Intern in the Science Operations Department, enhancing the ESA Datalabs Tools Suite and Integration
Job Requisition ID: 19860
Date Posted: 1 November 2025
Closing Date: 30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST
Publication: External Only
Type of Contract: Intern
Directorate: Science
Workplace: Villanueva de la Cañada, ES
Location
ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
Our team and mission
Under the direct authority of D/SCI, the Head of the Science Operations Department is responsible for the development of the science operations infrastructure under the Directorate responsibility, the operation of the Directorate’s missions once successfully commissioned, and the curation of all scientific data in the missions’ legacy phase. These responsibilities are discharged in full coordination with the Directorate’s Departments and Offices and as appropriate, with the Directorate of Operations (D/OPS).
In implementing his/her duties, SCI-S is supported by the:
- mission Management and Science Operations Division (SCI-SO).
- science Operations Development Division (SCI-SD).
- data Science and Archives Division (SCI-SA).
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Enhancing the Enhancing the ESA Datalabs Tools Suite and Integration
For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:
https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/science-internships/enhancing-the-esa-datalabs-tools-suite-and-integration
ESA Datalabs serves as a primary computational platform for accessing and analysing ESA's astronomical datasets. With upcoming major data releases including Euclid DR1, there is a critical need to streamline user workflows and provide powerful, integrated tools that maximise scientific productivity. This project focuses on enhancing the Datalabs ecosystem through improved user interfaces, automated data processing capabilities, and seamless integration with external computational resources.
The intern will develop and implement several key improvements: creating an direct search bar integration allowing ESASky queries using astronomical coordinates with seamless transitions between platforms; building automated tools for generating astronomical cutouts and converting data to efficient storage formats; and establishing robust connections to ESA's high-performance computing infrastructure and other ESAC computational resources.
Thus, this project will provide researchers in ESA Datalabs with a more comprehensive, user-friendly environment optimised for large-scale astronomical data analysis. By reducing technical barriers and automating routine tasks, scientists will be able to focus on discovery and analysis rather than data management, ultimately increasing the scientific return from ESA's astronomical missions and preparing the community for the wealth of data from upcoming releases.
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.
For this position you should have:
- strong background in computer science or software engineering.
- proficiency in Python and web development technologies.
- experience with cloud platforms, containerisation (Docker), and distributed computing.
- familiarity with astronomical data formats and coordinate systems would be advantageous.
- understanding of high-performance computing environments and job scheduling systems.
- experience with user interface design and human-computer interaction principles would be beneficial.
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 contact.human.resources@esa.int.
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).
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