Intern in Climate Action, Sustainability and Science Department, Applications Section
Frascati, IT
Location
ESRIN, Frascati, Italy
Our team and mission
The Applications Section is primarily engaged in research and development (R&D) for Earth observation-based solutions that address both European and global environmental and development agendas. Our projects typically involve key stakeholders throughout the design, development, and validation phases to ensure that the innovative EO-based solutions are effectively integrated into end-users’ operational systems and practices. The Applications Section, based at the ESRIN site of ESA, comprises several EO experts, each overseeing specific domains where EO data is utilised, including marine, carbon, and agriculture, among others.
Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int
Field(s) of activity for the internship
Topic of the internship: Agricultural Monitoring through Field Boundary Analysis
In this internship, you will explore the rapidly growing field of agricultural boundary delineation using state-of-the-art models, such as the open-source Delineate Anything (DA, Delineate Anything) framework. These models automatically extract field boundaries from satellite imagery of varying resolutions and across different regions.
Building on these results, you will design and implement straightforward yet meaningful analyses. Examples include counting fields in specific areas, measuring the average size and distribution of fields, and comparing field structures across diverse landscapes and countries. Such analyses provide critical insights into land fragmentation, agricultural practices, and rural development.
You will also assess the potential of these outputs for downstream applications, including yield modelling, monitoring compliance with agricultural policies, and supporting biodiversity studies. Additional research directions may involve detecting temporal changes in field structures and evaluating the consistency of outputs across multiple satellite resolutions.
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.
Knowledge of and background in Earth observation, image analysis, and data processing are considered assets. The preferred duration for this internship is six months.
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.
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, 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, Cyprus and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).
