Intern in the Utilisation and Enabled Science Team, Nitrogen-Vacancy Centres

Internship Opportunity in the Utilisation and Enabled Science Team: Nitrogen-Vacancy Centres

Our team and mission

The HRE-SU (Utilisation and Enabled Science) team at ESA coordinates the Agency’s research programme in physical sciences and biology under microgravity conditions and for space exploration. Using platforms like the International Space Station, as well as Moon and Mars missions, the team supports a wide range of cutting-edge research—from Earth atmospheric studies and quantum sensors to heat transfer phenomena, soft matter, and advanced materials processing.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Internship Topic: Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) for Physics and Biology in Microgravity

This internship provides an opportunity to develop a comprehensive roadmap for applying nitrogen-vacancy centres in nanodiamonds as quantum sensors for physics and biology experiments in microgravity. Nitrogen-vacancy centres are atomic-scale defects in diamond crystals that exhibit unique quantum properties, enabling highly sensitive detection of magnetic fields, temperature, and electric fields. When embedded in nanodiamonds, these sensors offer powerful tools for probing molecular and cellular processes with high spatial resolution and minimal invasiveness—making them particularly promising for compact, non-invasive experiments in space environments.

The main objective of the internship is to create a structured and research-informed guide on how this technology can be adapted and applied to microgravity conditions. You will explore the current state of the art of nitrogen-vacancy sensing in both physical and biological contexts on Earth and assess how these methods could be transferred to space-based platforms such as the International Space Station and free-flyers.

Internship activities will include analysing existing quantum sensing experiments, mapping the steps needed to adapt those methods to microgravity, and proposing potential applications in fields such as molecular biology, cell physiology, soft matter physics and material science.

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 in bio-physics and quantum physics 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.