Intern in the Utilisation & Enabled Science Team-Modelling Subsurface CO₂ & Methane Hydrates on Mars - European Space Agency (Noordwijk)

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:

• Review 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

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
• Languages: English (good kn…), French (good kn…)
• Key skills: Numerical modelling of coupled thermo-hydraulic processes, Thermodynamics and fluid transport in porous media, Scientific data analysis and interpretation, Modelling tools (Matlab, Python) - asset, Fluid dynamics and thermodynamics knowledge - asset

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Interview to explore motivation for the role

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Internship.

Hiring unit: HRE-SU (Utilisation and Enabled Science) team, Directorate for Human and Robotic Exploration.

Position details

Reference

1452990433

Last Verified

9 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Intern in the Utilisation & Enabled Science Team-Modelling Subsurface CO₂ & Methane Hydrates on Mars at ESA based in Noordwijk (Traineeship). The vacancy reference is 1452990433.

Job Requisition ID:21114

Date Posted:1 November 2026

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

Publication Method:External Only

Directorate:Human and Robotic Exploration

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

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. 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.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

​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.

​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 activities will be:

- ​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.

​Learning objectives

​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.

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.

Knowledge and background in the following topics is an asset:

- strong knowledge and experience of modelling tool (Matlab, Python); - knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics (energy, exergy, enthalpy).

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 9 November 2026, today.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026, 20 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 9 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 Noordwijk see our Noordwijk location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.