Intern in the CAVES & PANGAEA Team, Legal Framework for Astronaut Field Training
Support analysis of legal framework for astronaut training programmes.
Overview
Support analysis of legal framework for astronaut training programmes.
You have:
- Must be a university student, preferably studying at master's level.
- Must prove enrollment at your University for the entire duration of the internship.
- Good knowledge of English and/or French is required; knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
- Educational background in Law required with specific experience in understanding and analysing complex information.
- Experience in conducting legal research and analytical reasoning.
- Ability to synthesise/summarise complex information.
- Knowledge of Spanish, Italian and/or German language is an asset.
- Knowledge of Spanish, Italian and/or German law will be an asset.
- Knowledge of occupational safety legislation will be an asset.
- Knowledge of speleology and/or environmental legislation will be an asset.
Location
EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany
Our team and mission
The CAVES and PANGAEA team specialises in training programmes that equip astronauts and mission developers with scientific, expeditionary and behavioural skills. The group’s primary output is focused on two training programmes, CAVES, a course that uses natural cave systems for expeditionary and human behavioural and performance training, and PANGAEA, a course for geological and astrobiological field training. Complementary to their training goals, these programmes are used as research and development platforms to advance several of ESA’s technological, scientific and operational areas.
Further information on PANGAEA and CAVES programmes can be found on the following websites:
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Legal framework for astronaut field training
You are sought to support the analysis of the relevant legal, safety and insurance frameworks around the ESA CAVES and PANGAEA programmes (e.g. International Law, Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Occupational Law, Insurance Law, Speleological regulations, Data Protection, Intellectual Property, Contractual regulations).
On the legal side, the objective is to produce a detailed summary of the applicable rules and regulations for both the CAVES and PANGAEA programmes, taking into account their practical implications and potential challenges.
On the safety side, the objective is the review of the safety related documentation and processes, including hazard analysis and evaluation of risks, documentation of personnel requirements, role assignment and evaluation, ensuring that all planned activities to reduce risk are properly documented, as well as recording of their execution.
These programmes operate in regulated and sensitive environments, involve risky activities and personnel from multiple agencies and companies. This requires careful legal and insurance planning, as well compliance to occupational regulations. Differences in national laws, environmental protection, property rights and other considerations create a multifaceted legal, safety and insurance context in which to conduct complex field activities in a safe, legal and appropriately risk managed way.
These challenges are a critical, though often invisible, aspect of enabling high-quality astronaut training in analogue environments. You will contribute to ESA’s effort to summarise the framework and create maps connecting the various elements of the documentation that integrate all insurance, safety and legal aspects of CAVES and PANGAEA into one comprehensive and harmonised framework.
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 studying 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.
An educational background in Law is required, with specific background and/or experience in:
- understanding, interpreting, organising and analysing complex information;
- conducting legal research and analytical reasoning;
- ability to synthesise/summarise complex information;
- knowledge of Spanish, Italian and/or German language;
- knowledge of Spanish, Italian and/or German law will be an asset;
- conducting legal/safety research and summarising relevant regulations and instructions;
- analysing, organising, mapping, synthesising complex legal/safety information, and preparing laymen summary information and instructions;
- examination of comparative law and identification of relevant discrepancies;
- knowledge of occupational safety legislation will be an asset;
- knowledge of speleology and/or environmental legislation will be an asset.
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 [email protected].
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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with legal research, especially in the context of complex regulations? | This question gauges your ability to conduct thorough legal research which is vital for the role. | Provide specific examples of relevant research you have conducted and the outcomes. |
| How do you approach synthesizing complex information into clear summaries? | This question assesses your analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivates you to work in the space sector and contribute to astronaut training? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of a time you had to navigate conflicting regulations or laws? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. What was your role? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure that all regulatory compliance is met in your projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to manage risks in a project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your understanding of occupational safety regulations and their importance? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |