Research Intern

The European Space Policy Institute is looking to employ one or more Research Intern(s) at the premises of the Institute in Vienna, starting in May or June 2024.  

ESPI is the leading European think tank devoted to space policy. The Institute’s mission is to Promote European space policy on a global level by facilitating an active forum for the analysis and discussion of European needs, capabilities and long-term prospects in space activities.  

As an ESPI Research Intern, you will be immersed in a fast-paced growth environment, joining a culturally diverse team with varied academic backgrounds. We are characterised by a strong appreciation of new initiatives & impact-driven objectives, paired with a commitment to rigour, continuous learning, and team-wide exchange where the best ideas prevail.  

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.

You will be tasked to work as part of project teams and support research efforts across various domains as specified in the ESPI 2040 Policy vision. This will be conducted through:  

• background research: literature review, information and data collection and compilation; data analysis and creative exploitation;  

• stakeholders consultation through dedicated interviews or surveys; 

• development & maintenance of databases and their exploitation; 

• methodology and analysis tools preparation; 

• report writing and editing; 

• organisation of workshops, conferences, and events. 

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, Climate Policy);  

• 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; 

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

• excellent command of English, written and oral.  

We only accept applications by EU citizens or non-EU citizens holding residence and 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,  

to the email address given with the subject: “ESPI Research Intern” before 3 May 2024, 23:59 CET. Please do not submit educational records or certificates at this stage. 

The position is planned to be full-time (40 hours/week) for a limited period of 6 months. The advertised salary for this position is € 1,400 gross per month with additional pro-rata payments as per Austrian law.