The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for an intern to help develop and implement innovative ways of communicating BepiColombo's science results and key milestones, within its Science Engagement and Oversight Office at ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy and set out every detail.
The Vacancy at a Glance
The internship sits in ESA's Science Directorate and is based at ESAC. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20947
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Science
📍 Workplace: Villanueva de la Cañada, ES
🏢 Location: ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
📣 Publication method: External Only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
The Team Behind the Internship
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.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed in the Links section below.
────────────────────────────────────────
🌍 All opportunities in Spain →
────────────────────────────────────────
Topic of the Internship: Pioneering New Ways to Communicate BepiColombo Science
The vacancy states the internship topic as "Pioneering New Ways to Communicate BepiColombo Science". The internship sits in the field of science communication and is built around one mission.
BepiColombo at a Turning Point
BepiColombo is set to arrive at Mercury in November 2026, with the start of its nominal science phase in April 2027 for several years to come. The mission will deliver an unprecedented wealth of scientific results, offering a unique opportunity to reshape how planetary science is shared with both the scientific community and the wider public.
Why Extra Communication Approaches Are Needed
While ESA's Science Communication Office will highlight major milestones and achievements, many of the mission's rich and diverse results will require additional, creative approaches to fully reach their audiences. In a context where media landscapes and communication practices are rapidly evolving, there is a growing need to explore new formats, platforms, and strategies to effectively reach and engage the right audiences.
What ESA Is Looking For
ESA is looking for a motivated and imaginative intern to help develop and implement innovative ways of communicating BepiColombo's science results and key milestones, complementing ESA's core communication activities. The role will encourage fresh ideas and new formats to enhance the visibility and impact of the mission's discoveries.
What the Role May Include
According to the vacancy, the work may include:
✍️ crafting engaging scientific stories
📦 contributing to the preparation and visibility of data releases
🖼️ designing visual materials such as posters and infographics
📈 developing scientific visualisations
🎵 exploring novel formats such as data sonification
💡 proposing new concepts for outreach and dissemination
An Internship for Experimenting
The vacancy describes the internship as a unique opportunity to experiment with new, creative, and transformative approaches to science communication at a pivotal moment for the BepiColombo mission.
Duration and Start Date
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an ESA internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027 onwards, with the exact start date agreed with the ESA tutor.
Who Can Apply: Education
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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.
Skills and Experience You Should Have
Beyond education, the vacancy lists the following:
🔬 broad knowledge of science, with the ability to quickly understand and engage with new scientific concepts
💬 strong interest in science communication, with the ability to translate complex scientific results into clear, engaging, and accessible content for different audiences
🎬 experience in at least one of the following areas is required: science writing, visualisation, or multimedia content creation
🧠 creativity and curiosity to explore new communication formats and approaches, including emerging media, interactive content, or unconventional storytelling techniques (e.g. data visualisation, sonification, digital storytelling)
📡 awareness of evolving media landscapes and interest in identifying effective ways to reach and engage different target audiences across platforms
What the Experience Requirement Means in Practice
Depending on the profile, the internship will focus on developing innovative applications of these skills rather than basic training.
What Counts as an Asset
Knowledge of planetary science is an asset.
Language 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.
Which Nationalities Can Apply
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following 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).
Behavioural Competencies
Six behavioural competencies are listed. For more information, the vacancy refers candidates to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
🎯 Result Orientation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
🙋 Fostering Cooperation
🧩 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔭 Forward Thinking
Selection: Motivation Interview and Tests
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored. During the recruitment process, the Agency may also request applicants to undergo selection tests.
How Many Vacancies You Can Apply For
ESA's 2027 student internship announcement states that a candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness at ESA
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
Support for Applicants With Disabilities
At the Agency diversity is valued, and people with disabilities are welcome. Whenever possible, ESA 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 its contact address is listed in the Links section below.
A Note on the Published Conditions
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.
Applying Through the Official ESA Careers Page
Applications go through ESA's own careers website, and the full vacancy text is published there. You can find more opportunities like this one in the internships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BepiColombo science communication internship about?
The intern helps develop and implement innovative ways of communicating BepiColombo's science results and key milestones, complementing ESA's core communication activities. The work may include crafting scientific stories, preparing data releases, designing posters and infographics, developing scientific visualisations and exploring formats such as data sonification.
Where is the internship based?
The internship is based at ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain, within ESA's Science Directorate. The workplace is listed as Villanueva de la Cañada, ES.
When does BepiColombo reach Mercury?
According to the vacancy, BepiColombo is set to arrive at Mercury in November 2026, with the start of its nominal science phase in April 2027 for several years to come.
What experience do I need?
Experience in at least one of the following areas is required: science writing, visualisation, or multimedia content creation. Broad knowledge of science and a strong interest in science communication are also expected. Knowledge of planetary science is an asset.
Who can apply in terms of education?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a Master's level course. You must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the whole duration of the internship.
Which nationalities can apply?
Applications are only considered from nationals of ESA's 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?
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.
How long does the internship last?
According to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement, ESA internships last 3 to 6 months and start from February 2027 onwards, with the start date agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many internship vacancies can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for a maximum of two vacancies, according to ESA's 2027 student internship announcement.
Does the vacancy mention an allowance?
The vacancy page does not state any allowance or stipend. It also does not mention Erasmus+.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests during the recruitment process. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026 (23:59 CET/CEST)
Links
🔗 Job description and application: https://jobs.esa.int/job/Villanueva-de-la-Ca%C3%B1ada-Intern-in-the-Science-Engagement-and-Oversight-Office-Innovative-BepiColombo-Science-Communication/1452871933/
🌐 European Space Agency: http://www.esa.int
📋 ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
📨 ESA Human Resources (disability support and recruitment assistance): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
