The European Space Agency (ESA) is recruiting an intern to model subsurface CO₂ and methane hydrates on Mars in its Utilisation and Enabled Science team at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands. Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy: the internship focuses on numerical modelling of hydrate formation and dissociation using the Delft Advanced Research Terra Simulator (DARTS).
ESA Mars Hydrates Internship: Vacancy Details
🆔 Job Requisition ID: 21114
🎓 Type of appointment: Intern
🏛️ Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration
🏙️ Workplace: Noordwijk, NL
📍 Location: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
🌐 Publication method: external only
🏷️ Vacancy title as published: Intern in the Utilisation & Enabled Science Team-Modelling Subsurface CO₂ & Methane Hydrates on Mars
⏳ Closing date: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET/CEST
Exploration Science at ESA: Where This Internship Sits
Within the European Space Agency (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.
The HRE-SU Team and Its Research Platforms
The HRE-SU (Utilisation and Enabled Science) team at ESA coordinates the Agency's research activities in physical sciences and biology under microgravity conditions and for space exploration.
Using platforms like the International Space Station, as well as Moon and Mars missions, the team supports a wide range of cutting-edge research, from Earth atmospheric studies and quantum sensors to heat transfer phenomena, soft matter, and advanced materials processing.
The vacancy invites interested candidates to visit the ESA website, listed in the Links section below.
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Why Martian Subsurface Hydrates Matter
The Martian subsurface is believed to contain significant reservoirs of water ice and volatile-rich phases such as carbon dioxide and methane hydrates. Understanding the formation, stability and dissociation of these reservoirs is important for planetary science and for future in-situ resource utilisation concepts.
The Modelling Work and the DARTS Simulator
During the internship, you will contribute to the development of numerical models of coupled thermal and fluid processes governing hydrate formation and dissociation in the Martian subsurface, using the Delft Advanced Research Terra Simulator (DARTS) and supporting numerical tools.
Your Five Internship Activities
📚 Review the current scientific literature on carbon dioxide and methane hydrates under Martian conditions
🧮 Implement and adapt numerical models describing hydrate formation, dissociation and volatile transport in porous media
🔁 Perform simulation campaigns to investigate the influence of temperature, pressure, soil properties and climate conditions on hydrate stability
🔬 Analyse and interpret modelling results and compare them with existing studies and observational constraints
📝 Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and scientific presentations
What You Will Learn
Through this internship, you will gain practical experience in:
🌡️ Numerical modelling of coupled thermo-hydraulic processes in planetary environments
⚗️ Thermodynamics, fluid transport and phase-change processes in porous media
📊 Scientific data analysis, interpretation and communication of results
🤝 Conducting research within an international space science environment
Education Requirement
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.
Languages and Interview
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.
During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Skills That Count as an Asset
Knowledge and background in the following topics is an asset:
💻 Strong knowledge and experience of modelling tools (Matlab, Python)
🔥 Knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics (energy, exergy, enthalpy)
Behavioural Competencies
ESA assesses candidates against its Core Behavioural Competencies. The vacancy lists these six:
🎯 Result Orientation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
🤝 Fostering Cooperation
📞 Relationship Management
🔄 Continuous Improvement
🔮 Forward Thinking
For more information, the vacancy refers to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook.
Which Nationalities Can Apply?
Please note that 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.
Export Control and Selection Tests
Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.
Internship Length, Start Date and Application Limit
According to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships, an internship lasts 3 to 6 months and starts from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities.
Equal Opportunities at ESA
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.
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. The contact email for this is listed at the end of this post.
Important Information
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. The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship.
Find more opportunities like this in our internship and traineeship listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ESA Mars hydrates internship take place?
The internship is based at ESTEC in Noordwijk, Netherlands, within the Utilisation and Enabled Science team of ESA's Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration.
What is the internship about?
You would contribute to the development of numerical models of coupled thermal and fluid processes governing hydrate formation and dissociation in the Martian subsurface, using the Delft Advanced Research Terra Simulator (DARTS) and supporting numerical tools.
What will I do day to day?
Your activities are to review the scientific literature on carbon dioxide and methane hydrates under Martian conditions, implement and adapt numerical models, perform simulation campaigns on the influence of temperature, pressure, soil properties and climate conditions on hydrate stability, analyse and interpret the results, and contribute to technical reports and scientific presentations.
What will I learn?
You will gain practical experience in numerical modelling of coupled thermo-hydraulic processes in planetary environments, thermodynamics, fluid transport and phase-change processes in porous media, scientific data analysis and communication of results, and conducting research within an international space science environment.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year at Master's level, and you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship. You must also be a national of one of the States listed in the vacancy.
Which skills are an asset?
Strong knowledge and experience of modelling tools (Matlab, Python) and knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics (energy, exergy, enthalpy) are listed as an asset.
Which languages do I need?
The working languages of ESA 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 is the internship and when does it start?
According to ESA's 2027 student internships announcement, internships last 3 to 6 months and begin from February 2027 onwards. The exact start date is agreed with the ESA tutor.
How many ESA internships can I apply for?
A candidate can apply for up to two ESA internship opportunities, according to ESA's announcement for the 2027 student internships.
What happens after I apply?
The Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.
Does the vacancy mention a stipend?
The vacancy does not state an allowance for this internship. ESA notes that the information on its careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication but is not intended to be exhaustive.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/CEST.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply now (ESA vacancy 21114): https://jobs.esa.int/job/Noordwijk-Intern-in-the-Utilisation-&-Enabled-Science-Team-Modelling-Subsurface-CO%E2%82%82-&-Methane-Hydrates-on-Mars/1452990433/
📰 ESA Student Internships 2027: https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Student_Internships_2027_are_now_open
🌐 ESA website: https://www.esa.int
📧 Contact for disability support: ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int
