ESO awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year in Garching (Germany) and Santiago (Chile).
The fellowship programme aims to provide a unique training opportunity for the next generation of astronomers, giving young scientists the chance to work alongside senior staff at world-class observatories.
You can apply in October each year. Garching fellowships last for three years and Santiago positions last for four years. You will receive a basic salary funded by ESO.
ESO encourages applications from young scientists who are ready for the next stage in their scientific career, such as a postdoctoral position or a more permanent role at a university, research institute or observatory.
ESO fellows carry out independent astronomical research to understand how planets, stars and galaxies in the universe form and evolve.
We’re looking for outstanding young scientists looking for a chance to further their career in astronomy.
There is one recruitment cycle each calendar year for both Garching and Santiago.
Announcements about the fellowships programme will be published in various media including the ESO Messenger journal in June and July each year.
Find more instructions and guidelines for completing your ESO fellowship application form.
Find out more about the assessment process on the ESO website.
Offers will be made by late December 2020 / early January 2021 and you should confirm your acceptance no later than 15 February 2021.
Successful applicants are expected to take up their fellowship roles during the year following the application deadline, usually in the period from September to December of that year.
For information about the studentship programmes:
ESO also offers two studentship positions per year at ESO Santiago for students enrolled in Chilean universities.
