Intern, Science Engagement and Oversight

European Space Agency - ESA

. Work within the Gaia mission scientists’ team in the Astrophysics Section of ESA’s Science Engagement and Oversight Office .

Posted 10/31/2026internshipNoordwijk • NetherlandsEntry LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong analytical skills in astrophysics, with the ability to visualize complex data using Python and create interactive maps. Possesses a broad interest in astronomy and effective communication skills in English or French, with additional language proficiency as a valuable asset.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Python CodingData VisualizationAstrophysics KnowledgeEnglish Language ProficiencyInterest in Astronomy

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisLogarithmic MappingInteractive Map DevelopmentAstronomy Data ProductsThree-Dimensional Mapping

Soft Skills

MotivationCollaboration

Industry Keywords

Gaia MissionESA Member StatesPeer-Reviewed LiteratureSky CoordinatesHalo StreamsStar Clusters

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work within the Gaia mission scientists’ team in the Astrophysics Section of ESA’s Science Engagement and Oversight Office
Create an updated logarithmic map of the Gaia DR4 universe
Use 100+ Gaia DR4 data products to visualise the Gaia Universe
Consider extending the map to three dimensions using two sky coordinates and logarithmic distance
Add selected structures from peer-reviewed literature, such as halo streams and star clusters
Optionally develop Python coding to make the map interactive
Optionally write outreach and education stories associated with the map
Learn how ESA runs the Gaia mission in a highly multi-cultural environment

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be a university student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master's level
Must be enrolled at the university for the entire duration of the internship
Good knowledge of English or French required
Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset
Broad interest in astronomy
Some experience with Python is an asset
Motivation for applying will be explored during the interview
Applications considered only from nationals of eligible ESA Member States, Canada as a Cooperating State, or Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Opportunity to work in a highly multi-cultural environment
Enhance Python coding skills
Gain hands-on experience with the Gaia archive and Gaia data products
Broaden astronomical knowledge of Gaia’s latest data release
Exercise creative thinking and problem solving
Work in a team
Support and accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the workplace and recruitment process