Intern in the Science Engagement and Oversight Office - Innovative BepiColombo Science Communication

Location

ESAC, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain

Our team and mission

Under the direct authority of D/SCI, the Head of the Science Engagement and Oversight Office is responsible for overseeing the scientific content of the Programme, interfacing with the scientific community and providing scientific expertise to studies, projects and missions, also in other Directorates as needed.

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

Topic of the internship: Pioneering New Ways to Communicate BepiColombo Science

BepiColombo is set to arrive at Mercury in November 2026, with the start of its nominal science phase in April 2027 for several years to come. The mission will deliver an unprecedented wealth of scientific results, offering a unique opportunity to reshape how planetary science is shared with both the scientific community and the wider public. While ESA’s Science Communication Office will highlight major milestones and achievements, many of the mission’s rich and diverse results will require additional, creative approaches to fully reach their audiences.

In a context where media landscapes and communication practices are rapidly evolving, there is a growing need to explore new formats, platforms, and strategies to effectively reach and engage the right audiences.

We are looking for a motivated and imaginative intern to help develop and implement innovative ways of communicating BepiColombo’s science results and key milestones, complementing ESA’s core communication activities.

The role will encourage fresh ideas and new formats to enhance the visibility and impact of the mission’s discoveries. This may include crafting engaging scientific stories, contributing to the preparation and visibility of data releases, designing visual materials such as posters and infographics, developing scientific visualisations, and exploring novel formats such as data sonification, alongside proposing new concepts for outreach and dissemination. This internship offers a unique opportunity to experiment with new, creative, and transformative approaches to science communication at a pivotal moment for the BepiColombo mission.

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 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.

You should also have

• broad knowledge of science, with the ability to quickly understand and engage with new scientific concepts (knowledge of planetary science is an asset);
• strong interest in science communication, with the ability to translate complex scientific results into clear, engaging, and accessible content for different audiences;
• experience in at least one of the following areas is required: science writing, visualisation, or multimedia content creation. Depending on the profile, the internship will focus on developing innovative applications of these skills rather than basic training;
• creativity and curiosity to explore new communication formats and approaches, including emerging media, interactive content, or unconventional storytelling techniques (e.g. data visualisation, sonification, digital storytelling);
• awareness of evolving media landscapes and interest in identifying effective ways to reach and engage different target audiences across platforms.

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 ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int .

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

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).