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 previous ESO fellows have to say about the fellowship programme or watch the virtual tour to ESO's premises from 2020 or 2021 where young scientists could ask questions about the fellowship programme.
ESO Fellowship Programme 2026 / 2027
Published: 21 Aug 2026
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 all areas of research and can easily collaborate with the Chilean astronomical community or with astronomers at other international observatories in the country. ESO Fellows in Chile contribute to ALMA or VLT/VLTI duties up to 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 ESO Application Form. Separate application forms must be completed for Garching and Santiago fellowships. The closing date for the 2026 fellowships is 15 October 2026.