Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Science.
Location
This position is based at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) - Near Madrid, Spain
Under the direct authority of the Directorate of Science, the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office is responsible for overseeing the scientific content of the Programme, interfacing with the scientific community and providing scientific expertise to studies, projects and missions, also in other Directorates as needed.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Solar Energetic Particles observed by Planetary Missions on their way to their targets
The atmosphere of our Sun is a dynamic medium where explosive events take place. Such phenomena can inject high energy particles into the solar system, also known as solar energetic particle (SEP) events, and that can be observed by spacecraft in the interplanetary medium. The goal of this project is to identify SEP events measured by planetary missions on their way to their targets and the solar sources related to them, using data from different spacecraft. Planetary missions equipped with radiation monitors may have the opportunity to measure SEP events, determining particle (electron and proton) intensities, directivity, and spectra. These planetary missions, such as Bepi Colombo or JUICE, will be selected based on the data availability. The definition of a semi-automatic software tool to detect SEP events is expected to be developed.
As an optional additional work, and based on data availability, a few case studies will be selected to characterize the instruments onboard the planetary missions and to compare its measurements with other particle instruments onboard solar and heliophysics missions in the heliosphere.
It is expected that this project will lead to a publication in a relevant scientific journal.
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook
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.
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.
- Advanced knowledge of English;
- Advanced knowledge of Python;
- Basic knowledge of Heliophysics.
Other information
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).