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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. 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.
ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation and is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. For further information about working at ESO, see the podcast 'Engineers at ESO' at: https://www.eso.org/public/videos/esocast186a/
At ESO, we believe that worldclass science should not only be done, but also experienced, understood and shared. To strengthen our communication and outreach activities in Chile, particularly in the Antofagasta region, we are seeking a motivated and dynamic coordinator for our visit and outreach program.
The successful candidate will join ESO's Department of Communication and will be based primarily at Paranal Observatory, with regular interaction with teams in Santiago and Europe. As Visits and Outreach Coordinator you will coordinate visits and outreach activities at the Paranal Observatory and Armazones sites. In this role, you will be at the intersection of science, operations and public engagement - ensuring that every visit reflects the excellence of ESO's facilities, the ambition of its mission and the human story behind modern astronomy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate public and school visits to Paranal Observatory and oversee weekend tours when on site.
- Organise, train and coordinate tour guides, volunteers and contractors involved in the delivery of ESO' visitor programmes.
- Supervise the day to day operation of the Paranal Observatory Visitor Centre, ensuring a high quality visitor experience and the correct functioning of the facilities; identify needs for improvements and coordinate with relevant technical and operational teams.
- Coordinate and host internal, media and strategic visits to the Paranal and Armazones sites, representing different ESO departments.
- Present ESO and act as a spokesperson on site, clearly explaining ESO's mission, facilities and scientific activities to external visitors and delegations.
- Attend and support outreach, educational and strategic events in the Antofagasta region and occasionally at Coquimbo region.
- Support the organisation of special events at Paranal Observatory, such as ground breaking ceremonies, inaugurations of new facilities or similar high profile occasions.
- Act as a liaison between the Department of Communication, the ESO Representative in Chile and Paranal Observatory, ensuring timely flow of information for internal and external communication purposes.
- Occasionally produce photo and video content at Paranal and Armazones for ESO communication channels, including documentation of ELT construction milestones, official events, high level visits and short video statements for social media.
Reports to:
Head of Communication Chile, based in Santiago.
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience
- Proven experience guiding visitors in a scientific institution, museum, observatory or comparable environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; a people oriented professional who enjoys networking and interacting with diverse audiences.
- Outstanding communication and public speaking abilities; experience in science communication, outreach or education is an asset.
- Strong personal interest in astronomy and engineering; experience working at an observatory and/or in remote locations is highly desirable.
- Very good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple activities and stakeholders in parallel.
- Flexibility and the capacity to adapt to changing priorities, schedules and operational conditions in a remote observatory environment.
- Availability to work on site at Paranal Observatory, including regular weekends and public holidays.
- Valid driver's license and proven confidence driving in remote areas are required.
Desirable Competences and Experience
- Academic background in astronomy, physics or a closely related field, or demonstrably strong knowledge of these areas.
- Hands on experience coordinating the logistical and operational aspects of events such as press visits, ceremonies or political and institutional delegations, in collaboration with internal and external partners.
- An existing science outreach network in the Antofagasta region.
- Experience working with journalists and acting as a spokesperson, providing clear and accurate statements on scientific and organisational topics.
- Experience with, or strong interest in, photography and/or video production for digital and social media platforms.
Qualifications:
Higher-level education in communication, journalism, pedagogy, tourism or similar, ideally with relevant experience in physical sciences or astronomy, or a background in astronomy, physics or related sciences and work experience in communication.
Language skills:
ESO is an international organization where the official language is English. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and educational benefits, as well as financial help in relocating the candidate's family, where applicable. ESO aims to support its 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.
The initial contract is for a two-year term subject to medical clearance and successful completion of the probation period with a possibility of indefinite extension following the two years. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.
For further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-sp-updated.pdf
Duty Station:
Paranal Observatory located 120 km south of the city of Antofagasta, Chile. The working schedule will be 8 days on duty and 6 days off duty (8x6) with accommodation provided on site, after a probation period with the appropriate shift scheme. In the case of contract renewal, when integrated operations of VLT and ELT are starting, the duty station might change to Santiago with frequent travels to the Observatory (hybrid shifts).
Career Path: III / IV
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 https://recruitment.eso.org/. Your application should be in English and include your curriculum vitae (CV) and a letter of motivation. All interviews will be conducted in English.
Deadline for applications is 09 March 2026.
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
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.
Nationality
No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO. However, non-Chilean applicants must hold a valid Chilean permanent residence at the time of application. ESO is committed to equal opportunities. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion.