Join a landmark Australian zero gravity experiment on large crewed parabolic flights aboard the Airbus A310 Zero-G. Contribute to a cutting edge chemistry experiment on off-Earth fuel production, and experience real weightlessness. A rare, thrilling opportunity for an Australian university student. Applications close on 12 May 2026
7 Fairway, Crawley WA 6009
$0 Yearly
Part-time, Temporary
Hybrid work
Ever wondered how it feels to float like an astronaut while running a real scientific experiment?
If you are a 3rd or 4th year university student in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering at an Australian university, this may be your chance to experience the extraordinary.
The International Space Centre at the University of Western Australia has secured a landmark opportunity: the first Australian-led microgravity experiment to fly on large crewed parabolic flights. On board the Airbus A310 Zero-G, departing from Bordeaux (France), our team will conduct a cutting-edge experiment in chemical catalysis aimed at optimising off-Earth fuel production and resource extraction. The experimenters will experience real weightlessness as the aircraft performs parabolic manoeuvres.
We are seeking a highly motivated intern to join this unique project under the supervision of Prof. Hongqi Sun, Director of the Centre for Future Catalysis at UWA. You will contribute to the design, construction, testing, and/or analysis of an experiment aimed at producing fuels and essential chemicals under reduced-gravity conditions.
And yes, you may have the opportunity to fly and conduct the experiment in zero gravity yourself (subject to standard medical checks and final approval by the ISC and flight operator).
For additional queries, contact ISC Director and Microgravity Lead, Prof. Danail Obreschkow, at isc@uwa.edu.au.
Send your CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page), highlighting your background and motivation, to isc@uwa.edu.au by Tuesday, 12 May 2026. Applications from women and gender minorities are highly encouraged.
The parabolic flights will be conducted by the French operator Novespace, one of the world’s most established microgravity providers, which has conducted safe parabolic flights since 1986. The University of Western Australia and Novespace have executed an agreement for an Australian-led experiment to fly during the 71st parabolic flight campaign of the French Space Agency CNES. More information at https://www.airzerog.com.