Astronomer / VLTI Project Scientist

The Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) is an ESO flagship infrastructure and facility combining the light from the four 8.2-meter Unit Telescopes and the four associated movable Auxiliary Telescopes. Its development recently included the GRAVITY and MATISSE instruments, and the planned final commissioning phases of GRAVITY+ will mark a milestone for its scientific performance and capabilities. ESO is inviting applications from motivated and visionary scientists for the position of VLTI Project Scientist. We are especially keen to welcome applicants who bring a collaborative spirit and a passion for advancing science and technology at the highest level with expertise in instrumentation for optical/infrared interferometry or related fields. The ESO VLTI Project Scientist will support instrumentation developments in the Instrumentation Programme (in particular GRAVITY+), as well as activities within ESO's Technology and Developments programme.

This Project Scientist will interface with groups at external institutes or consortia working on developments or upgrades. This position provides a unique opportunity to play a key role in advancing a world-class astronomical facility while working at the heart of a vibrant, cross-disciplinary team. You will join ESO's supportive and globally connected research environment, where collaboration and innovation are deeply valued.

You will have the freedom to drive forward your own scientific research, benefit from robust professional development opportunities, and contribute to cutting-edge developments in optical/infrared astronomy. ESO fosters a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, fairness, and scientific excellence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the VLTI Programme Scientist, interface with the on-site team (Paranal) as well as the technical and operation teams;
• Lead and support the latest stages of the GRAVITY+ project, ensuring optimal on-sky performance and smooth transition into operations;
• Contribute to the long-term on-sky performance of VLTI and its instrumentation (including software, configuration) in collaboration with the on-site responsible;
• Promote the VLTI and its instrumentation to users and the broader scientific communities (e.g., presenting at conferences, organising workshops);
• Follow up the establishment and support of suitable data reduction methods where appropriate;
• Develop the commissioning and calibration plans for projects under their responsibilities and ensure their execution where applicable;
• Evaluate the scientific use of upgrades and help shape future development paths where applicable;
• Develop their own scientific research in optical/IR interferometry, ideally with the projects that they have been working on.

This is a varied and evolving role. The tasks are not limited to the above and we are seeking applicants who are adaptable and enthusiastic, with a willingness to grow with the project and within ESO. As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the VTLI 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 (5+ years) in observational experience in optical/IR interferometry or closely related adjacent fields;
• Active research programme, demonstrating the planning, execution, analysis and publication of observations/instrumentation in optical/IR interferometry or adjacent fields;
• Ability to contribute to calibration and commissioning of hardware and/or software components of an optical/IR interferometer;
• Strong understanding of the scientific and technical requirements for optical/IR interferometry and how to translate them into operational strategies;
• Proficiency in relevant data reduction and analysis 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 influence and motivate others while building strong cross-disciplinary connections;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, providing clear, concise and timely communications that identify key issues, examine options and propose a way ahead.

Desirable Competences and Experience

• Knowledge or experience with instrumentation and observations in adjacent domains (spectroscopy, AO, other wavelengths).

Qualifications:

PhD in astronomy, physics or equivalent.

Language skills:

Excellent command of the English language, oral and written (ESO's working language).

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. 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:

This role is based at ESO's Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany - a vibrant and diverse hub for science and innovation. Duty trips to the ESO sites in Chile and European institutes 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;
• a CV containing a publication list;
• and a research plan of two pages maximum.

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 16 January 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.

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.