Intern in the Exploration Science Office - Assessment of Societal Benefits of Exploration Science - European Space Agency (Porz-Wahn)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Support the Exploration Science Office in developing and applying a structured approach to identify and evaluate societal benefits of ESA's exploration science activities
• Review methodologies and frameworks used by space agencies, research funders, and international organisations to assess societal, economic, technological, health, and educational returns
• Identify indicators and propose a structured methodology tailored to exploration science
• Identify and document concrete examples of societal benefit from past and ongoing exploration science studies
• Trace research outcomes to real-world applications and compile case studies and reference repository

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University student, preferably in final or second-to-last year of Master's level course; must be able to prove enrollment for entire internship duration
• Experience: Prior experience in space research not required; familiarity with impact assessment methodologies, research evaluation, socioeconomic analysis, or science communication considered beneficial; relevant experience in structured research, literature reviews, policy analysis, or data synthesis advantageous
• Languages: English, French
• Key skills: Strong analytical and synthesis skills, Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, Ability to work independently while maintaining team coordination
• Eligibility: Background in life sciences, physical sciences, health or biomedical sciences, economics, public policy, or science communication essential; strong interest in space research and its wider societal relevance required

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Working arrangements: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany.

Hiring unit: Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration, Exploration Science Office.

Position details

Reference

1452988833

Last Verified

12 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Exploration Science Office - Assessment of Societal Benefits of Exploration Science at ESA based in Porz-Wahn (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452988833.

Job Requisition ID:21112

Date Posted:1 November 2026

Closing Date:30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Human and Robotic Exploration

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL Porz-Wahn, DE

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands or EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany

Our team and mission

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. It integrates exploration-focused science, essential for future missions, with exploration-enabled science, leveraging space for groundbreaking research. With access to ground-based analogues, the ISS, future commercial LEO platforms, the Moon, and Mars, Exploration Science offers unique opportunities for transformative research in diverse environments. Guided by European values of collaboration, excellence, and responsibility, the programme emphasises open science, international cooperation, and inspiring future generations. From developing countermeasures for spaceflight to searching for life on Mars, ESA Exploration Science advances knowledge for space and Earth alike.

This internship will be done in close collaboration with the Exploration Strategy Office.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website:http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Assessment of Societal Benefits of Exploration Science:

​You will support the Exploration Science Office, in close coordination with the HRE Strategy Office, in developing and applying a structured approach to identify and evaluate the societal benefits generated by ESA’s exploration science activities, from ground-based analogue studies to research performed on ground and suborbital platforms, the International Space Station and future Moon and Mars missions.

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​Societal Impact Framework Development:

​You will review methodologies and frameworks used by space agencies, research funders, and international organisations to assess the societal, economic, technological, health, and educational returns of publicly funded research. Building on this benchmarking, you will help identify indicators and propose a structured methodology tailored to exploration science, covering benefits such as advances in human physiology and countermeasure development, contributions to terrestrial healthcare (e.g. ageing, rehabilitation, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health), technology and knowledge transfer (e.g., innovative materials, robotics, sensor and monitoring technologies, data science and AI), industrial and economic spin-offs, and educational and inspirational outcomes.

​Impact Mapping and Case Study Compilation:

​Using this framework, you will identify and document concrete examples of societal benefit arising from past and ongoing exploration science studies, such as bed rest and dry immersion analogue research, research on suborbital platforms, and ISS-based investigations, just to name a few. Working with scientists across the Exploration Science Office and the HRE Strategy Office, you will trace research outcomes to real-world applications and compile these into case studies and a reference repository to support impact reporting, stakeholder communication, and the design of future research calls. This internship offers insight into science policy and impact evaluation within human space exploration, with practical experience in framework design, benefit-mapping methodologies, and stakeholder communication.

Behavioural competencies

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.

Additional 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.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Background: A background in life sciences, physical sciences, health or biomedical sciences, economics, public policy, or science communication is essential, along with a strong interest in space research and its wider societal relevance. You should possess strong analytical and synthesis skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a motivation to contribute to the assessment and communication of research impact. The ability to work independently while maintaining coordination with a team is important. The internship is designed for students in their final or second-to-last year of university studies, ensuring they have a solid academic foundation relevant to the tasks involved.

Experience: Prior experience in space research is not required. However, familiarity with impact assessment methodologies, research evaluation, socioeconomic analysis, or science communication is considered beneficial. Any relevant experience in structured research, literature reviews, policy analysis, or data synthesis will be advantageous. Given that the internship targets students, the focus is on providing hands-on experience and skills development, rather than requiring extensive professional background.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 12 November 2026, 1 day ago.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 15 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 12 November 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Porz-Wahn see our Porz-Wahn location page.

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