Intern in The Science Operations Dept., Data Reduction Pipeline for The Ariel Exoplanet Mission

Intern in the Science Operations Dept., data reduction pipeline for the Ariel exoplanet mission- **Job Requisition ID**:19861- **Date Posted**:1 November 2025- **Closing Date**:30 November 2025 23:59 CET/CEST- **Publication**:External Only- **Type of Contract**:Intern- **Directorate**:Science- **Workplace**:Villanueva de la Cañada, ES**Location** ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain ** 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). -- - In implementing his/her duties, SCI-S is supported by the: - mission Management and Science Operations Division (SCI-SO). - science Operations Development Division (SCI-SD). - data Science and Archives Division (SCI-SA). ** Field(s) of activity for the internship**- -** Topic of the internship: Exploring the data reduction pipeline for the Ariel exoplanet mission**-For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page: Ariel is an upcoming ESA exoplanet mission, designed to perform a large survey of diverse exoplanets (goal >1000 planets observed) and to characterise their atmospheres during the nominal four-year mission. The telescope will observe each planet during multiple transits of and/or eclipses by its host star: during a transit, a fraction of the starlight is blocked by the planet and an even smaller fraction is filtered through the planet’s atmosphere; during an eclipse, the reflected and/or emitted light of the dayside of the planet’s atmosphere is blocked by the star. Both types of observations can be utilized to deduce the composition of the planet’s atmosphere by analysing the obtained transit/eclipse spectra.- -Your goal is to explore and assess the AMC-developed pipeline within the SOC environment, using both simulated data and ground-based test datasets. The selected intern will become familiar with the Ariel pipeline’s structure and algorithms and will have the opportunity to directly compare its performance and methodology to those of JWST. By offering feedback on pipeline development and deployment, you will contribute valuable insights for the Ariel mission, while also gaining a deeper understanding of ESA as an international organisation and about ESAC’s science operations in particular.- ** Behavioural competencies**- -Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking-For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook- ** Education**- -You must be a university student, preferably studying 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.- For this position you should have: -Some experience with command line computing (e.g. terminal, Unix) and a scripting language (e.g. python) is beneficial.** Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness** - **Important Information and Disclaimer** During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. - 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. - **Nationality** Find your path with ESA »- Internship Programme »- FAQ »