The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy Organisation in Europe and the world’s most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries.
ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in northern Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor (home to ALMA), and the ESO Headquarters are located in Garching, near Munich, Germany.
At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world’s most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory, and will host and operate, on behalf of CTAO, the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), the world’s largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA. On Cerro Armazones, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which will become “the world’s biggest eye on the sky” and whose operations will be fully integrated into that of the Paranal Observatory.
Within the Directorate for Science at its Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist
The CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist will provide scientific leadership for ESO’s participation in CTAO. In return for the effort to operate CTAO-S, ESO will have 10% of the open time on the northern and southern arrays. They will also be responsible for optimising the multi-wavelength/multi-messenger use across ESO’s facilities and with other leading facilities. The Programme Scientist is responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic vision for multi-wavelength synergistic use of ESO facilities, including advising on and developing strategic partnerships with other astrophysical facilities both ground based, and in space. In particular, the Programme Scientist is responsible for maintaining a strategic scientific vision for CTAO and contributing to ESO’s overall policy and long-term planning. They maintain professional contacts at the highest level outside the Organisation and, as postholder, will be assigned to the role for the full duration of the CTAO Programme. In addition, the Programme Scientist serves as the primary interface between CTAO and the broader ESO user community.
The Programme Scientist works closely with colleagues across the Directorate for Science (DSC) to ensure synergies with ESO’s existing facilities and the optimal scientific use of ESO’s share of observing time on CTAO in support of the Programme’s goals. They will closely monitor the evolving scientific priorities of the community within the rapidly advancing landscape of astronomical facilities projected for the 2030s and beyond and foster broad community engagement in planning for the best multi-wavelength/messenger use of ESO’s facilities, identify emerging scientific areas, and promote synergetic use of ESO’s facilities through working groups, community days, and workshops, in close coordination with the Offices for Science. They also monitor and assess the scientific effectiveness of multi-wavelength use of ESO’s facilities, developing strategies to maximise its impact and establishing best practices for both scientific capabilities and operations.
Strong coordination with CTAO is essential. In collaboration with the Communications Department, the Programme Scientist identifies and promotes key science drivers and results. They also work closely with the Observing Programmes Office, particularly for initiatives such as multi-telescope time allocation processes, and the promotion of large surveys and synergies with other ESO facilities, including ALMA.
Together with the Director for Science and other Programme Scientists, they contribute to shaping the Organisation’s scientific strategy and play an active role in decisions affecting the capabilities of current and future facilities. The CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist reports regularly to the ESO Advisory and Governing Bodies, principally on CTAO.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work with the VLT, VLTI, ALMA and ELT Programme Scientists to ensure that scientific synergies between the facilities are identified and propose means to strengthen these where relevant.
- Provide the scientific leadership of the CTAO Programme at ESO.
- Contribute to the Governance of CTAO, representing ESO as required.
- Coordinate the scientific ESO CTAO activities with CTAO, in particular with the CTAO Project Scientist.
- Present ESO facilities to the CTAO user community to promote them and to increase the interest in the exploitation of emerging synergies.
- Advise the ESO Directors of Science, Programmes and Operations on the Programme’s strategic scientific goals and assisting with the coordination and updating of observing modes to adapt to the paradigm shift introduced by CTAO.
- Consult the scientific community and ESO advisory committees in developing a scientific vision for CTAO and synergetic use of ESO facilities with facilities inside or outside of ESO.
- Report to ESO and its governing and advisory bodies on CTAO developments, challenges and scientific productivity.
- Support public engagement and outreach, in collaboration with the Communication Department, helping make the multi-wavelength use of ESO telescopes and their instruments accessible and inspiring to a diverse audience.
The above main duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and will evolve. As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct an active astronomical research programme on a 50/50 basis.
Reports to: Director for Science
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience
- At least five years of experience in the field of physics, astronomy or closely related disciplines after PhD;
- Proven ability in developing a long-term scientific vision, understanding science requirements, and translating them into coherent plans;
- Proven experience using astronomical facilities in a multi-wavelength and multi-messenger environment, and knowledge of VHE gamma-ray astrophysics;
- Ability to think strategically, taking a long-term perspective and openness to new ideas, emerging scientific priorities, challenges and anticipating future needs or trends, while communicating a compelling vision for the future;
- Experience in collaborating to develop shared visions and scientific strategies for the future, within and beyond ESO, including the wider astronomical community;
- Effectively lead and inspire geographically dispersed, multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, fostering ownership, engagement and a professional, respectful working environment, and constructively addressing disagreement and conflict;
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and constructively, and to facilitate informed decision-making;
- A proactive approach to constructively suggest improvements to established ways of working to create positive change;
- An ability to create and formalise synergies inside and outside the Organisation ensuring that resources are used optimally, cost effectively and transparently;
- A strong record of personal research achievements, demonstrating international recognition appropriate to the career stage in optical and near-infrared or multi-wavelength astrophysics.
Desirable Competences and Experience
- Experience developing astronomical facilities in a multi-wavelength and multi-messenger environment;
- Experience in collaborating with member-state institutes on major scientific and operations projects;
- Experience contributing to international science advisory committees or roadmap processes;
- Proven experience representing an organisation or collaboration in international scientific governance, advisory or strategic fora, with the ability to influence decision-making in complex, multi-partner environments;
- Experience in monitoring and assessing scientific productivity and impact, and in using evidence-based analysis to optimise programme performance and strategic outcomes;
- Experience in the strategic planning or management of observing time, large programmes or survey portfolios within major astronomical facilities;
- Understanding of the operational frameworks of major observatories, including observing modes, science verification processes, and the translation of scientific requirements into operational implementation;
- Demonstrates sound judgement in identifying strategic challenges and mitigating risks in complex scientific programmes.
Qualifications: PhD in Physics/Astronomy or closely related discipline.
Language Skills: The position requires a fluent knowledge of English.
Remuneration and Contract: We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.
ESO’s salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our jobs. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience. Please follow this attached link for more details https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/salary-structure/. ESO aims to support members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#work-life-balance) between their professional and private life. ESO is also committed to offering family-friendly support (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/#family-friendly-support), creating a work environment and policies which allow staff to balance their professional and private responsibilities through flexible working arrangements and financial support for families.
The contract is for a fixed term duration of three years and is subject to successful completion of the probation period. There may be a possibility of extension(s) subject to individual performance and organisational requirements, and as defined in the applicable policies and staff rules and regulations. For any further information, please visit ESO’s conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/). Please note that the contract policy and in particular the regulations concerning fixed-term and indefinite contracts are currently under review which may lead to changes in the contractual conditions applicable to this position.
Duty Station: The duty station of the post will be Garching near Munich, Germany, and relocation to this duty station area is required. The post also requires regular duty trips to CTAO headquarters (Bologna, Italy), CTAO Science Data Management Centre (Zeuthen, Germany) and sites (Paranal, Chile, and La Palma, Spain). Staff at ESO benefit from a mobile working policy that allows for limited hybrid working for work-life balance purposes.
Application:
If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.
Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter and CV containing a publication list, and a research plan of two pages. Also required are the names and contact details of three scientists familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter. Referees will be automatically invited to submit a recommendation letter. However, applicants are strongly advised to trigger these invitations (using the web application form) well in advance of the application deadline.
Deadline for applications is 22 July 2026.
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
