The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for an intern to study the evolution of Borealis Planitia on Mercury in its Science Engagement and Oversight Office at ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain. The internship lasts 3 to 6 months, starts from February 2027 and is open to university students. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Internship at a Glance
🏛️ Organisation: European Space Agency (ESA)
🧭 Team: Science Engagement and Oversight Office
🆔 Job requisition ID: 20953
🗂️ Directorate: Science
📍 Location: ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
⏱️ Duration: 3 to 6 months
📆 Start: from February 2027, with the exact start agreed with your ESA tutor
🌐 Publication method: external only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Science Engagement and Oversight Office
Under the direct authority of D/SCI, the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office is responsible for overseeing the scientific content of the Programme, interfacing with the scientific community and providing scientific expertise to studies, projects and missions, also in other Directorates as needed.
The Research Topic: From Effusive to Explosive to Hollows
The topic of the internship is "Effusive to Explosive to Hollows: Evolution of Borealis Planitia, Mercury". Mercury's northern hemisphere is home to the planet's largest contiguous expanse of smooth volcanic plains, named Borealis Planitia.
Different areas of this continuous unit look very different from one another, with concentrated fields of rough ground, and material intertwining amongst raised topography to form smooth-floored valley-like systems.
🌋 An effusive origin is accepted for Borealis Planitia, but morphologically and spectrally some areas suggest younger explosive volcanic activity
🔍 Hollows, small "fresh" looking landforms, are observed in and around what appears to be rough ground formed by explosive volcanism, as well as within the effusively emplaced smooth plains
What You Will Investigate: Hollows, Pitted Ground and Smooth Plains
The internship will investigate the relationship between hollows, pitted ground and their parent smooth plains unit. You will use GIS to analyse image and spectral data to decipher how pitted ground and hollows may have evolved through time in respect of their spatial distribution.
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Why This Work Matters for BepiColombo
The work adds to our understanding of the evolution of Mercury's volcanic material. It provides valuable context for BepiColombo, with MPO and MIO operating in orbit at the time of this internship.
Borealis Planitia, particularly the "Vallis" and surrounding areas, is of strategic interest to numerous instrument teams, and the work undertaken for this internship can help refine targets for the extended phase of the mission.
Working Alongside the BepiColombo Science Team
You will work directly with members of the BepiColombo science team, which gives you the unique opportunity to observe a planetary mission as the science campaign commences.
Who Can Apply: Student Status and Study Level
The vacancy asks for a university student, preferably in the final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master's level. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Languages: English or French
The working languages of the Agency are English and French, and a good knowledge of one of them is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Geosciences, GIS and Planetary Interest
Besides the study level and language requirements, you should have:
🪨 A background in geosciences
🗺️ Competency using GIS
📡 Familiarity with remote sensing data, which is useful but not essential
☿️ Knowledge of Mercury geology, which is desired but not essential
🔭 Interest in Planetary Sciences
📚 Interest in Scientific Research
Interview: Your Motivation Will Be Explored
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Six Behavioural Competencies Behind the Role
The vacancy lists six ESA behavioural competencies. For more information, it refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🏁 Result Orientation
⚙️ Operational Efficiency
🫂 Fostering Cooperation
💬 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
Nationality Rules for This Internship
ESA considers applications only from nationals of one of these States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, 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 and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with the ESA tutor.
Limit: Two Applications Per Candidate
ESA's announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies. Choose the offers that fit your studies best.
Selection Tests
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Equal Opportunities and Support for Applicants with Disabilities
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. It welcomes applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
ESA values diversity and welcomes people with disabilities. Whenever possible, it seeks 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, and you can discuss this by email with the ESA internships team (the address is listed in the Links section below).
Does the Vacancy Mention Pay? Conditions and Disclaimer
The vacancy page does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA also notes that the information on its careers website about internship conditions is correct at the time of publication, is not exhaustive and may not address all questions you have.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Borealis Planitia internship take place?
The internship takes place at ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain. The role belongs to the Science Engagement and Oversight Office in the Science Directorate.
What is the internship about?
The topic is "Effusive to Explosive to Hollows: Evolution of Borealis Planitia, Mercury". You investigate the relationship between hollows, pitted ground and their parent smooth plains unit, using GIS to analyse image and spectral data.
How does the internship relate to BepiColombo?
The work adds to the understanding of the evolution of Mercury's volcanic material and provides context for BepiColombo, with MPO and MIO operating in orbit at the time of the internship. It can help refine targets for the extended phase of the mission, and you work directly with members of the BepiColombo science team.
How long is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, the internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is determined with your ESA tutor.
Who can apply for this internship?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. You must also be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.
Which nationalities can apply?
ESA considers applications only from nationals of its listed States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, 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 (Cooperating State) and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta (European Cooperating States) can apply as well.
Which languages do I need?
A good knowledge of English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the Agency. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.
Which skills does the vacancy ask for?
You should have a background in geosciences, competency using GIS, and an interest in Planetary Sciences and Scientific Research. Familiarity with remote sensing data is useful but not essential, and knowledge of Mercury geology is desired but not essential.
Can I apply for more than one ESA internship?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 internship vacancies, according to ESA's announcement.
Is the internship paid?
The vacancy page does not state an allowance. ESA notes that its published information on internship conditions is not exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Will there be selection tests?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process, and your motivation for applying will be explored during the interview.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (official vacancy): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Villanueva-de-la-Ca%C3%B1ada-Intern-in-the-Science-Engagement-and-Oversight-Office-Evolution-of-Borealis-Planitia%2C-Mercury/1452873333/
📢 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: http://www.esa.int
📧 ESA internships contact: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
