Our team and mission

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

Within ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate, the Human Exploration Science Office has the mission to advance human exploration into deep space, harvesting unique knowledge that can improve life and health in space and on Earth. The main objectives of the team are to better understand the fundamental mechanisms and responses to the different deep space stressors on biological and physiological processes; to optimise and personalise countermeasures to manage spaceflight adaptation and mitigate the risks of deep space; to push the frontiers of habitability to advance sustainable human exploration in deep space; and to foster and inspire translation of space-acquired scientific knowledge to address terrestrial challenges.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Linking Space Omics Findings to Human Risks related to Space Exploration

This internship provides an opportunity to engage in the analysis of space omics data to assess human health risks associated with space travel. The internship aims to synthesize findings from published omics studies and map them to potential health risks for astronauts during space travel. Additionally, you will use a comprehensive database of space omics results to identify knowledge gaps in the current research, providing insights for future studies and potential areas of exploration. With a focus on synthesizing and expanding the current understanding of space-related health risks, this internship offers extensive experience at the intersection of data analysis, bioinformatics, systems biology, and space science.

Behavioural competencies

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

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Knowledge and a background in the field of biomedicine, biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology or other related field are encouraged. An understanding and experience of working with omics is an asset.