Intern in the Human Exploration Enabling Science Team, Biosensors and Space Health monitoring

Internship Opportunity: Human Exploration Enabling Science Team – Biosensors and Space Health Monitoring

Our team and mission

Our team is dedicated to advancing the science that underpins human space exploration, with a special focus on astronaut health. We utilise a variety of research platforms to replicate space conditions, such as dry immersion, bed rest, and isolation and confinement environments. Additionally, we conduct research directly aboard space stations like the International Space Station to observe how the human body adjusts to life in space.

A critical aspect of our work involves the use of biomedical sensors and monitoring systems. These technologies are essential for continuously tracking the physiological status of astronauts, enabling us to detect and address health issues in real-time. They are expected to provide invaluable data that helps us understand how space conditions impact the human body and inform the development of countermeasures to mitigate these effects.

Our efforts will help us comprehend the current health challenges faced by astronauts and contribute to the long-term planning for safe and sustainable space exploration. Moreover, this research holds the potential to offer significant benefits on Earth, particularly in areas such as elderly care and health management in extreme environments.

Some of our Earth-based studies are conducted in specialised research facilities, while others take place in unique settings like Antarctica or submarines. We also employ parabolic flights to test medical technologies and study how the body reacts to rapid changes in gravity. All these platforms enable us to investigate key medical risks and understand the physiological effects of spaceflight. We collaborate closely with crew medical teams, flight surgeons, and the broader space science community to ensure our research remains relevant to real operational needs and scientific priorities.

About the Project:

This internship explores the development of non-invasive biosensors for monitoring astronaut health and biological responses in space. Traditional sampling methods like blood draws are invasive and impractical in microgravity. Instead, this project focuses on miniaturised, low-reagent sensors that can detect biomarkers in saliva, urine, or sweat, or be integrated into tissue chips and organoids for in situ monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

• 1. Literature Review
  • Investigate current biosensing technologies suitable for spaceflight;
  • Focus on non-invasive biomarkers and space-relevant constraints (e.g., miniaturisation, low power, low reagent use).
• 2. Technology Landscape Mapping
  • Create a summary comparing biomarkers, sample types, detection methods, sensitivity, reagent use, and technology readiness levels.
• 3. Gap Analysis
  • Identify where current technologies fall short for space applications;
  • Highlight opportunities for novel biomarker detection or sensor development.
• 4. Concept Development
  • Propose conceptual biosensors (e.g., saliva patch, urine sensor);
  • Explore the potential of quantum or solid-state effects and underexplored biomarkers (e.g., exosomes, volatile organic compounds);
  • Investigate the use of AI/machine learning for signal interpretation.
• 5. Expert Engagement
  • Consult with biosensor developers and researchers;
  • Gather insights on feasibility and innovation potential.

Deliverables:

• A comprehensive literature review;
• A technology landscape summary;
• A gap analysis report;
• Conceptual sensor proposals.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Biosensors & Space Health monitoring

You will contribute to providing background knowledge that will help direct the development of non-invasive biosensing technologies for spaceflight applications. The internship focuses on identifying and evaluating novel sensor systems that could be used to monitor physiological changes and health risks in astronauts, as well as biological responses in advanced biomedical models such as tissue chips and organoids.

Your activities will include:

• Conducting a literature review on biosensing technologies suitable for space environments, with emphasis on miniaturisation, low power consumption, and minimal reagent use;
• Mapping the current landscape of biomarkers and detection methods, including optical, electrochemical, and label-free techniques;
• Performing a gap analysis to identify mismatches between biomarkers of interest and available detection technologies.

You will explore both crew-facing sensors (e.g., saliva patches, urine sensors) and embedded sensors for biological models. The internship encourages creative thinking and conceptual design of novel sensing approaches, including the potential use of quantum or solid-state effects and underexplored biomarkers such as volatile organic compounds or exosomes. You will also have the opportunity to consult with industry experts and explore the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning for signal interpretation.

By the end of the internship, you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of biosensing challenges and opportunities in spaceflight, and contributed to the conceptualisation of future health monitoring tools to ensure safe and successful future human space exploration.

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.

You should also have:

• Knowledge of biomarker sensing technologies;
• Experience in Biotechnology / Integrative engineering;
• Literature review experience;
• Interest in space biomedicine.

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

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.