How to use this site
We want to make the application process as convenient for you as possible. You will find it useful to read these guidelines and print them out before you start your application.
- The application and supporting information must be in English.
- Once you start completing your application online, it is possible to save the data and come back to it later.
- Please fill in the application form as fully as possible, ensuring that all mandatory fields (*) have been completed.
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RUT Number — If you are a Chilean National or work in Chile you will have a RUT number, and this must be inserted in the relevant field on Page 1 of the application process.
- Second family name — If you are Chilean or other nationality who have a second family name, you must enter this information in the relevant field on Page 1 of the application process.
We wish you the best of luck with your application.
Thank you for your interest in the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO).
Where is ESO located?
ESO's Headquarters are situated in Garching bei München, a town, host to many important research institutes and university departments focused on science and technology. It is located in the periphery of Munich, capital of Bavaria and second biggest German city, rich culturally and easily accessed. Also, right by the Austrian and Italian border, it is an easy reach to the abundant nature of the Alps — ideal for hiking and skiing fans!
In Chile, the host country of ESO’s observing sites, ESO offices are also located in Chilean capital Santiago, which concentrates the largest part of the Chilean population. Santiago is a very attractive city and is very well situated: in less than 2 hours you can be skiing or trekking in the beautiful Andes Mountains or taking a walk on the beach waiting for the sunset at the Pacific Ocean!
All ESO observatories are located in the Atacama Desert in the northern region of Chile. In particular, ESO's Paranal Observatory is 12 km far from the Pacific coast, a very special place to not only observe the stars but also to enjoy of beautiful sunsets looking at the oceanside in the middle of the driest desert in the world. ESO's La Silla Observatory, is specifically located in the Coquimbo Region, known for being the birthplace of beloved poets and writers, such as Gabriela Mistral, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Other Helpful Information
Human Resources
Human Resources is responsible for the administration of all personnel matters concerning ESO International and Local Staff Members, Fellows, Students, Associates, and temporary manpower. Main tasks are the administration of salaries, health insurance and pension fund matters, recruitment, job classification, co-ordination of performance and advancement reviews, assistance to newcomers, planning and co-ordination of training activities as well as the participation in the work of the committees and working groups.
Human Resources Garching work closely with Human Resources Santiago where all matters for Staff in Chile are handled.
For questions related to personnel matters and employment conditions at ESO please
contact Human Resources. We will be happy to provide support and advice.
Grants
IMPRS Studentship Programme
ESO is one of the partners in the IMPRS (International Max-Planck Research School) on Astrophysics and offers in Garching two full (3 years) PhD positions every year. The yearly deadline for applications is on 1 November.