ESO Fellowship Programme

Published: 24 Aug 2019
ESO Fellowship Scheme

ESO’s prestigious postdoctoral fellowship programme in both Garching (Germany) and Santiago (Chile) offers outstanding early-career scientists the opportunity to further develop their independent research programmes. From exoplanets to cosmology, observational, theoretical and fundamental astrophysics, these are all areas where ESO Fellows can benefit from a highly dynamic scientific environment, at some of the most advanced ground-based telescopes in the world. Do watch ESOCast 165 to hear what current ESO fellows have to say about the fellowship programme.

Located in one of the most active research centres in Europe, the three-year long Garching fellowship offers plenty of opportunities to start new collaborations. Fellows are expected to engage in functional work for up to 25% of their time, equipping them with essential professional skills in diverse areas.

Fellows in Chile, on the other hand, interact with visiting astronomers from a broad area of research, can collaborate with the Chilean astronomical community or with astronomers at other international observatories in the country. ESO Fellows in Chile contribute at a level of 80 nights per year during the first three years, while the fourth year is dedicated exclusively to scientific research. 

Candidates are asked to apply online through the ESO Recruitment Portal. The application must be done using the new ESO Application Form. Separate application forms must be completed for Garching and Santiago fellowships. The closing date for the 2020 fellowships is 15 October 2019.