Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office, on the Journey of Solar Shock Waves in Space

Assist in scientific studies of solar shock waves in interplanetary space.

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ESA - European Space Agency

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Application deadline 7 months ago: Sunday 30 Nov 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Assist in scientific studies of solar shock waves in interplanetary space.

You have:

  • University student, preferably studying at master’s level.
  • Good knowledge of English or French is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
  • Expertise with Python is desirable.
  • Previous knowledge of plasma/heliospheric physics is an asset but not required.

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Location ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/SCI, 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: The journey of solar shock waves in the turbulent interplanetary space

For the detailed topics descriptions please go to this web page:

https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/the-journey-of-solar-shock-waves-in-the-turbulent-interplanetary-space

The solar system (heliosphere) is a unique astrophysical system, as it can be investigated directly by means of spacecraft instrumentation. With its revolutionary instrumentation probing uncharted regions of interplanetary space close to the Sun, Solar Orbiter has opened a new observational window in the heliosphere. The project focuses on the study of shock waves driven by solar eruption with such revolutionary instrumentation. In particular, it will tackle the interaction between solar shocks and ambient turbulence, a poorly understood phenomenon yet likely crucial for many astrophysical environments.

You will analyse direct measurements of magnetic fields, plasma and energetic particles (electrons, ions) and exploit the most advanced shock survey to date to understand how the passage of shocks influences the turbulence properties of the solar system and, vice-versa, how regions of the solar systems with different turbulence properties influence the behavior of solar shocks. This project is at the forefront of both Solar Orbiter science and research on shock waves, and is expected to produce a paper in a relevant scientific journal.

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.

Candidates for this position should have:

  • expertise with Python is desirable.
  • previous knowledge of plasma/heliospheric physics is an asset but not required.

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.

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, 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. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your understanding of solar shock waves and their impacts? The interviewer is assessing your knowledge about the fundamental topic of the internship. Discuss any relevant coursework or projects related to solar physics.
What prior experience do you have with Python programming? This question aims to gauge your technical skills relevant to the internship's requirements. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you manage working on complex scientific data sets? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why are you interested in this internship specifically at ESA? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you worked effectively in a team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges do you think you might face during this internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach studying the interaction between solar shocks and turbulence? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a project you have completed that required strong analytical skills. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: jobs.esa.int