Our team and mission

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

The internship will be in the Utilisation and Enabled Science Team, which coordinates the ESA research programme in Physical sciences and Biology, using various microgravity platforms including the International Space Station, Moon, and Mars. Projects cover a wide range of topics like Earth atmospheric measurement, ultraprecise cold atom sensors, quantum information and high-energy particles, soft or complex matter, boiling, evaporation and heat transfer, and advanced materials processing.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Quantum biology in space

We are offering an exciting internship opportunity to delve into the emerging field of quantum biology, with a particular focus on experiments that could be conducted in microgravity environments. Quantum biology explores the quantum phenomena underlying biological processes, such as photosynthesis, enzyme catalysis, olfaction, and avian navigation. The unique conditions of microgravity provide a novel context for investigating these phenomena, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries.

Tasks include:

• Literature review;
• Design experiments that could be conducted in microgravity;
• Conduct preliminary experiments or simulations;

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with various departments and researchers, enhancing their understanding of interdisciplinary approaches in quantum biology.

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 background required:

• MSc graduate level in biology or physics with a strong background in quantum technology.