Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) – Noordwijk, Netherlands

Within ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate, the Human Exploration Science Office has the mission to advance human exploration into deep space, harvesting unique knowledge that can improve life and health in space and on Earth. The main objectives of the team are to better understand the fundamental mechanisms and responses to the different deep space stressors on biological and physiological processes; to optimise and personalise countermeasures to manage spaceflight adaptation and mitigate the risks of deep space; to push the frontiers of habitability to advance sustainable human exploration in deep space; and to foster and inspire translation of space-acquired scientific knowledge to address terrestrial challenges.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Harnessing the power of microbiology for radiation protection and utilisation

We are offering an exciting internship opportunity to perform a systematic literature review on the current of radioresistance in the microbiome world. Radiation encountered by crew embarking on a space mission is drastically higher than experienced on Earth, behind the shielding of Earth’s magnetic field. This is a challenge when looking for long-term, deep space exploration, as the health of crew, as well as the integrity of hardware needs to be ensured. Some bacteria and fungi have shown to be remarkably resistant to radiation, even high doses of ionizing radiation experienced in Space. Understanding the mechanisms behind this resistance may aid in the development of countermeasures against radiation for space travel. 

You will be heavily invested in searching through literature to identify the mechanisms that confer radioresistance to high radiation doses in some bacteria and fungi. Additionally, the literature review will highlight how some microbes are used for the processing of radioactive waste. Further, recent evidence suggests that some bacteria can transform radiation into useful byproducts, which could be a useful technology to develop for an exploration mission. The outcome of the internship will be a systematic literature of the mentioned topics, culminating in a list of organisms that would be of interest to study further in light of battling radiation encountered during a human space exploration mission.

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 a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain 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 Member State language would be an asset.

Knowledge and a background in the field of microbiology, radiation biology, or a related field.