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| Astronomer / Project Scientist | Closing date: 2025-07-11
Contact: Evelina Dietmann |
| Due to the need for additional resources associated with the ALMA programme, for its Project Scientist Department, within the Directorate for Science at its Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany, ESO is advertising the position of Astronomer / Project Scientist. | | ▸ more | ESO is operating and upgrading the Atacama Large Millimeter /submillimeter Array (ALMA) together with the ALMA partners in East Asia and North America as well as the Joint ALMA Observatory located in Chile.
ALMA is currently undergoing a major upgrade, the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU). Its main objective is to upgrade the full signal chain and increase the instantaneous spectral bandwidth by as much as a factor of four, while retaining full spectral resolution over the entire bandwidth. In this context, receiver upgrades, enhancements to the digital electronics, enhanced software for data reduction or novel calibration methods are planned.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and outstanding scientist with expertise in instrumentation for submillimetre astronomy or related fields. The ESO ALMA Project Scientist will support the development of the various upgrade development studies and projects of the ALMA Observatory which are an integral part of its long-term life. The successful applicant will be primarily responsible for the definition of the scientific capabilities of several ALMA upgrade projects and follow-up of the development and construction phases of such projects: a) supporting and nurturing their science goals, b) ensuring that the top-level requirements are fulfilled and c) that the operational scenarios are commensurate with the scientific needs and the constraints of the ALMA Observatory. The ESO ALMA Project Scientist is also expected to be involved in projects following the implementation of development studies.
This Project Scientist will interface with groups at external institutes or consortia performing the upgrades along with the ALMA Development Team in the ESO ALMA Support Centre (Directorate of Operations) and will be part of the ESO Project Scientists Team (Directorate for Science).
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
-Interface with the ALMA Programme Scientist and other instrument scientists at ALMA and ESO to develop priorities for the ALMA development plan at ESO, in potential synergy with other ESO facilities;
-Issue and own the scientific specifications of the ALMA upgrade projects for which they are responsible, in agreement with ALMA partners;
-Report and promote the benefits of the upgrade to the ALMA-user and broader scientific communities (e.g., talks at conferences, organise workshops);
-Work together with the ALMA Development Team at ESO to ensure that the technical requirements meet the scientific requirements of the upgrade;
-Follow up the establishment of suitable data reduction methods where appropriate;
-Develop the commissioning and calibration plans for projects under their responsibilities and ensure their execution where applicable;
-Follow up the scientific use of the upgrade (if applicable) and possibly propose future upgrade paths;
-Develop their own scientific research in observational (sub)mm interferometry, ideally with the upgrade project that they are working on (if applicable).
The tasks are not limited to the above and a flexible approach and willingness to adapt are required.
As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the 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 in observational experience in (sub)-mm astronomy or adjacent fields;
-Active research programme, demonstrating the planning, execution, analysis and publication of observations/instrumentation in (sub)-mm astronomy or adjacent fields;
-Understanding of the science requirements for (sub)-mm telescopes and instruments and strategies for their realization;
-Ability to contribute to calibration and commissioning of hardware and/or software components of a radio/(sub)-mm interferometer. Previous experience in this area is desirable but not required;
-Proficiency in relevant data reduction 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 provide scientific and strategic vision and leadership to geographically dispersed multi-cultural/multi-disciplinary teams;
-Ability to motivate others; strong influencing skills;
-Excellent oral and written communication skills, providing clear, concise and timely communications that identify key issues, examine options and propose a way ahead;
-Ability to effectively communicate at all levels and across disciplines and instrumentation within the organisation, with ALMA international partners, and with the community.
Desirable Competences and Experience
-Knowledge or experience with instrumentation in the optical and/or near-infrared wavelength domains;
-Broader experience following instrument development over various phases from initial design to final commissioning.
Qualifications:
PhD in astronomy, physics or equivalent.
Language skills:
Excellent command of the English language is essential.
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 11.07.25
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