Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

Under the direct authority of the Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes, the Research and Payloads Group shall:

• Manage and control the financial sub-envelope allocated to SciSpacE and the exploration science activities in accordance with the E3P Work Plan. This shall include the industrial costs delegated to the various projects and the associated internal costs;
• Define the research strategy and priorities for ISS, non-ISS platforms and the robotic exploration of Moon and Mars in close coordination with the scientific community and the member states as customers;
• Provide the end-to-end management for the ESA ISS research programme focusing on customer needs and maximising scientific and economic benefits;
• Provide the end-to-end management and integration function for the ESA ISS utilisation activities (scientific research, technology demonstrators, exploration preparation activities, education and communication);
• Implement the multi-increment planning function and generate the strategic and tactical ISS utilisation plan;

among others.

For further information visit our web site: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

You can choose between the following topics:

1) Topic 1: Space Omics

The Space Omics internship will consist of a research project focused at analysing published data from previous microgravity research, specifically omics data published on GeneLab. As an intern, you will focus on skin as a target system of study, and be expected to highlight, with the use of bioinformatic tools, the genes, and proteins most commonly impacted within the skin by microgravity and LEO radiation based on already-published data and articles. If there is sufficient time, you will further synthesise your findings by correlating and mapping specific genes/proteins of interest that could pose as a target for pharmacological countermeasures.

2) Topic 2: Space Analogue Standard Measures

The Space Analogue Standard Measures internship will consist of a research project focused at analysing collected data from previous ESA-led space analogue studies (bedrest and dry immersion) research, specifically looking at the Standard Measures. The aim of the internship is to do a detailed assessment of the available data and in particular compare the available standard measures from two analogue models: head-down tilt bedrest and dry immersion to see how the models compare and whether the time curve for detecting changes is similar or different. The analysis would be further supplemented by a literature review to consider also published data. The aim of the research project is to get a better understanding of how the two space analogue models relate to each other and if applicable, which model is better suited to assess spaceflight-related adaptation in which physiological system.

Behavioural competencies

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

Education

You must have student status and be enrolled at university for the entire duration of the internship. You should preferably be in your final or second to last year of a university course at master’s level in a technical or scientific discipline.

Additional requirements

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.

Additional Requirements:

1) Topic 1:
Knowledge and background in omics and/or bioinformatics is required. Knowledge on wound healing, in particularly in relation to skin, is an asset.

2) Topic 2:
Knowledge and background in integrative physiology and/or exercise medicine is required. Knowledge of space medicine is an asset.