Vulcan Team Internship – Analogue Sample Research

About the role

This internship with the Vulcan Analogue Sample Facility supports ESA's lunar and Martian surface exploration programmes. You will work on the development and characterisation of analogue samples that simulate planetary environments for scientific and engineering studies.

Key responsibilities

• Design and produce new analogue sample recipes for current and future missions.
• Create low‑ to medium‑fidelity simulants for a range of planetary bodies and sites.
• Develop high‑fidelity mechanical simulants for engineering and geotechnical applications such as plume‑surface interaction, dust mitigation and contamination testing.
• Produce high‑fidelity ISRU simulants for resource extraction and additive manufacturing tests.
• Investigate artificial (non‑geological) simulant components, including simulated agglutinates.
• Adapt and apply advanced techniques to characterise the physical, mechanical, mineralogical and chemical properties of analogue samples.

Required profile

• UK citizen, UK university student, or holder of pre‑settled status in the UK.
• Strong interest in planetary science, space exploration or related research.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, onsite team.
• Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom under current legislation.

Required skills

• Sample preparation and handling techniques.
• Material characterisation methods (physical, mechanical, mineralogical, chemical).

What we offer

• Hands‑on experience in a European focal point for analogue sample research.
• Opportunity to contribute to low‑TRL technology validation for lunar and Martian missions.
• Exposure to ESA’s exploration preparation, research and technology activities.