Rome (Italy) | Noordwijk (Netherlands)
ESA Graduate Trainee in Science Preparations for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission
Noordwijk, NL
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
Conditions on the surface of Mars more than 4 billion years ago were like those existing on our planet when life appeared on Earth; finding signs of life elsewhere would be a very important discovery. This is the main objective of the European
Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin rover.
This life-seeking goal has resulted in a very specific set of scientific requirements for the landing site, concerning age, habitability and potential of the deposits to protect molecular biosignatures for billions of years. Launching in 2028, the Rosalind Franklin Mission will seek traces of life by: exploring an ancient location rich in sediments formed in the presence of liquid water; by drilling below the surface to collect samples preserved from radiation damage; and by conducting next generation imaging, mineralogy and chemical analyses with its Pasteur payload instruments.
The rover is equipped with a drill, having a depth reach of 2m, whilst the deepest any mission has explored on Mars is ~10 cm. ExoMars’ ability to access the subsurface provides us with the best chance yet to study material that may have preserved ancient organic biosignatures.
The Rosalind Franklin Mission’s science team is composed of more then 300 scientists, who have expertise covering the range of mission science that is naturally inherent to the interdisciplinarity of the field of astrobiology. They are geologists, mineralogists, microbiologists, chemists, physicists, science payload engineers and more. Their work ahead of mission science operations is focussed on ensuring that the best possible readiness is achieved to operate Europe’s first Mars rover.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
The Rover Science Operations Working Group (RSOWG) was established to prepare for the science operations of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover. Dedicated support is required in the following areas relating to ongoing RSOWG tasks:
Topic 1: Sample Science Readiness
Help with the coordination of the analysis of mission representative analogue samples, using both laboratory versions of the Rosalind Franklin rover instruments, and other commercial instruments. The work involves maintaining interactions with members of the RSOWG and partners in external laboratories to coordinate the distribution and analysis of selected analogue samples, to assist with the sharing and organization of sample data, and hosting discussions at science team meetings.
Topic 2: Geospatial Data Coordination
A RSOWG maintain a repository of remote sensing and other geospatial data of the Oxia Planum landing site. This includes visible (monochromatic and colour) image mosaics, geologic map data, spectral indicator rasters, and topographic data. Support is needed to maintain the repository, ensuring the most up-to-date data are incorporated and made available to the science team, and are made ready for use during strategic and tactical planning activities in upcoming rover operations simulations and field tests, and ultimately, in mission operations.
Topic 3: Participation in Rover Operations Simulations
To rehearse and train for rover operations, simulations are held several times per year at the Rover Operations Control Centre (ROCC, Torino, Italy). You will be expected to contribute to the preparation and execution of rover operations simulations. Preparing to run a simulation typically involves generating a simulated scenario that is coherent and believable, both operationally and scientifically. A team of ‘simulation officers’ are appointed to perform this task, typically several months in advance. During the simulation, specific operational roles must be performed by members of the science and project team. Assignments are made and training is provided for each simulation. Approximately two simulations per year are expected in 2026-2027.
Technical competencies
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 should have just completed, or be in the final year of your master’ s degree in a subject relevant to planetary science and astrobiology.
Additional requirements
You should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural environment, both independently and as part of a team. Previous experience of working in international teams can be considered an asset. Your motivation, overall professional perspective and career goals will also be explored during the later stages of the selection process.
You should also have:
- a demonstrated interest in, and relevant education to, the ExoMars mission objectives;
- interest in working with others, as part of a large team;
- willingness to travel.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek 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. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.
Important Information and Disclaimer
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. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working 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 and Languages
Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will be given to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
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