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| Astronomer / VLTI Project Scientist | Closing date: 2026-01-16
Contact: Evelina Dietmann |
| 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. | | ▸ more | 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 timely communications that identify key issues, examine options and propose a way ahead.
Desirable Competences and Experience
-Knowledge or experience with instrumentation and observations in adjacent domains (spectroscopy, AO, other wavelengths).
Qualifications:
PhD in astronomy, physics or equivalent.
Language skills:
Excellent command of the English language, oral and written (ESO's working language).
For more information on the position and to apply please see https://recruitment.eso.org/jobs/2025_0083
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