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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 APEX), 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.
Within the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre, part of the Directorate for Science, at its Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of:
The ESO Supernova is an education facility, which attracts approximately 60000 visitors per year. Housed within the facility is a 14-metre-diameter planetarium and a 2200-square-metre interactive exhibition. The facility is open 5 days per week, from Wednesday to Sunday, with occasional special events happening outside of these core hours.
In the ESO Supernova you will work with a team of professional science communicators and educators, to support the exciting programme of public-facing activities designed to inspire our visitors, including presenting planetarium shows, leading guided tours and delivering hands-on activities.
Through your involvement in various projects and with our support, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the mission of ESO and the workings of an intergovernmental organisation
- Develop an understanding of the day-to-day operations of a busy science education facility
- Explore different methods for engaging varied audiences with complex scientific topics
- Expand your presentation skills with a range of audiences
Requirements:
We are looking for people who want to gain experience in face-to-face science communication activities and learn about working in a science centre or museum. You should have some previous experience in outreach, in German and English, and, in particular, communicating astronomy or other physical sciences/engineering to the general public. You should have a broad knowledge of and interest in basic astronomy (e.g. stargazing, how a telescope works, key astronomical objects).
Candidates currently studying or having recently completed a University degree in science, science communication or engineering are preferred.
Key Competences:
We are looking for people who are:
- Comfortable presenting scientific content to audiences (both on a one-to-one basis and to larger groups);
- Able to translate scientific and technical concepts for a general audience;
- Able to adapt delivery in response to visitors and wider team feedback;
- Patient, friendly and reliable;
- Able to work both on your own initiative and as part of a team;
- Able and willing to learn how to operate planetarium equipment;
- Willing and able to work in low-light conditions;
- Able to keep calm and handle minor technical problems independently incl. being able to improvise live;
- Willing and available to work weekends, holidays and occasional evenings.
Language skills:
The position requires good communications skills (oral and written) in both English and German. You should be comfortable having a conversation about astronomy in both languages.
Remuneration and Contract:
Internship opportunities are offered throughout the year. Internships take place in Garching, Germany (a remote or hybrid internship is not possible) and the duration of the internship is 6 months. We offer a monthly allowance to cover your living expenses and we provide accommodation. We also cover the cost of a return trip from/to your home station. For any further questions please contact vacancy@eso.org.
Application:
If you are interested in our internship opportunities, you are invited to apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter (1 page) and your CV (2 pages). Please include links to two short video samples (at least one in German) that demonstrate your ability to communicate science to a wider audience (e.g. social media video, YouTube video, etc). Please note that only complete applications, with all required materials in English, will be accepted.
As this is a rolling position, there is no application deadline. Please state within your application your approximate preferred start date, if you have one. Applications are reviewed every 4-6 months throughout the year.
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. However, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom and, for Chile, to students enrolled in a South American university irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.