Intern in the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section, Earth Observation Science for Natural Capital

Internship Opportunity in the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section, Earth Observation Science for Natural Capital

Our team and mission

The Earth and Mission Science Division, part of the Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department within the Earth Observation Programmes Directorate, is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre. The Division provides the creative vision for innovation and new discoveries in Earth system science, using Earth Observation (EO) in close cooperation with the scientific community.

The Earth and Mission Science Division team:

• Bridges science and technology by translating ideas and concepts into technical reality and scientific success. This is achieved by defining, consolidating, and managing scientific mission requirements throughout all phases of a mission, and by measuring the maturity of the resulting mission concept.
• Manages scientific research-based studies, providing the scientific foundation for mission concepts and approval, and supports the successful development of space and ground segments, in-orbit satellite commissioning, and in-orbit scientific achievements.
• Undertakes airborne, marine, and terrestrial campaigns contributing to the development of new technologies, mission feasibility assessments, calibration/validation, and application development.

You will work within the Earth Surfaces and Interior Section of the Earth and Mission Science Division, whose role is to provide broad science support throughout the preparation and development of Earth Observation missions. Your activities will contribute to and benefit from a diverse and international team of scientists working across a variety of Earth Science disciplines.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Linking Earth Observation Mission Science to Natural Capital

Are you curious about how Earth Observation missions can help us better understand and value the natural world? As an intern, you will explore the connection between natural capital (Earth’s resources having economic value or providing essential services) and the science objectives of future Earth Observation missions. Your work will focus on mapping how these missions contribute to monitoring and valuing nature in economic terms, helping to bridge science with decision-making.

Through this internship, you will learn how scientific objectives can be translated into information relevant for economic and policy discussions, gain skills in linking environmental data with economic perspectives, and contribute to shaping how space mission science supports sustainability goals.

What you will do:

• Map the science objectives of future Earth Observation missions in relation to natural capital.
• Evaluate the ways in which these missions generate information relevant to economic assessments of natural resources and ecosystem services, and estimate the economic impacts for a defined case study.
• Assist in preparing reports, visual summaries, and recommendations that connect scientific and economic perspectives.
• Support discussions with internal scientific, technical, and policy teams.

What you will learn:

• How natural capital concepts can be applied to Earth Observation missions.
• Methods for linking satellite-derived information and objectives with economic valuation of nature.
• Skills in data organisation, synthesis, and communication across scientific and policy domains.
• Experience working in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

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 environmental economics, Earth Observation, natural sciences, sustainability or related fields is an asset.
• Analytical skills and an interest in the intersection of Earth Observation and economics are relevant for this position.

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

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

Please note that 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).