Intern in the Human Exploration Science Team, Radiation Microbiology

Job Requisition ID: 19127

Application Deadline: 30 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Establishment: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Directorate: Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Progr

Publication: External Only

Type of Contract: Intern

Date Posted: 13 November 2024

Internship Opportunity in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration Programmes.

Location
Noordwijk
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.

Other information
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, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

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].

Applicants must be eligible to access technology and hardware which is subject to European and US export control regulations.

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or 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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