ESO Studentship Programme Chile 2026/2027

European Southern Observatory; Santiago; On-site; CLP 21,696,000 - 29,586,000; Full time

Job summary

European Southern Observatory (ESO) offers a Studentship Programme for PhD students to conduct research at one of the world’s leading observatories for a period of at least 6 months and up to two years. The position is hosted in Santiago, Chile, with travel to the La Silla Paranal observatory for Observatory projects.

Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD in astronomy or related fields, with supervision from their home university and an ESO staff astronomer, or a team including an ESO astronomer

Qualifications

• Open to students enrolled in a PhD programme in astronomy or related fields.
• Supervision by home university supervisor and ESO staff astronomer or a team including an ESO staff astronomer.
• Willingness to undertake Observatory projects and travel to the La Silla Paranal observatory.
• Positions hosted at ESO's offices in Santiago (Vitacura), Chile, for students enrolled in Chilean universities.

Responsibilities

• Work on their Studentship project under formal supervision from their home university and ESO staff.
• Collaborate with ESO staff and fellows on observatory operations and related projects.

Education

PhD student in astronomy

Job description

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) offers an exceptional opportunity for PhD students to conduct research in a dynamic and scientifically rich environment. Our Studentship Programme allows students to work at one of the world's leading observatories for a period of a minimum of 6 months and up to two years.

As the premier intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe, ESO boasts a vibrant community of approximately 110 staff astronomers, 40 fellows, and 40 PhD students. Our researchers are at the forefront of discoveries across a wide range of fields, from exoplanets to cosmology, making ESO one of the most collaborative and stimulating scientific environments globally.

Eligibility and Supervision:

• The ESO Studentship positions are open to students enrolled in a PhD programme in astronomy or related scientific fields, including observational, theoretical, and fundamental astrophysics.
• Students will work on their Studentship project under the formal supervision of their home university supervisor, while being co-supervised by an ESO staff astronomer, or by a team comprising an ESO staff astronomer and a fellow.
• Students are expected to undertake 'Observatory projects' where they will travel to the La Silla Paranal observatory and work under the supervision of a staff or astronomer on a small project to improve observatory operations
• Positions for the ESO Studentships in Vitacura (Santiago, Chile) are hosted at ESO's offices in Santiago (Chile), where positions are also provided for students enrolled in Chilean universities.

Application Process:

• Applicants should coordinate their research project with their prospective ESO supervisor and their home institute supervisor. Applications can be made for a minimum of 6 months and up to two years.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their prospective ESO supervisor well before the application deadlines (the next deadline is 20 October 2026). A list of potential ESO supervisors and their research interests can be found at the end of the announcement.
• Thesis writing is expected to take place at the home institute after the Studentship, although exceptions may be granted if well justified.

Benefits of the Programme:

• ESO students benefit from a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
• Students are involved in the latest scientific developments and have opportunities to network with top researchers.
• ESO students can also engage in co-organising regular science events such as Journal Clubs, topical coffees, and seminars. Additionally, they may participate in conferences hosted at ESO and mentor master's students in collaboration with ESO fellows or staff astronomers.
• University PhD supervisors of the candidates are encouraged to apply for the ESO Visitor Program https://www.eso.org/sci/activities/garching/personnelvisitors.html to support their scientific visit during the Studentship period.

Opportunities for Learning and Outreach:

• ESO Chile students have the opportunity to visit the observatories and to get involved in small technical projects that equip them with hands‑on skills and give them insights into the observatory operations and instrumentation.
• ESO students also have the possibility to participate in various outreach activities.

Application Deadlines:

• The call for Studentship is open twice per year, generally with deadline in April and October. The upcoming deadline for applications is 20 October 2026 (including reference letters).
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Candidates will be notified of the selection results within two months following the deadline. Studentships from the April round typically begin between August of the same year and March of the following year, while those from the October round begin between March and August of the following year.

For more information:

• Details about the Studentship programme can be found here: https://www.eso.org/sci/activities/fellowships-and-studentships/FeSt-overview/ESOstudentship.html
• A list of current ESO staff and fellows, and their research interests, can be found here: https://www.eso.org/sci/activities.html
• Information on PhD projects offered by ESO staff is available here: https://www.eso.org/sci/activities/thesis-topics.html
• Employment conditions and benefits details are available here: https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/students/
• For general questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ https://www.eso.org/sci/activities/fellowships-and-studentships/FeSt-overview/ESOstudentship/StudentshipFaq.html or contact cpaladinATeso.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 & 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.