ESO Summer Research Programme – Project D

Applications for the ESO Summer Research Programme will be considered from students taking any astronomy, physical science, computer science or mathematical degree subjects. However, it is expected that students have some knowledge of physics, programming, data analysis techniques and, preferably, astronomy.

Students will be selected for the programme based on their academic achievements, research potential and likelihood to significantly benefit from the experience. Particular attention will be given to the motivation of the students to join the programme and specific motivation for Project D:

Project D: A turbulent youth: Investigating the conditions of planetary birthplaces

Supervisors: Jochen Stadler, Anna Miotello

During their formation, baby stars are surrounded by a circumstellar disk composed of molecular gas and dust. From the material within these protoplanetary disks, planets eventually form. Observations made with the ALMA Observatory reveal that the millimeter dust emission of these disks exhibits a variety of substructures, most commonly observed are gaps and rings. These structures are believed to arise from variations in the gas pressure within the disk. Dust rings are prime places for the formation of planetary cores.

In this project, we will analyze the unprecedented data from the exoALMA Large Program to investigate the width of the rings seen in dust emission in relation to the widths of the underlying gas pressure, as traced via the CO molecular line emission. By comparing these measurements, we aim to assess the level of turbulent motion within these rings. This analysis will offer insights into the physical mechanisms that form these dust rings and their potential to form protoplanets.

During the summer research program, the student will gain valuable insights into the field of planet formation and will learn how to analyze high-angular-resolution ALMA data.

Reports to:

Head of the Office for Science Garching

Language skills:

Students must be proficient in both spoken and written English.

Contract:

The duration of the ESO Summer Research Programme is six weeks: 15 June - 24 July 2026.

Participation in the programme will only be possible on-site at ESO in Garching, near Munich.

Travel costs to/from Garching will be offered to students of the programme. Accommodation will also be provided in a shared apartment in Garching (utilities included). Students will also be provided with a modest stipend to cover living costs for the duration of the programme.

Visa Requirements:

Students that require a visa to travel/work in Germany are responsible for fulfilling the necessary requirements for obtaining a visa in good time. Successful applicants are encouraged to start the procedure as soon as they receive the offer of acceptance into the programme (approx. three months before the start of the programme). The ESO Human Resources department will also be able to provide any specifically required documents required for the visa request to the consulate/embassy.

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 https://eso.org/sci/meetings/2026/SummerResearch2026.html for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include the following material:

• a Motivation Letter containing both motivation for the ESO Summer Research Programme and specifically for this project (max one page). Please state if you also have an interest in one of the other six projects offered within the scope of the ESO Summer Research Programme. A separate application is not required.
• a CV containing details of your highest qualification level / degree to date (for example, BSc or MSc). If you are currently enrolled in a programme which you have not yet finished, please state the university/institute and the start and expected finish dates. Please outline the programming languages you can use (and your level of proficiency), any experience using astronomical software, and any other relevant technical skills. Please also list any workshops, research schools, or conferences that you have attended with the corresponding dates and website if available.
• a Research Plan describing a research project that you have carried out in the past and the skills that you acquired (max. half page). Please include the university/institute where the research was undertaken and the start and end dates of the project. This could be a project as part of your degree programme or another research experience. Please note that if you have no previous experience, this will not negatively affect your application.
• the name and contact details of a Referee who is familiar with your academic or research achievements and can write a recommendation letter on your behalf. Once you enter their details in the online application form, they will automatically receive an invitation to submit the letter. To ensure your referee has enough time to draft and upload their letter before the application deadline, you are strongly encouraged to initiate the invitation well in advance. You have the possibility to partially complete your application, initiate the invitation to your Referee, and finalise preparing your other material at a later point in time before the deadline.

By submitting an application, you verify that:

• you have read the eligibility requirements to apply for this programme and comply with them: https://www.eso.org/sci/meetings/2026/SummerResearch2026/eligibilitydates1.html;
• you have read Code of Conduct for ESO Workshops & Conferences: https://www.eso.org/sci/meetings/2026/SummerResearch2026/code.html;
• the information provided in your application is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Deadline for applications is 31 January 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held in late March 2026, online via MS Teams.

For any enquiries related to the programme contact us via: summerresearch@eso.org

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 and 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 and open communication.

Applicants to any ESO position or programme 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.