ESA Graduate Trainee in Earth Observation Foundation Modelling

Descrizione del lavoro:

Location

ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

Our team and mission

You will work in the Invest Office of the ɸ-lab Division, within the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes (EOP). The Invest Office focuses on Earth Observation commercial aspects and oversees investment in industrial innovation within the commercial Earth Observation domain. Φ-lab manages the ESA Investing in Industrial Innovation (InCubed) programme. While institutional and private European space actors have so far created a flourishing Earth Observation sector in Earth science, meteorology, environmental and security monitoring, the Earth Observation market is undergoing a rapid transition, with new implementation approaches (e.g. constellation of micro-satellites, vertical integration of spaceborne with non-spaceborne data), new industrial players (e.g. IT companies) and new funding models (e.g. PPP, venture capital). It is crucial for Europe to adapt to this rapidly evolving market and seize the opportunities it provides. Φ-lab is designed as an open working environment bringing together ESA staff and external space and non-space actors, innovators, data scientists, and investors on a permanent or temporary basis.

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

Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship

We are in the middle of a perfect storm in Earth Observation, with the convergence of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, increasing data availability and new commercial actors rapidly reshaping the sector. These dynamics are accelerating the emergence of advanced, large-scale Earth Observation AI models, which are becoming a key enabler of new commercial services and downstream innovation.

As a Graduate Trainee, you will provide support to the tasks performed by the Φ-lab Invest Office, with a particular focus on advanced Earth Observation AI approaches, supporting both technical and strategic analyses across European and international contexts.

This entails, for example:

* Supporting InCubed programme activities related to advanced Earth Observation data analytics and AI-driven approaches
* Monitoring and analysing emerging trends in Earth Observation AI-powered platforms at European and global level, including existing and planned initiatives, and commercial solutions;
* Supporting the strategic assessment of European and non-European approaches to Earth Observation AI-powered platform, verifying technical capabilities, analysing technological decisions, industrial positioning and potential implications for European competitiveness and sovereignty;
* Contributing to the analysis of the European Earth Observation platform ecosystem in an international context, including market dynamics, emerging business models and competitive landscapes;
* In the context of InCubed programme, supporting entrepreneurial and industrial initiatives developing innovative Earth Observation products and services, helping assess their technical maturity, scalability and commercial viability;
* Supporting market analyses to document the value, impact and strategic relevance of European investments in Earth Observation and AI;
* Preparing presentations, technical notes, comparative analyses, fact sheets and communication material supporting the team's activities;
* Providing support to activities related to customer engagement, innovation, and commercial viability.

Please visit the InCubed website to find out more: https://incubed.esa.int

Technical competencies

Knowledge of relevant technical/functional domains
Relevant experience gained during internships, project work and/or extracurricular or other activities
General knowledge of the space sector and relevant activities
Knowledge of ESA and its programmes/projects

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 recently completed or be in the final year of your master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science / Machine Learning, Geospatial Engineering, Remote Sensing, Applied Mathematic or, Physics

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.

The following elements are considered an asset:

* Knowledge of EO market trends
* Knowledge of EO data analysis and use of platforms
* Knowledge of AI and foundation models, including core machine-learning concepts, large-scale training and fine-tuning, data-driven analysis.
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

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