ESO Studentship Programme open for applications, Europe or Chile, 2023/24

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world’s most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. The ESO research studentship programme provides an outstanding opportunity for PhD students to experience the exciting scientific environment at one of the world’s leading observatories.

ESO’s studentship positions are now open to students enrolled in a university PhD programme in astronomy or related fields. Students accepted into the programme work on their doctoral project under the formal supervision of their home university supervisor, but travel to ESO to work and study under the co-supervision of an ESO staff astronomer for a period of between one and two years.

Studentships may be hosted either at ESO Headquarters in Garching (Germany) or at ESO Offices in Santiago (Chile). Interested applicants are encouraged to watch the special ESOcast “Fast Track Your Career with the ESO Studentship Programmes” and the video of the Guided Virtual Tour of the ESO sites. The tour represents a chance for students interested in the Studentship programme to learn more about the programme and application process, discover the ESO sites and learn more about the life of students at ESO, both in Germany and Chile. A factsheet called “ESO Studentship Programme at a glance” is also available.

The studentship selection takes place twice per year, in May and November. More details are available at the ESO Studentship Programme webpage. For information about the application procedure and the required material, please see the ESO recruitment portal, with separate application forms for studentships in Europe and Chile.

The closing date for this application round is 30 April 2023.

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 at various sites in Chile, and its headquarters in Garching, Germany. Australia has a 10 year Strategic Partnership enabling it to access ESO telescopes at La Silla Paranal Observatory, including the world-leading 8 metre Very Large Telescope.

For more information about ESO or the Studentship Programme, please contact AAL Program Manager for ESO, Dr Stuart Ryder.