Research Intern [f/m/x]

The European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), the independent think tank advising and advocating for European space policy globally, is looking to employ a new Research Intern at the premises of the Institute in Vienna (on-site), starting in March 2025 (please see all the details on the ESPI website https://www.espi.or.at/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ ).

Space is undergoing a transformative change in market dynamics, technology developments, and policy implications. As a Research Intern, you are responsible for assisting the development of insights and maintaining the Institute’s position at the cutting edge of analysing these advancements and evolution across the domains defined in ESPI 2040 (see https://www.espi.or.at/espi-2040/):

·       Green & Sustainable Societies

·       Security & Defence

·       Exploration & Science

·       Space as an Asset

·       Industry, Innovation, Finance, Workforce.

This vacancy will in particular support activities related to ESPI’s Exploration studies (Moon and Mars activities, and Human Spaceflight) and Data Science activities.

You will be tasked to work as part of project teams and support research efforts across various domains. This will be conducted through:

·    background research: literature review, information and data collection;

·    supporting the creation of data science tools/methods;

·    stakeholders consultation through dedicated interviews or surveys;

· development & maintenance of databases and their exploitation including presentations and visual elements for ESPI reports;

·    methodology and analysis tools preparation;

·    report writing and editing;

·    organisation of workshops, conferences and events in support of ESPI’s Research & Engagement teams.

Further, as part of our Research Team, you contribute to the further development of the Institute, and will be encouraged to identify new topics and areas of research.

·    A (Bachelor’s or Master’s) degree that relates to the Institute’s work and mission (e.g. Political Science, Law, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Finance, Data Science, Technology & Innovation, ...). Prior knowledge of data science or programming would be an asset;

·    demonstrated interest and understanding of the space sector and the space policy landscape;

·    excellent analytical or writing skills, ability to work in teams, and inter-cultural competence;

·   excellent organisational and representation skills, coupled with inter-cultural competence and self-starting mindset;

·    flexibility, impact-oriented thinking and excellent organisational skills;

·    excellent command of English, written and oral.

We only accept applications by EU/EEA citizens or non-EU citizens holding residence & employment permits in Austria. To apply for this position, please send:

·    a copy of your CV in .pdf format,

·    a motivation letter in .pdf format,

with the subject: “ESPI Research Intern” to the mentioned email address before 31 January 2025, 23:59 CET. Please do not submit educational records or certificates at this stage.

The position is full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible working conditions for a limited period of 6 months.

The advertised salary is € 1,500 gross per month (paid 14 times a year).