Job Requisition ID: 20707

Date Posted: 1 July 2026

Application Deadline: 29 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: External Only

Type of Appointment: Intern

Directorate: Human and Robotic Exploration

Workplace: Porz-Wahn, DE

Location
EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany

Our team and mission
The Space Medicine Team (HRE-HM) within the directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration directorate, is mandated to care for ESA Astronaut’s health and wellbeing during their entire career. In execution of this task, the Space Medicine Team performs numerous medical tests and evaluations to monitor astronaut´s health. The Exercise Team, with whom you will mainly work, takes care of the physical performance and rehabilitation of the astronauts on ground and in-flight. The work location is at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, where the headquarter of the astronaut corps is located.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Physiology and Performance Optimisation of Female Astronauts

The internship is focused on female health, with a particular emphasis on understanding the relationship between the menstrual cycle and training adaptability. Your role involves conducting literature research on how hormonal fluctuations influence performance, recovery, and injury risk, supporting the development of evidence-based strategies for injury prevention and performance optimisation. You will work closely with the Exercise Team within the Space Medicine Team, contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration. Together with the team, you will help translate scientific findings into practical guidelines and support the optimisation of fitness assessment protocols tailored to the needs of female astronauts.

Main Responsibilities:

• conduct literature research on the relationship between the menstrual cycle, training adaptation, physiological responses, and injury risk for female astronauts;
• identify areas for improvement and contribute to the development of guidelines for fitness assessments and training recommendations.

Additionally, you will:

• gain insights into the work of exercise specialists and mission support;
• experience working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team environment.

Learning Objectives:

• collaborate within a cross-functional team of exercise specialists, medical doctors, physiologists, engineers, and other experts;
• strengthen literature review and research skills and translate scientific findings into practical applications and guidelines.

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.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

You should be pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Physiology or a related field.
Knowledge and background in literature research, training physiology and performance evaluation is an asset.

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 [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations.

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.

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