Head of the Data Management and Operations Division

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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.

Within the Directorate of Operations at our Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of

Head of the Data Management and Operations Division

The Directorate of Operations (DoO) is responsible for all science operations-related activities including the preparation and execution of observing programmes, the operation of the La Silla Paranal Observatory (LPO), the off-site operation of the ALMA Observatory in the European region through the ESO ALMA Support Centre (EASC). The DoO further provides user support, data flow management, operations technical support, and the development and maintenance of a science archive through its Data Management and Operations (DMO) Division. The Science Archive Facility (SAF) holds all data obtained with ESO's observatories as well as highly processed, advanced products derived from them, and is responsible for their preservation, curation and delivery.

We are looking for someone who can lead the Data Management and Operations (DMO) Division through the next exciting stage of its development with the integration of the ELT into our end-to-end science operations model and the continued enhancement of our science-archive services. By building on our success to date you will become the next leader of our scientific data-management infrastructure working in close collaboration with our scientific community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

As Head of the DMO Division you will be responsible for

• the functioning of ESO's end-to-end science operations model including fostering a close integration with the La Silla Paranal Observatory;
• the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of the DMO Division delivering scientific data of highest quality and quantity to the scientific community through ESO's Science Archive Facility;
• the management and safety of some 30 staff astronomers, scientists, and engineers;
• developing an annual resource plan for review and approval and ensuring its execution;
• recruiting and maintaining high quality scientific, technical, and administrative staff;
• developing short- to long-term development plans for the DMO Division;
• setting the overall goals, priorities, and strategies within DMO for all operational and development aspects in consultation with the respective Programme Scientists;
• managing the organisational change implied by the transition of DMO into the ELT era;
• reporting on the performance and development of the DMO to ESO's governing and advisory bodies.

As Head of the DMO Division you will further act as the Programme Manager for the Data-Flow System (DFS) Development Programme and will be the interface to all other programmes and organisational units at ESO. In this respect, the development of the end-to-end science operations model in response to ESO's operational needs and in particular the preparation for the future operation of the Paranal Observatory with the VLT and the ELT will be your highest priority.

As a Senior Astronomer you are a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty and will be encouraged and expected to conduct an active astronomical research programme for up to 50% of your time.

The Head of DMO has the status of a Division Head at ESO and reports to the Director of Operations.

Key Competences and Experience:

Essential Competences and Experience

• A proven record of at least 15 years of active research;
• A proven record of at least 10 years of experience in management and leadership in a scientific organization, preferably in an international setting; your management experience must encompass budget, resource and staff management;
• Thinks strategically, takes effective decisions and provides leadership including during periods of change;
• Able to set goals and has a vision of the future, is flexible and makes timely and appropriate changes to plans as required;
• Political awareness, the ability to influence, and to manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
• Seeks to understand the perspective of key decision makers and partners;
• Builds strong and effective links within and outside the organisation leveraging emotional intelligence and other soft skills as necessary;
• Demonstrates initiative, pro-activeness and effective negotiation skills;
• Works effectively in an international and multi-disciplinary/multi-cultural team environment.

Desirable Competences and Experience

• Experience in management of end-to-end scientific dataflows;
• Experience in management of software development projects;
• Observational and technical experience in optical astronomy.

Qualifications:

PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics or related fields.

The position requires an excellent command of written and spoken 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.

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/ ). 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 with regular duty trips to all ESO sites in Chile as required;

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 and CV a publication list and a full research statement.

Within your CV, please provide the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent..

Deadline for applications is 17 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.

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.