ESO Studentship Programme Europe 2026/2027

European Southern Observatory; Garching bei München; Vor Ort; EUR 15.000 - 21.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

International research environment

Conference participation

Mentoring from ESO staff

Zusammenfassung

European Southern Observatory (ESO) invites PhD students to conduct research at one of the world’s leading observatories, hosted at ESO Headquarters in Garching, Germany. The Studentship lasts one to two years with the home university supervisor academically guiding the project while an ESO staff astronomer co-supervises.

Postholders join a vibrant community and have opportunities to participate in conferences, journal clubs, and outreach, with collaboration across exoplanetary science,

Qualifikationen

• Currently enrolled in a PhD programme in astronomy or related scientific fields.
• Supervision from home university and ESO staff or fellows will be provided.

Aufgaben

• Engage in the Studentship project under ESO supervision.
• Contribute to seminars, journal clubs and outreach activities.
• Attend lectures via partner networks and help mentor master's students.

Kenntnisse

Academic research

Data analysis

Literature review

Ausbildung

PhD student in astronomy or related fields

Jobbeschreibung

Conduct your PhD research at one of the world’s leading observatories

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 one 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.
• Studentship positions in Garching (Germany) are hosted at ESO's Headquarters.

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.

Opportunities for Learning and Outreach:

• Students in Garching can attend lectures through the International Max-Planck Research School on Astrophysics.
• ESO students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of outreach activities.

Application Deadlines:

• The call for a 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.

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.

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.