ESA Graduate Trainee in Science Preparations for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission

About this traineeship

This ESA Graduate Trainee position supports science preparations for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission, which aims to search for signs of past life on Mars by exploring an ancient sediment-rich site, drilling up to 2 m below the surface, and conducting next-generation imaging, mineralogy and chemical analyses with the Pasteur payload instruments.

Our team and mission

Conditions on the surface of Mars more than 4 billion years ago were like those existing on our planet when life appeared on Earth; finding signs of life elsewhere would be a very important discovery. This is the main objective of the European Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin rover.

This life-seeking goal has resulted in a very specific set of scientific requirements for the landing site, concerning age, habitability and potential of the deposits to protect molecular biosignatures for billions of years.

Launching in 2028, the Rosalind Franklin Mission will seek traces of life by exploring an ancient location rich in sediments formed in the presence of liquid water; drilling below the surface to collect samples preserved from radiation damage; and conducting next generation imaging, mineralogy and chemical analyses with its Pasteur payload instruments.

The rover is equipped with a drill, having a depth reach of 2 m, whilst the deepest any mission has explored on Mars is ~10 cm. ExoMars’ ability to access the subsurface provides us with the best chance yet to study material that may have preserved ancient organic biosignatures.

The Rosalind Franklin Mission’s science team is composed of more then 300 scientists, who have expertise covering the range of mission science that is naturally inherent to the interdisciplinarity of the field of astrobiology. They are geologists, mineralogists, microbiologists, chemists, physicists, science payload engineers and more. Their work ahead of mission science operations is focussed on ensuring that the best possible readiness is achieved to operate Europe’s first Mars rover.

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

The Rover Science Operations Working Group (RSOWG) was established to prepare for the science operations of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover. Dedicated support is required in the following areas relating to ongoing RSOWG tasks:

Topic 1: Sample Science Readiness

Help with the coordination of the analysis of mission representative analogue samples, using both laboratory versions of the Rosalind Franklin rover instruments, and other commercial instruments. The work involves maintaining interactions with members of the RSOWG and partners in external laboratories to coordinate the distribution and analysis of selected analogue samples, to assist with the sharing and organization of sample data, and hosting discussions at science team meetings.

Topic 2: Geospatial Data Coordination

A RSOWG maintain a repository of remote sensing and other geospatial data of the Oxia Planum landing site. This includes visible (monochromatic and colour) image mosaics, geologic map data, spectral indicator rasters, and topographic data. Support is needed to maintain the repository, ensuring the most up-to-date data are incorporated and made available to the science team, and are made ready for use during strategic and tactical planning activities in upcoming rover operations simulations and field tests, and ultimately, in mission operations.

Topic 3: Participation in Rover Operations Simulations

To rehearse and train for rover operations, simulations are held several times per year at the Rover Operations Control Centre (ROCC, Torino, Italy). You will be expected to contribute to the preparation and execution of rover operations simulations. Preparing to run a simulation typically involves generating a simulated scenario that is coherent and believable, both operationally and scientifically. A team of ‘simulation officers’ are appointed to perform this task, typically several months in advance. During the simulation, specific operational roles must be performed by members of the science and project team. Assignments are made and training is provided for each simulation. Approximately two simulations per year are expected in 2026-2027.

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 just completed, or be in the final year of your master’s degree in a subject relevant to planetary science and astrobiology.

Additional requirements

You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should 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.

• Demonstrated interest in, and relevant education to, the ExoMars mission objectives
• Interest in working with others, as part of a large team
• Willingness to travel

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

Nationality and Languages

Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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.