Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) – Near Cologne, Germany

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 around 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.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Development of an Analytical Toolset for the Recognition of Planetary Materials and Validation of Spectra Classification Methods

You are sought to continue enhancing and developing PANGAEA analytical toolset consisting of multi-spectral archives and the Mineralogical Database, a curated collection of reference information and samples of planetary analogue minerals and rocks. You will also help in evaluating the most suitable spectral identification method for planetary materials with help of the custom ML classification software; collecting, organizing, and reviewing the analytical data; and may contribute to the preparation of the PANGAEA training course.

For detailed information on this internship position, please click here: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/EAC/Space_training_team_Planetary_Mineral_Database_Development_and_Validation_of_Spectra_Classification_Methods

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.

Having good knowledge of and practical experience in using, processing and analysing data of analytical methods and instrumentation, in particular of molecular and atomic spectroscopy (VNIR, Raman, LIBS, XRF), or working with and maintaining digital information catalogues and databases are a benefit. Familiarisation with geochemistry, mineralogy and petrology, or attendance of courses related to planetary geology, astrobiology or planetology would be an asset.