The European Southern Observatory awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year, offering outstanding early-career scientists the opportunity to develop their independent research programmes in the exciting scientific environment of one of the world's foremost observatories. Fellowships are available both at ESO’s Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, and at ESO’s astronomy centre in Santiago, Chile. Application deadline October 15th 2026.
The fellowships in Garching are awarded initially for one year followed by a two-year extension (three years total). In addition to developing their independent research programmes, ESO-Garching Fellows will be expected to engage in some functional work, at a level of 25% of their time, related to e.g. instrumentation, ALMA, E-ELT, VLT, or science operations support in Garching or Chile.
The fellowships in Chile are granted for one year initially, with annual extensions for three additional years (four years total). During the first three years, Fellows are assigned to one of the science operations groups of Paranal or ALMA, where they will contribute to the operations at a level of 80 nights per year (equivalent to 50% of their work). The fourth year may be spent at any ESO site, or at any astronomical institute in an ESO member state, strategic partner, or in Chile. There are no functional duties during the fourth year. However, in the case that the fourth year is spent at ESO Chile, Fellows can request to carry out functional work up to 25% of their time.
The ESO Fellowship Programme is open to applicants who will have obtained their PhD in astronomy, physics or a related discipline before 1 November 2027. Early-career scientists from all astrophysical fields are welcome to apply. While scientific excellence is the primary selection criterion for all fellowships, candidates should also explain (in their motivation letter) how ESO’s facilities and their work at ESO would facilitate their scientific development.
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and comprehensive social benefits. More information about the fellowship programme and ESO’s astronomical research activities can be found at this link.
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