The European Space Agency (ESA) is offering an internship in its Science Engagement and Oversight Office at ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, where you create an updated logarithmic map of the Gaia DR4 universe. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy and set out every task, requirement and eligibility rule below.
Key Details of the Vacancy
The vacancy lists these formal details:
π Job Requisition ID: 20949
π Type of appointment: Intern
ποΈ Directorate: Science
π Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
πΊοΈ Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
π£ Publication method: External Only
π Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Where You Will Work: ESTEC in Noordwijk
The internship is located at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The role belongs to ESA's Science Directorate and sits in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office.
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:
π¬ Overseeing the scientific content of the Programme
π€ Interfacing with the scientific community
π§ Providing scientific expertise to studies, projects and missions, also in other Directorates as needed
Your Team: The Gaia Mission Scientists
You work within the Gaia mission scientists' team in the Astrophysics Section of the Office. The Gaia mission has been built and operated to map our home Galaxy in many dimensions with unprecedented precision and has brought a golden age for astronomy. Its data cover more than two billion sources, extending from the Solar System through the Milky Way to remote galaxies and quasars.
Gaia DR4: The Data Release Behind the Project
The next data release, Gaia DR4, takes place on 2 December 2026. It consists of a huge and revolutionary catalogue with diverse data products on:
β Stars
πͺ Exoplanets
β« Black holes
β¨ Double stars
π« Variable stars
π Galaxies
π Quasars
βοΈ Asteroids, moons of planets and comets
π¦ And much more
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π All opportunities in Netherlands β
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Internship Topic: A Logarithmic Map of the Gaia DR4 Universe
The logarithm map of the Universe was originally devised by Richard Gott and Mario JuriΔ in the early 2000s (see the Princeton page "A Map of the Universe" in the Links section). It is a powerful tool to display the entire range of astronomical scales in the Universe, from the Earth's neighbourhood to the cosmic microwave background. The map was primarily devised to visualise the distribution of quasars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey in the high-redshift Universe. The latest (fourth) Gaia data release now calls for a Gaia-dedicated update of the map.
What the Map Will Show
Due to its logarithmic nature, the map will provide exemplary proof of the full scientific reach of Gaia. It ranges across:
βοΈ Asteroids, comets and Kuiper Belt Objects in the Solar System
β Nearby stars, including exoplanets and black holes
π Star clusters
π Spiral arms and the Milky Way as a whole, including halo streams
π The Local Group, including the Magellanic Clouds, M31 and nearby dwarf galaxies
π Unresolved galaxies and distant quasars that make up the Gaia Celestial Reference Frame
What You Will Do as an Intern
You work on creating the updated map, using the 100+ data products in the latest data release to visualise the Gaia Universe. In practice, the vacancy describes these tasks:
πΊοΈ Create an updated logarithmic map of the Gaia Universe from the 100+ data products in the latest data release
π§ Consider extensions to three dimensions (two sky coordinates and logarithmic distance)
π Add selected structures described in the peer-reviewed literature, for example halo streams and star clusters
π Depending on your interest, add Python coding to make the map interactive
βοΈ Depending on your interest, write stories for associated outreach and education based on the map
Objectives of the Internship
The vacancy sets these objectives:
π Learn how ESA runs its revolutionary Gaia mission in a highly multi-cultural environment
π» Enhance Python coding skills
ποΈ Gain hands-on experience with the Gaia archive and Gaia data products
π Broaden astronomical knowledge of Gaia's latest data release
π‘ Exercise creative thinking and problem solving
π₯ Work in a team
Who the Internship Suits
The internship is suitable for candidates with a broad interest in astronomy. Some experience with Python is an asset, but the internship offers ample opportunity to improve programming skills.
How Long the Internship Lasts and When It Starts
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
Education Requirements
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.
ESA Behavioural Competencies for This Role
The vacancy lists the following ESA core behavioural competencies:
π― Result Orientation
βοΈ Operational Efficiency
π€ Fostering Cooperation
π¬ Relationship Management
π Continuous Improvement
π Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Interview and Selection 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.
Nationality Requirement
Applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States:
π 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).
Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships, one candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies.
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.
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 you can contact ESA by email using the address in the Links section below.
Allowance and Disclaimer
The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance. 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. You can find more opportunities like this in the internships and traineeships section of Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ESA Gaia DR4 logarithmic map internship based?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, in ESA's Science Directorate. The vacancy lists Noordwijk, NL as the workplace.
What is the deadline to apply?
The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. Applications are submitted through the ESA careers website.
What will I work on as an intern?
You create an updated logarithmic map of the Gaia Universe using the 100+ data products in the latest Gaia data release. You can consider extensions to three dimensions and add selected structures from the peer-reviewed literature, such as halo streams and star clusters.
What is the logarithmic map of the Universe?
It is a map originally devised by Richard Gott and Mario JuriΔ in the early 2000s to display the entire range of astronomical scales in the Universe, from the Earth's neighbourhood to the cosmic microwave background. The internship updates it for Gaia.
When is the Gaia DR4 data release?
The vacancy states that Gaia DR4 takes place on 2 December 2026. It includes data products on stars, exoplanets, black holes, double stars, variable stars, galaxies, quasars, asteroids, moons of planets, comets and much more.
Do I need Python experience?
Some experience with Python is an asset. The internship offers ample opportunity to improve programming skills, and Python coding may also be used to make the map interactive.
What education level is required?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of 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.
Which nationalities are eligible?
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. The vacancy also welcomes applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State and from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
How long does the internship last and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, an internship lasts between 3 and 6 months and starts from February 2027. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
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 many ESA internship vacancies can I apply for?
One candidate can apply for a maximum of 2 vacancies, according to ESA's announcement of its 2027 student internships.
What happens during the selection process?
Your motivation for applying to the role will be explored during the interview. ESA may also ask applicants to undergo selection tests.
Does the vacancy state a stipend?
No. The vacancy does not state a stipend or allowance.
Deadline
β³ 30 November 2026
Links
π Full vacancy and application (Apply now): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Science-Engagement-and-Oversight-Office-A-Logarithmic-Map-of-the-Gaia-DR4-Universe/1452872333/
π ESA Student Internships 2027 announcement: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
π ESA website: https://www.esa.int
πΊοΈ A Map of the Universe (Princeton): https://www.astro.princeton.edu/universe
π°οΈ Gaia Data Release 4: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/gaia/data-release-4
π§ ESA student internships contact (diversity and accessibility questions): ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
