|
European Astronomical Society
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EAS Job Directory
Find Jobs
| Observing Programme Office Astronomer | Closing date: 2025-02-12
Contact: Vacancy |
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.
| | ▸ more | Main Duties and Responsibilities:
The Astronomer within OPO is responsible for supporting the preparation and selection of observing proposals, contributes to the formulation of time allocation policies, and assists in the development of a modern proposal handling system. This includes the study and implementation on AI-based algorithms to facilitate the distribution and review process. The OPO Astronomer will oversee the handling of the Phase 1 proposals and will support users during the Phase 1 proposal preparation and submission phase. They will prepare telescope time allocation statistics and monitor the performance of the Panel and Distributed Peer Review processes. Further to this, the OPO Astronomer will support the recruitment of the Observing Programmes Committee and Panel members, and will actively participate to the implementation of the upcoming Yearly Cycle and the Fast Track Channel. They will also be responsible for fostering strong key relationships and maintaining good communication with the following key stakeholders:
* Internal: Office of the Director General, VLT, VLTI and ELT Programme Scientists, User Support Department, Paranal Science Operations, Software Engineers, ESO Archive;
* External: Principal Investigators, Observing Programmes Committee, ESO Council, ESO Scientific Technical Committee, ESO Users Committee, Member-state institutes, High-level academic or governmental officials in the Member States.
As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the OPO Astronomer is expected and encouraged to conduct a strong personal research programme and to participate actively in the scientific life of ESO.
The tasks are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and willingness to adapt are required.
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience
* Strong active research programme and robust publication record;
* Gained a minimum of one postdoctoral position in a scientific research institute;
* Experience at a large, international scientific facility;
* At least three years of demonstrated user experience with the ESO workflow, telescopes and instrumentation;
* Demonstrated experience with general Optical and NIR observing techniques;
* Proficiency in working with relational databases, SQL and Python scripting;
* Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively, respectfully, and with integrity, with internal and external stakeholders;
* Ability to deliver clear and concise written and verbal communications, identifying key issues, evaluating options, and proposing actionable solutions;
* Demonstrated capacity to build strong collaborative relationships with geographically dispersed teams and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Astronomy or equivalent.
Language skills:
Language skills:
Excellent command of the English language is essential. Additional knowledge of other European languages would be an advantage.
Remuneration and Contract:
ESO offers a competitive remuneration package, including pension, medical benefits, relocation support, and family-friendly policies. Detailed employment conditions are available at https://www.eso.org/public/jobs/conditions/intstaff/
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 a CV containing a publication list and a research statement. Also required are the names and contact details of three scientists familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter. Referees will be automatically invited to submit a recommendation letter. However, applicants are strongly advised to trigger these invitations (using the web application form) well in advance of the application deadline.
Deadline for applications is 12 February 2025
Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.
|
More resources
Links to other job lists
|
