The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in the Mission Management and Science Operations Division of its Science Operations Department at ESAC in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain. The topic is future-proofing access to Gaia's data by converting the Gaia Main Database into a modern, long-lived format. 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 the European Space Astronomy Centre. These are the formal details of the vacancy:
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 20958
🎓 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
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).
The Divisions Supporting the Science Operations Department
In implementing its duties, the Science Operations Department (SCI-S) is supported by three divisions:
🛰️ 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, which is listed in the Links section below.
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Internship Topic: Future-Proofing Access to Gaia's Treasure Trove
The topic of the internship is "Future-proofing access to Gaia's treasure trove". Gaia is described in the vacancy as one of the most scientifically productive space science missions ever undertaken.
Gaia's Data Releases and What Lies Behind Them
Gaia's highly successful data releases (DR1, DR2, DR3 and, in December 2026, DR4) are the most visible products of a complex data processing system involving several major processing centres and expert groups across Europe. These public releases, however, represent only part of Gaia's scientific data legacy.
The Gaia Main Database at ESAC
At the foundation of the processing system lies the Gaia Main Database (MDB), hosted at one of Gaia's main data-processing centres at ESAC near Madrid. The MDB contains the basic input and intermediate data used throughout the Gaia processing chain.
The GBin Storage Format and Its Limits
The underlying storage format of the MDB is known as GBin and was developed specifically for the Java-based processing systems. While this solution has served the mission well, it is closely tied to a particular programming language and was not designed primarily with long-term accessibility and preservation in mind.
Gaia's Legacy Phase After 2030
Following the conclusion of Gaia in 2030, the mission will enter its legacy phase. The MDB is expected to be preserved so that it may remain accessible for future scientific investigations, reprocessing activities and other uses that cannot yet be anticipated.
A Programming-Language-Independent, Durable Format
To facilitate such access, the vacancy says it would be desirable to represent the data in a well-supported, programming-language-independent and durable format, such as Parquet, HDF5, Zarr or another suitable technology.
What You Will Work On as an Intern
The objective of this internship is to investigate and compare possible approaches for converting the MDB from GBin into a modern, long-lived data format. It is expected that prototype conversion and validation tools or concepts are developed.
Who You Will Work With
You will work closely with Gaia mission and data-processing experts at ESAC and across Europe in a technically challenging and collaborative environment.
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.
Technical Background You Should Have
The vacancy lists the following as part of the profile you should have:
💻 solid background in computer science, software engineering, data science
🐍 good programming skills, preferably in Python, Java or both
🧬 understanding of structured data, data models and serialisation concepts
Desirable Experience
The vacancy lists these as desirable:
📦 experience with scientific data formats or storage technologies such as Parquet, HDF5, Zarr, FITS
⚙️ familiarity with large-scale data processing, distributed computing or database systems
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. If you are comparing options, our guide to internships abroad for students explains how paid internships and funded traineeships differ, and you can find more opportunities like this one in the internships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gaia internship at ESAC about?
The internship investigates and compares approaches for converting the Gaia Main Database (MDB) from the GBin format into a modern, long-lived data format such as Parquet, HDF5 or Zarr. Prototype conversion and validation tools or concepts are expected to be developed.
Where is the internship based?
The internship is based at ESAC, the European Space Astronomy Centre, in Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain. The workplace is listed as Villanueva de la Cañada, ES, within ESA's Science Directorate.
Why does the Gaia Main Database need a new format?
GBin was developed specifically for the Java-based processing systems and is closely tied to a particular programming language. It was not designed primarily with long-term accessibility and preservation in mind, and the MDB is expected to be preserved for the mission's legacy phase after 2030.
What technical skills does the vacancy ask for?
You should have a solid background in computer science, software engineering or data science, good programming skills (preferably in Python, Java or both), and an understanding of structured data, data models and serialisation concepts. Experience with formats such as Parquet, HDF5, Zarr or FITS, and familiarity with large-scale data processing, distributed computing or database systems, are desirable.
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 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.
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.
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-Operations-Department-Mission-Management-and-Science-Operations-Division/1452875533/
🌐 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
