Astronomer / VLTI Project Scientist

European Southern Observatory; Garching bei München; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An international astronomical organization in Garching near Munich seeks a VLTI Project Scientist to collaborate on the Very Large Telescope Interferometer. This role involves leading key project stages, contributing to long-term performances, and promoting VLTI to the scientific community. Candidates should have 5+ years in optical/IR interferometry and an active research background. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant international research environment.

Qualifikationen

• 5+ years of experience in optical/IR interferometry or related fields.
• Active research programme in related domains.
• Proficiency in data reduction and analysis techniques.

Aufgaben

• Collaborate with VLTI Programme Scientist and on-site teams.
• Lead stages of the GRAVITY+ project for optimal performance.
• Promote VLTI to users and the scientific community.
• Develop commissioning plans for projects under responsibility.

Kenntnisse

Observational experience

Research programme in optical/IR interferometry

Data reduction and analysis methods

Communication skills

Teamwork in multicultural environments

Jobbeschreibung

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 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. 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.

Due to the need for additional resources associated with the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI), for its Project Scientist Department, within the Directorate for Science at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of

The Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) is an ESO flagship infrastructure and facility combining the light from the four 8.2-meter Unit Telescopes and the four associated movable Auxiliary Telescopes. Its development recently included the GRAVITY and MATISSE instruments, and the planned final commissioning phases of GRAVITY+ will mark a milestone for its scientific performance and capabilities. ESO is inviting applications from motivated and visionary scientists for the position of VLTI Project Scientist. We are especially keen to welcome applicants who bring a collaborative spirit and a passion for advancing science and technology at the highest level with expertise in instrumentation for optical/infrared interferometry or related fields. The ESO VLTI Project Scientist will support instrumentation developments in the Instrumentation Programme (in particular GRAVITY+), as well as activities within ESO's Technology and Developments programme.

This Project Scientist will interface with groups at external institutes or consortia working on developments or upgrades. This position provides a unique opportunity to play a key role in advancing a world-class astronomical facility while working at the heart of a vibrant, cross-disciplinary team. You will join ESO's supportive and globally connected research environment, where collaboration and innovation are deeply valued.

You will have the freedom to drive forward your own scientific research, benefit from robust professional development opportunities, and contribute to cutting-edge developments in optical/infrared astronomy. ESO fosters a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, fairness, and scientific excellence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the VLTI Programme Scientist, interface with the on-site team (Paranal) as well as the technical and operation teams;
• Lead and support the latest stages of the GRAVITY+ project, ensuring optimal on-sky performance and smooth transition into operations;
• Contribute to the long-term on-sky performance of VLTI and its instrumentation (including software, configuration) in collaboration with the on-site responsible;
• Promote the VLTI and its instrumentation to users and the broader scientific communities (e.g., presenting at conferences, organising workshops);
• Follow up the establishment and support of suitable data reduction methods where appropriate;
• Develop the commissioning and calibration plans for projects under their responsibilities and ensure their execution where applicable;
• Evaluate the scientific use of upgrades and help shape future development paths where applicable;
• Develop their own scientific research in optical/IR interferometry, ideally with the projects that they have been working on.

This is a varied and evolving role. The tasks are not limited to the above and we are seeking applicants who are adaptable and enthusiastic, with a willingness to grow with the project and within ESO. As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the VTLI Project Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct a strong personal research programme and to participate actively in the scientific life of ESO.

Reports to:

Head of the Project Science Department.

Key Competences and Experience:

Essential Competences and Experience

• Proven track record (5+ years) in observational experience in optical/IR interferometry or closely related adjacent fields;
• Active research programme, demonstrating the planning, execution, analysis and publication of observations/instrumentation in optical/IR interferometry or adjacent fields;
• Ability to contribute to calibration and commissioning of hardware and/or software components of an optical/IR interferometer;
• Strong understanding of the scientific and technical requirements for optical/IR interferometry and how to translate them into operational strategies;
• Proficiency in relevant data reduction and analysis methods and tools;
• Ability to work effectively in a team, with a positive approach toward building links across teams in an international multi-cultural environment;
• Ability to influence and motivate others while building strong cross-disciplinary connections;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, providing clear, concise and tim>
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