity in the Future Missions Department, Astrophysics Section of the PRODEX Office

Our team and mission

The Future Missions Department at ESA is responsible for preparing future missions, as well as defining and implementing Small/Fast missions within the Directorate of Science (e.g. SMILE, Comet-Interceptor, ARRAKHIS). Within the Future Missions Department, PRODEX is an optional programme dedicated to the development of scientific instruments and experiments for space science missions. In the PRODEX Office, the Astrophysics and International Collaboration Missions Section (SCI-FEA) is responsible for a subset of PRODEX activities, particularly the implementation and monitoring of activities and developments related to astrophysics and fundamental physics science missions (e.g. ATHENA, LISA, SMILE, and ARIEL), as well as those involving international external partners, some of them with export control constraints. Developments in other domains of activities handled by the Office, such as Earth observation-related developments, may also be entrusted to the section.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Internship for Astronomy/Astrophysics mission

This internship position in PRODEX offers an opportunity to contribute to the preparatory work for the nuANCESTOR (frequency ANchor for Cross-calibration of Extreme preciSion asTronOmical spectRographs) mission. This Swiss-led mission uses a space-based Laser Frequency Comb for absolute calibration and cross-calibration of extreme-precision radial velocity ground-based spectrographs. The industrial development for this project will soon start in the fields of opto-electronics, telescope design, and GNSS. As an intern, you will work on the mission definition and will also have the opportunity to get involved in one or more of these industrial developments based on your education, background, and aptitude.

Your role within this project will include the following tasks:

• Work on mission definition for nuANCESTOR with the institute and industrial partners
• Interface with ESA technical experts on various sub-system development
• Support the monitoring of an industrial activity related to nuANCESTOR

During the course of this project, you will learn about exoplanet detection and characterisation, astronomical spectroscopy, space optical and opto-electronic instruments design and development, Technological Readiness Levels of space missions, and trade-offs involved in sub-system design for a successful mission.

Behavioural competencies

• Result Orientation
• Operational Efficiency
• Fostering Cooperation
• Relationship Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Forward Thinking

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

• The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
• During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
• Knowledge and background in astronomical space instrumentation including optics, detectors, thermal and electronics is an asset.

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations. The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.