About this job

Your Mission:

Within the Institute for Space System’s department System Analysis Space Segment, the EDEN team analyzes and develops concepts and systems for bio-regenerative life support systems for future human space exploration and in particular technologies for plant cultivation in space.

Additionally, the EDEN team investigates potential terrestrial applications, such as Vertical Farming facilities and novel systems for controlled environment agriculture in remote and desert areas. One system currently under development is the patented MEPA system, which is envisioned as a mobile, deployable, easy-to-use (semi-)closed loop greenhouse for use in arid regions and for humanitarian relief efforts (e.g. refugee camps).

To aid in the development of the MEPA system, the EDEN team is looking for highly motivated students who are looking to carry out their Bachelor or Master thesis projects.

Responsibilities

Topics are open for discussion, based on student preferences. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and testing of Seed Cultivation Mats: pre-seeded, deployable plant cultivation units
  • Material selection
  • Analysis of different plant cultivation substrates
  • Manufacturing of small-scale test units
• Detailed design of Controlled Environment Agriculture systems
  • Atmosphere Management System design
  • Nutrient Delivery System design
• Assembly, integration and testing of the MEPA Support Unit

The student will be working closely together with other students, as well as the EDEN team, in developing a functional prototype of the MEPA system for deployment and testing in the MENA region.

Profile

Your qualifications:

• Engineering student (mechanical, aerospace, electrical, etc.)
• Strong affinity with human space flight and/or horticultural science
• Good hands-on electrical and mechanical skills
• Good skills with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio)
• Excellent English proficiency
• Knowledge of CAD software (especially CATIA) would be a plus
• Minimum duration: 6 months

Your benefits:

Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Our human resources policy places great value on a healthy family and work-life-balance as well as equal opportunities for persons of all genders (m/f/non-binary). Individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the event their qualifications are equivalent to those of other candidates.