Intern in The Science Operations Department, Mission Management and Science Operations Division

Intern in the Science Operations Department, Mission Management and Science Operations Division- **Job Requisition ID**:19865- **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**-
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- 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).
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- 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: From Sco X-1 to Calibration: Probing the Mirror Misalingment of XMM-Newton**-For the detailed topic descriptions please go to this web page:

ESA’s XMM-Newton observatory has been a cornerstone of high-energy astrophysics for over two decades, enabling detailed studies of black holes, supernova remnants, and galaxy clusters. Its three gold-coated X-ray telescopes, consisting of arrays of concentring mirror shells, continue to deliver high-quality data, but recent observations showed some unexpected features that might impact the scientific accuracy.-The telescope mirrors were extensively characterized on the ground, and a model based on those measurements has been used throughout the mission. To update that model, we recently obtained off-axis observations of one of the brightest X-ray sources in the sky: Sco X-1. The data show characteristic single reflection rings from the mirror shells. Based on a preliminary analysis, we found a significant difference between the intensity of the rings depending on the source’s position relative to the optical axis. This asymmetry is not captured in the current telescope model.-

** 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.-
-- enthusiasm and curiosity for exploring scientific data.
- the trainee should be comfortable with working in an international environment.
- some experience with command line computing (e.g. terminal, Unix) and a scripting language (e.g. python) is beneficial.
- basic knowledge about X-ray telescopes and X-ray data is desirable, but not required.
** 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**
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