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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 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 Observatory, the world's largest and most sensitive high energy gamma-ray observatory. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And 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.
For its Communication Department in Garching, within the Office of the Director General, ESO is opening an International Staff Member position of:
At ESO, we believe in the power of science to expand the frontiers of human knowledge. Our digital platforms are key to sharing this mission with the world - and we're looking for a skilled and proactive Web Developer to help build and maintain the technical foundations of ESO's online presence.
This is a project-related role, initially limited to three years, with the main focus on supporting the implementation of our new Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)-based Content Management System (CMS). As a member of ESO's Digital Communications team, you'll develop templates and components, maintain front- and back-end systems, and support the migration from our current Django/Python CMS. You will also support other digital infrastructure that powers ESO's public-facing communication platforms - and ensure they are stable, scalable, and user-friendly.
Working closely with the Head of Digital Communications, the IT Department, and external providers, you'll play a key role in maintaining the CMS, supporting the web publishing workflow, and improving how our communication teams manage digital content, media assets, and collaborative tools.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you should bring:
- At least 3 years of professional experience in web development, covering both frontend and backend;
- Hands-on experience with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), preferably version 6.5 cloud-based;
- Strong backend development skills, especially in Java, HTL, Sling Models, and OSGi;
- Solid frontend proficiency in HTML5, CSS3/4, JavaScript (ES5/ES6), and Webpack;
- Experience with Git, Maven, and modular design using AEM ClientLibs;
- Additional experience with Django/Python CMSs and large-scale content migration is desirable;
- A proactive, problem-solving mindset and strong communication skills;
- Experience coordinating with external development providers;
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team and across the organisation;
- A desire to contribute to science communication and support ESO's public mission.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the technical core of ESO's digital platforms - and to play a key part in how we share the wonder of astronomy and the engineering behind our telescopes with the world.
Qualifications:
A university degree in computer science, software engineering, web development, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience with a strong track record in CMS development and full-stack web engineering will also be considered.
Language Skills:
An excellent command of English is essential. A working knowledge of German and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
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 and career structure:
ESO's salary structure is based upon a range of career paths which reflect the nature and level of our roles. Each career path is made up of two or three grades which are used to further reflect experience and performance. The role of Web Developer is in Career Path V. Please follow this 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.
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.
Duty Station:
Garching near Munich, Germany.
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. Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Deadline for applications is 4 October 2025.
ESO Values
An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.
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.