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Working at ESO
Are you interested in working in areas of frontline technology and in a stimulating international environment? Do you feel your profile matches our requirements? Learn more about our current vacancies and apply online. Read more..
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 the southern array of the Cherenkov Telescope Array, the world's largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. 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 the Paranal Observatory. Last but not least, ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence.
Due to the need for additional resources associated with the ALMA programme, for its Project Scientist Department, within the Directorate for Science at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of:
ESO is operating and upgrading the Atacama Large Millimeter /submillimeter Array (ALMA) together with the ALMA partners in East Asia and North America as well as the Joint ALMA Observatory located in Chile.
ALMA is currently undergoing a major upgrade, the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). Its main objective is to upgrade the full signal chain and increase the instantaneous spectral bandwidth by as much as a factor of four, while retaining full spectral resolution over the entire bandwidth. In this context, receiver upgrades, enhancements to the digital electronics, enhanced software for data reduction or novel calibration methods are planned.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and outstanding scientist with expertise in instrumentation for submillimetre astronomy or related fields. The ESO ALMA Project Scientist will support the development of the various upgrade development studies and projects of the ALMA Observatory which are an integral part of its long-term life. The successful applicant will be primarily responsible for the definition of the scientific capabilities of several ALMA upgrade projects and follow-up of the development and construction phases of such projects: a) supporting and nurturing their science goals, b) ensuring that the top-level requirements are fulfilled and c) that the operational scenarios are commensurate with the scientific needs and the constraints of the ALMA Observatory. The ESO ALMA Project Scientist is also expected to be involved in projects following the implementation of development studies.
This Project Scientist will interface with groups at external institutes or consortia performing the upgrades along with the ALMA Development Team in the ESO ALMA Support Centre (Directorate of Operations) and will be part of the ESO Project Scientists Team (Directorate for Science).
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Interface with the ALMA Programme Scientist and other instrument scientists at ALMA and ESO to develop priorities for the ALMA development plan at ESO, in potential synergy with other ESO facilities;
- Issue and own the scientific specifications of the ALMA upgrade projects for which they are responsible, in agreement with ALMA partners;
- Report and promote the benefits of the upgrade to the ALMA-user and broader scientific communities (e.g., talks at conferences, organise workshops);
- Work together with the ALMA Development Team at ESO to ensure that the technical requirements meet the scientific requirements of the upgrade;
- Follow up the establishment of suitable data reduction methods where appropriate;
- Develop the commissioning and calibration plans for projects under their responsibilities and ensure their execution where applicable;
- Follow up the scientific use of the upgrade (if applicable) and possibly propose future upgrade paths;
- Develop their own scientific research in observational (sub)mm interferometry, ideally with the upgrade project that they are working on (if applicable).
The tasks are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and willingness to adapt are required.
As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the Project Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct a strong personal research programme and to participate actively in the scientific life of ESO.
Reports to:
Head of the Project Science Department
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience
- Proven track record in observational experience in (sub)-mm astronomy or adjacent fields;
- Active research programme, demonstrating the planning, execution, analysis and publication of observations/instrumentation in (sub)-mm astronomy or adjacent fields;
- Understanding of the science requirements for (sub)-mm telescopes and instruments and strategies for their realization;
- Ability to contribute to calibration and commissioning of hardware and/or software components of a radio/(sub)-mm interferometer. Previous experience in this area is desirable but not required;
- Proficiency in relevant data reduction methods and tools;
- Ability to work effectively in a team, with a positive approach toward building links across teams in an international multi-cultural environment;
- Ability to provide scientific and strategic vision and leadership to geographically dispersed multi-cultural/multi-disciplinary teams;
- Ability to motivate others; strong influencing skills;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, providing clear, concise and timely communications that identify key issues, examine options and propose a way ahead;
- Ability to effectively communicate at all levels and across disciplines and instrumentation within the organisation, with ALMA international partners, and with the community.
Desirable Competences and Experience
- Knowledge or experience with instrumentation in the optical and/or near-infrared wavelength domains;
- Broader experience following instrument development over various phases from initial design to final commissioning.
Qualifications:
PhD in astronomy, physics or equivalent.
Language skills:
Excellent command of the English language is essential.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, 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.
Our Salary Structure
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 and the ESO Astronomers' Charter.
For any further information, please visit ESO's conditions of employment (https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/). 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.
Serious consideration will be given to outstanding candidates willing to be seconded to ESO on leave from their home institutions. The grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
Duty Station:
Garching near Munich, Germany. Duty trips to the ESO sites in Chile, European institutes or ALMA partners may be required but remote attendance to some of meetings can be also arranged if necessary.
Career Path: V
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 a CV containing a publication list and a research statement. 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 11 July 2025
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
The ESO Values are:
ESO strives for excellence through innovation.
ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.
ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.
ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.
Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication. Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.
Diversity
ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://www.eso.org/public/about-eso/sustainability/dei-at-eso/ for further details.
Nationality
No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.