The European Space Agency (ESA) is looking for an intern in Exploration Science Strategy to support the consolidation of the Human and Robotic Exploration science strategy, based at EAC in Porz-Wahn, Germany or at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. 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 Human and Robotic Exploration Directorate. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21111
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🗂️ Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration
📍 Workplace: Porz-Wahn, DE and Noordwijk, NL
🏢 Location: EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany or ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
📣 Publication method: External Only
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Our Team and Mission: ESA Exploration Science
Within ESA's Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration, the Exploration Science activities are a cornerstone of the Explore2040 strategy, driving innovation at the intersection of human exploration and scientific discovery. They integrate exploration-focused science, essential for future missions, with exploration-enabled science, which leverages space for groundbreaking research.
Environments for Research
With access to ground-based analogues, the ISS, future commercial LEO platforms, the Moon and Mars, the programme offers unique opportunities for transformative research in diverse environments. From developing countermeasures for spaceflight to searching for life on Mars, ESA Exploration Science advances knowledge for space and Earth alike.
Values and Priorities of the Programme
The programme is guided by European values of collaboration, excellence and responsibility. It emphasises open science, international cooperation and inspiring future generations.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website, which is listed in the Links section below.
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What the Internship Is About
The internship supports the consolidation of the Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) science strategy. You will help bring together a broad set of inputs: ESA white papers, existing science strategy and roadmap documents, strategy documents from other space agencies, and peer-reviewed scientific articles.
The Objective: A Coherent Knowledge Base
The objective is to organise these sources into a coherent knowledge base, extract the main scientific priorities and recurring themes, and support the preparation of concise synthesis material that can inform future science planning.
Your Tasks
Tasks include:
📥 collect, catalogue and structure relevant strategy documents, white papers, roadmaps and scientific articles related to HRE science
⚖️ compare the priorities, science questions, capabilities and implementation approaches identified across ESA material and documents from other agencies
🗺️ map the scientific literature against the main HRE science themes to highlight evidence, trends, gaps and emerging topics
📊 prepare clear summaries, tables and visual synthesis material to support discussions within the team and contribute to the consolidation of future science strategy documents
🤖 apply existing AI/Machine Learning tools to identify knowledge gaps
What You Will Learn
Through this work, you will learn how science strategy is developed in an international space agency context and how scientific evidence, community inputs and programme constraints are translated into strategic priorities.
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.
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.
Knowledge and Background Required
The vacancy lists the following requirements:
🎓 Master's level background in data science, space science, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or another discipline relevant to human and robotic exploration
📚 good ability to review, analyse and synthesise scientific literature, white papers, roadmaps and strategy documents
🧑🚀 interest in human spaceflight, microgravity research, exploration science, or the development of science strategies for space programmes
💻 good command of Microsoft Office tools, in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint, for document preparation, source tracking, tables and synthesis material
🧮 basic knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistical methods
Assets
The vacancy names three assets:
🗃️ experience with reference management and literature review tools, such as Zotero, Mendeley, EndNote, Web of Science, Scopus, or similar platforms
🧠 familiarity with artificial intelligence-assisted tools for literature screening, document analysis, summarisation, text mining or knowledge organisation, together with the ability to use such tools critically and responsibly
🐍 proficiency in Python or other relevant programming languages
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.
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.
Export Control and Sanctions Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
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 Exploration Science Strategy internship about?
The intern supports the consolidation of ESA's Human and Robotic Exploration science strategy by bringing together white papers, strategy and roadmap documents, documents from other space agencies and peer-reviewed articles into a coherent knowledge base. The work also includes extracting main scientific priorities and preparing concise synthesis material for future science planning.
Where is the internship based?
The location is listed as EAC in Porz-Wahn, Germany or ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. The workplace is listed as Porz-Wahn, DE and Noordwijk, NL.
What tasks will I do?
Tasks include collecting, cataloguing and structuring strategy documents, white papers, roadmaps and scientific articles, comparing priorities across ESA and other agencies, mapping the literature against HRE science themes, preparing summaries, tables and visual synthesis material, and applying existing AI/Machine Learning tools to identify knowledge gaps.
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 fields of study fit this internship?
The vacancy asks for a Master's level background in data science, space science, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or another discipline relevant to human and robotic exploration.
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.
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.
Do I need programming or AI skills?
Basic knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical methods is required. Proficiency in Python or other relevant programming languages is an asset, as is familiarity with AI-assisted tools for literature screening, document analysis, summarisation, text mining or knowledge organisation.
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/Porz-Wahn-Intern-in-Exploration-Science-Strategy/1452986933/
🌐 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
