User Support Astronomer

The User Support Astronomers Group (USG) within the User Support Department is the main interface between the La Silla Paranal Observatory and the Service Mode users of its facilities. The department is part of the Data Management and Operations Division which provides high-reliability support to the operation of the ESO facilities and to their community of users in the framework of an integrated end-to-end system and maintains the archive facility and its data holdings as a powerful resource for both scientific and operational use. The core responsibility of the USG is to provide expert and user-oriented support for Phase 1 proposals and Phase 2 observations preparation including the observations follow-up ensuring the high quality and efficient Service Mode operations. The members of the USG define the requirements for observation preparation tools and feedback on operational requirements for new instruments.

The User Support Department is looking for an astronomer with a strong and active research profile. The post holder should have a strong interest in maximizing ESO's science output through conducting expert user support and contributing to the development of efficient processes, tools, and high-quality documentation for the user community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the support of Service Mode users of the La Silla Paranal Observatory facilities and of VLT and/or VLTI operations.

The main tasks include:

• Provision of scientific and technical assistance to the users of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and/or the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) in the areas of Phase 1 tasks (observing proposal preparation) and Phase 2 tasks (observation blocks and observing strategy review and approval) as well as providing helpdesk support including post-observation support for data reduction;
• Support the Paranal Observatory during programme execution and follow-up;
• Play an active role in the operation teams of the supported instruments, contributing to their efficient operation;
• in the medium term, become involved in preparations for ELT operations and support of its users.

As an astronomer and member of the ESO Science Faculty, you will be expected and encouraged to conduct astronomical research and participate actively in the scientific life of ESO. Research in areas directed towards using the capacities of the VLT/VLTI and ALMA and future capabilities of the ELT as well as areas that are currently under-represented among the ESO faculty are encouraged. For an overview of the science expertise at ESO see here.

Reports to:

Head of the User Support Astronomers Group

Key Competences and Experience:

Essential Competences and Experience

• At least three years of active astronomical research at least at postdoctoral level with a solid publication record;
• Broad observational experience with a variety of telescopes and instruments in optical and/or near-IR wavelength regime;
• Knowledge and practical experience in data reduction software and techniques;
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills;
• Open and friendly attitude to interact with a variety of users;
• Excellent cross-disciplinary communication skills both oral and written;
• Pro-active approach to contribute ideas for improvement and future developments;
• Effective and committed team member able to build effective links across different teams.

Desirable Competences and Experience

• Preparing observing proposals and designing observing strategies for VLT or VLTI instruments;
• Working knowledge of Python and familiarity with SQL;
• Ability to work efficiently in a multi-cultural environment both independently and within a team.

Qualifications:

Essential educational level: Ph.D in Astronomy, Physics or equivalent

Language skills:

The position requires an excellent working knowledge of English.

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 and the ESO Astronomers' Charter.

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.

Duty Station:

Garching near Munich, Germany. The post holder will be requested to make occasional duty trips to the La Silla Paranal Observatory in northern Chile.

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, CV containing a publication list and a research statement. Also required are the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a reference letter. Referees will be automatically invited to submit their 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 1 August 2025.

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.

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.