Overview
European Southern Observatory (ESO) is recruiting a CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist to provide scientific leadership for ESO's participation in the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO). Location: Garching, Bavaria, Germany. Salary €8,000–€12,000 per month. The role involves full‑time scientific leadership, multi‑wavelength coordination and strategic planning for ESO facilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide scientific leadership of the CTAO Programme at ESO.
- Develop and maintain a strategic vision for multi‑wavelength/multi‑messenger use of ESO facilities.
- Coordinate scientific ESO CTAO activities with CTAO, including the CTAO Project Scientist.
- Collaborate with VLT, VLTI, ALMA and ELT Programme Scientists to identify and strengthen synergies.
- Advise ESO Directors of Science, Programmes and Operations on strategic scientific goals.
- Represent ESO in the governance of CTAO and advise on updating observing modes.
- Consult with the scientific community, advisory committees and ESO advisory committees to develop a scientific vision for CTAO.
- Report to ESO and its governing and advisory bodies on CTAO developments, challenges and scientific productivity.
- Support public engagement and outreach in collaboration with the Communication Department.
Reports To
Director for Science.
Key Competences and Experience
- At least five years of post‑PhD experience in physics, astronomy or closely related disciplines.
- Proven ability to develop long‑term scientific vision and translate requirements into coherent plans.
- Experience working with astronomical facilities in a multi‑wavelength/multi‑messenger environment and knowledge of VHE gamma‑ray astrophysics.
- Strategic thinking, openness to new ideas and emerging priorities, and ability to communicate a compelling vision.
- Experience collaborating with the wider astronomical community to develop shared visions and strategies.
- Leadership skills for geographically dispersed, multicultural, interdisciplinary teams.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Proactive approach to improvement and positive change.
- Record of research achievements with international recognition in optical, near‑infrared or multi‑wavelength astrophysics.
Desirable Competences and Experience
- Experience in developing astronomical facilities in a multi‑wavelength and multi‑messenger environment.
- Collaboration with member‑state institutes on major projects.
- Participation in international science advisory committees or roadmap processes.
- Experience representing an organisation in international scientific governance and advisory fora.
- Monitoring and assessing scientific productivity and impact.
- Strategic planning or management of observing time, large programmes or survey portfolios.
- Understanding of operational frameworks of major observatories.
- Sound judgement in identifying strategic challenges and mitigating risks.
Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Astronomy or a closely related discipline.
Language Requirements
Fluent knowledge of English.
Remuneration and Contract
The position offers a competitive salary (tax‑free for ESO member state nationals), pension scheme, medical and family benefits, relocation assistance, and flexible working arrangements. Contract duration is three years, with possible extensions.
Duty Station
Garching near Munich, Germany. Regular duty trips to CTAO headquarters (Bologna, Italy), CTAO Science Data Management Centre (Zeuthen, Germany) and sites (Paranal, Chile, La Palma, Spain).
Career Path
Career path VI (two grades).
