Intern in the CAVES & PANGAEA Team, Legal Framework for Astronaut Field Training

Intern in the CAVES & PANGAEA Team, Legal Framework for Astronaut Field Training

Job Requisition ID: 20709

Date Posted: 1 July 2026

Closing Date: 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 CAVES and PANGAEA team specialises in training programmes that equip astronauts and mission developers with scientific, expeditionary and behavioural skills. The group’s primary output is focused on two training programmes, CAVES, a course that uses natural cave systems for expeditionary and human behavioural and performance training, and PANGAEA, a course for geological and astrobiological field training. Complementary to their training goals, these programmes are used as research and development platforms to advance several of ESA’s technological, scientific and operational areas.

Further information on PANGAEA and CAVES programmes can be found on the following websites:

ESA - What is PANGAEA?

ESA - What is CAVES?

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Legal framework for astronaut field training

You are sought to support the analysis of the relevant legal, safety and insurance frameworks around the ESA CAVES and PANGAEA programmes (e.g. International Law, Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Occupational Law, Insurance Law, Speleological regulations, Data Protection, Intellectual Property, Contractual regulations).

On the legal side, the objective is to produce a detailed summary of the applicable rules and regulations for both the CAVES and PANGAEA programmes, taking into account their practical implications and potential challenges.

On the safety side, the objective is the review of the safety related documentation and processes, including hazard analysis and evaluation of risks, documentation of personnel requirements, role assignment and evaluation, ensuring that all planned activities to reduce risk are properly documented, as well as recording of their execution.

These programmes operate in regulated and sensitive environments, involve risky activities and personnel from multiple agencies and companies. This requires careful legal and insurance planning, as well compliance to occupational regulations. Differences in national laws, environmental protection, property rights and other considerations create a multifaceted legal, safety and insurance context in which to conduct complex field activities in a safe, legal and appropriately risk managed way.

These challenges are a critical, though often invisible, aspect of enabling high-quality astronaut training in analogue environments. You will contribute to ESA’s effort to summarise the framework and create maps connecting the various elements of the documentation that integrate all insurance, safety and legal aspects of CAVES and PANGAEA into one comprehensive and harmonised framework.

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.

An educational background in Law is required, with specific background and/or experience in:

• understanding, interpreting, organising and analysing complex information;
• conducting legal research and analytical reasoning;
• ability to synthesise/summarise complex information;
• knowledge of Spanish, Italian and/or German language;
• knowledge of Spanish, Italian and/or German law will be an asset;
• conducting legal/safety research and summarising relevant regulations and instructions;
• analysing, organising, mapping, synthesising complex legal/safety information, and preparing laymen summary information and instructions;
• examination of comparative law and identification of relevant discrepancies;
• knowledge of occupational safety legislation will be an asset;
• knowledge of speleology and/or environmental legislation will be 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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