Intern in the Human Exploration Science Office - Blood Flow Restriction Training

Location
EAC, Porz-Wahn, Germany

Our team and mission

​​Within the Exploration Science Office of the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration, the Human Exploration Science Team (HRE-SH) conducts research that enables future human space exploration while leveraging spaceflight and analogue platforms to advance knowledge and improve human health on Earth. HRE-SH uses a wide range of terrestrial and (sub-) orbital research platforms, as well as the International Space Station (ISS), to investigate the effects of selected or combined spaceflight stressors on human health and performance. These platforms include parabolic flight, dry immersion, bed rest, isolated and confined environments, and spaceflight. This work focuses on the identification and mitigation of challenges to astronaut health and performance to enable the safe exploration of European Astronauts to low-Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. Furthermore, by leveraging the platforms developed for exploration, scientific experiments can be conducted under unique conditions, generating benefits on Earth in fields such as healthcare, ageing research, and health management. HRE-SH works closely with international partners, astronauts, medical support, and the scientific community to define and address operational needs and scientific priorities.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Background

​Prolonged exposure to microgravity induces cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning, making effective exercise countermeasures essential for maintaining astronaut health during long-duration space missions. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training is a promising strategy to enhance the efficiency of these countermeasures. By partially restricting blood flow to the limbs using pressurised cuffs during exercise, BFR can induce physiological adaptations typically associated with high-intensity training while using substantially lower exercise loads.

​As a result, BFR has the potential to improve training effectiveness and/or reduce the time required for exercise before, after, and potentially during spaceflight. Although BFR is increasingly applied in sports performance, rehabilitation, and clinical practice on Earth, its efficacy and safety under spaceflight-relevant conditions remain insufficiently understood.

​In particular, spaceflight-associated physiological stressors may alter the cardiovascular and haemodynamic responses to BFR. Furthermore, the effects of BFR on blood coagulation and its potential role in the development of venous thromboembolism require further investigation before the technique can be considered for operational use in human spaceflight.

​This internship will contribute to ongoing research investigating BFR as a potential countermeasure for spaceflight-induced physiological deconditioning. The work will help improve our understanding of the safety, physiological responses, and optimal application of BFR, supporting the development of future exercise countermeasure strategies.

​Objectives

​The intern will contribute to research investigating the physiological responses and potential applications of BFR in spaceflight analogue environments. The focus will be on cardiovascular and coagulation responses, with the aim to define benefits and limitations of BFR as a countermeasure for human exploration missions.

​Main Activities related to the overall research initiative include:

• ​support experimental studies and physiological data collection;
• ​analyse and interpret human physiology data from ongoing research;
• ​contribute to scientific reports, presentations, and publications related to human spaceflight and countermeasures.

​Through this internship, you will:

​

• ​receive close mentorship and guidance from experienced researchers in space physiology and medicine;
• ​gain hands-on experience with blood flow restriction and human physiology research;
• ​develop skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and critical thinking;
• ​learn how analogue studies support human space exploration;
• ​gain insight into space medicine and astronaut health;
• ​work in an international and interdisciplinary research team.

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 in your final or second-to-last year of university course 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.

Desired assets:

• background in medicine, sports science, physiology, and/or health sciences;
• experience in Blood Flow Restriction, human spaceflight physiology, and/or biomedical engineering;
• experience with data analysis, statistics, or scientific writing;
• familiarity with research related to spaceflight, extreme environments, or analogue studies is desirable.

The ability to work independently and communicate effectively in an international team is required.

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 ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int.

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.