The CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist will provide scientific leadership for ESO's participation in CTAO. In return for the effort to operate CTAO-S, ESO will have 10% of the open time on the northern and southern arrays. They will also be responsible for optimising the multi-wavelength/multi-messenger use across ESO's facilities and with other leading facilities. The Programme Scientist is responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic vision for multi-wavelength synergistic use of ESO facilities, including advising on and developing strategic partnerships with other astrophysical facilities both ground based, and in space. In particular, the Programme Scientist is responsible for maintaining a strategic scientific vision for CTAO and contributing to ESO's overall policy and long-term planning. They maintain professional contacts at the highest level outside the Organisation and, as postholder, will be assigned to the role for the full duration of the CTAO Programme. In addition, the Programme Scientist serves as the primary interface between CTAO and the broader ESO user community.
The Programme Scientist works closely with colleagues across the Directorate for Science (DSC) to ensure synergies with ESO's existing facilities and the optimal scientific use of ESO's share of observing time on CTAO in support of the Programme's goals. They will closely monitor the evolving scientific priorities of the community within the rapidly advancing landscape of astronomical facilities projected for the 2030s and beyond and foster broad community engagement in planning for the best multi-wavelength/messenger use of ESO's facilities, identify emerging scientific areas, and promote synergetic use of ESO's facilities through working groups, community days, and workshops, in close coordination with the Offices for Science. They also monitor and assess the scientific effectiveness of multi-wavelength use of ESO's facilities, developing strategies to maximise its impact and establishing best practices for both scientific capabilities and operations.
Strong coordination with CTAO is essential. In collaboration with the Communications Department, the Programme Scientist identifies and promotes key science drivers and results. They also work closely with the Observing Programmes Office, particularly for initiatives such as multi-telescope time allocation processes, and the promotion of large surveys and synergies with other ESO facilities, including ALMA.
Together with the Director for Science and other Programme Scientists, they contribute to shaping the Organisation's scientific strategy and play an active role in decisions affecting the capabilities of current and future facilities. The CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist reports regularly to the ESO Advisory and Governing Bodies, principally on CTAO.
The above main duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and will evolve. As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct an active astronomical research programme on a 50/50 basis.
Director for Science
Essential Competences and Experience
Desirable Competences and Experience
PhD in Physics/Astronomy or closely related discipline.
The position requires a fluent knowledge of English.
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states), 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/intstaff/). 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.
The duty station of the post will be Garching near Munich, Germany, and relocation to this duty station area is required. The post also requires regular duty trips to CTAO headquarters (Bologna, Italy), CTAO Science Data Management Centre (Zeuthen, Germany) and sites (Paranal, Chile, and La Palma, Spain). Staff at ESO benefit from a mobile working policy that allows for limited hybrid working for work-life balance purposes.
VI which comprises two grades.
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 containing a publication list, and a research plan of two pages. 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 22 July 2026.
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
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.
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.
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.