Intern in the Human Exploration Science Office - Human Research Project Management

EU Satellite Centre (SatCen); Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

ESA invites university students to join the Human Exploration Science internship, contributing to the design and development of user-facing software built on the common Exploration Science data infrastructure. Work with scientists to understand operational needs, implement secure, maintainable software and collaborate across teams including the Medical Boards.

You will gain practical experience in software architecture, web application development, systems integration, user-centred design,

Qualifications

• University student, preferably in final or penultimate year, enrolled for the entire duration of the internship.
• Background in computer science, software engineering, information systems or related technical discipline is an asset.
• Strong programming skills and practical experience developing software applications.

Responsibilities

• Analyse user needs and existing workflows and translate them into software requirements for interaction with the Agency’s Medical Boards.
• Design and develop intuitive web-based interfaces for viewing, editing and validating human research science activity information.
• Build application services that connect the user interface with the common Exploration Science data infrastructure.
• Integrate the application with relevant human research and Agency information systems.
• Develop digital workflows for areas such as medical board interactions, project monitoring, proposal review, approval processes, publication validation and reporting.
• Implement authentication, authorisation, user roles and data protection measures.
• Explore AI-supported functions for search, matching, extraction and validation where they provide clear user benefits.
• Test and document the application to support reliable maintenance and future development.

Skills

Programming skills

Web applications

APIs

Relational databases

Version control

Data protection

User-centred design

AI/ML background (asset)

Education

University student in CS/Software Engineering (Master's preferred)

Tools

Git

REST/Web frameworks

Job description

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany

Our team and mission

Within the Exploration Science Office of the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration, the Human Exploration Science Team (HRE-SH) conducts research that enables future human space exploration while leveraging spaceflight and analogue platforms to advance knowledge and improve human health on Earth. HRE-SH uses a wide range of terrestrial and (sub-) orbital research platforms, as well as the International Space Station (ISS), to investigate the effects of selected or combined spaceflight stressors on human health and performance. These platforms include parabolic flight, dry immersion, bed rest, isolated and confined environments, and spaceflight. This work focuses on the identification and mitigation of challenges to astronaut health and performance to enable the safe exploration of European Astronauts to low-Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. Furthermore, by leveraging the platforms developed for exploration, scientific experiments can be conducted under unique conditions, generating benefits on Earth in fields such as healthcare, aging research, and health management. HRE-SH works closely with international partners, astronauts, medical support, and the scientific community to define and address operational needs and scientific priorities.

For this internship, there will be a close coordination also with the Exploration Software and Artificial Intelligence Office.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Human Research activities involve information and workflows distributed across different processes and systems. Human Exploration Project Scientists have a need for simple and reliable ways to access information relevant to their work, update it when necessary, and interact with complementary systems while avoiding duplicate processes. This includes interaction and coordination with the Agency’s Medical Boards for human research projects.

During this internship, you will contribute to the design and development of user-facing software built on the common Exploration Science data infrastructure, particularly supporting the interaction with the Agency’s Medical Boards. You will work with scientists and other users to understand operational needs, translate broad requirements into technical solutions, and implement maintainable application components. The work will focus on improving processes across life sciences projects while ensuring that the resulting software can be maintained and extended after the internship.

Through this internship, you will:

• analyse user needs and existing workflows and translate them into software requirements for interaction with the Agency’s Medical Boards;
• design and develop intuitive web-based interfaces for viewing, editing and validating human research science activity information;
• build application services that connect the user interface with the common Human Exploration Science data infrastructure;
• integrate the application with relevant human research and Agency information systems;
• develop digital workflows for areas such as medical board interactions, project monitoring, proposal review, approval processes, publication validation and reporting;
• implement authentication, authorisation, user roles and appropriate data-protection measures;
• explore artificial-intelligence-supported functions for search, matching, extraction and validation where they provide clear user benefits across human exploration science activities;
• test and document the application to support reliable maintenance and future development and expansion across human research applications;
• receive mentorship and guidance by experts in the field;
• work on solutions with a clear operational relevance in human exploration science.

You will collaborate with colleagues developing the underlying data infrastructure and with users from life sciences and operational backgrounds. Through the internship, you will gain practical experience in software architecture, web application development, systems integration, user-centred design, secure application development and the delivery of maintainable software in a multidisciplinary environment with a specific focus on human research data and interaction with the Agency’s Medical Boards.

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 university course 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.

A background in computer science, software engineering, information systems or a related technical discipline would be an asset.

You should have:

• strong programming skills and practical experience developing software applications;
• experience with web applications, including frontend or user-interface development;
• familiarity with application programming interfaces, relational databases and version control;
• interest and/or experience working with human research data, including sensitive data protection;
• an ability to translate user needs into intuitive and practical technical solutions;
• an interest in user-centred design, data protection, secure development and maintainable software;
• motivation to contribute within the field of human spaceflight and science management.

Experience with software deployment, authentication, artificial intelligence, or machine learning applications would be additional assets.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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 [e-mail].

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, Cyprus, 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.