The European Southern Observatory (ESO) offers an exceptional opportunity for PhD students to conduct research in a dynamic and scientifically rich environment. Our Studentship Programme allows students to work at one of the world's leading observatories for a period of one to two years.
As the premier intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe, ESO boasts a vibrant community of approximately 110 staff astronomers, 40 fellows, and 40 PhD students. Our researchers are at the forefront of discoveries across a wide range of fields, from exoplanets to cosmology, making ESO one of the most collaborative and stimulating scientific environments globally.
Eligibility and Supervision:
- The ESO Studentship positions are open to students enrolled in a PhD programme in astronomy or related scientific fields, including observational, theoretical, and fundamental astrophysics.
- Students will work on their Studentship project under the formal supervision of their home university supervisor, while being co-supervised by an ESO staff astronomer, or by a team comprising an ESO staff astronomer and a fellow.
- Studentship positions in Garching (Germany) are hosted at ESO's Headquarters.
Application Process:
- Applicants should coordinate their research project with their prospective ESO supervisor and their home institute supervisor. Applications can be made for a minimum of one year and up to two years.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their prospective ESO supervisor well before the application deadlines (the next deadline is 20 October 2026). A list of potential ESO supervisors and their research interests can be found at the end of the announcement.
- Thesis writing is expected to take place at the home institute after the Studentship, although exceptions may be granted if well justified.
Benefits of the Programme:
- ESO students benefit from a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
- Students are involved in the latest scientific developments and have opportunities to network with top researchers.
- ESO students can also engage in co-organising regular science events such as Journal Clubs, topical coffees, and seminars. Additionally, they may participate in conferences hosted at ESO and mentor master's students in collaboration with ESO fellows or staff astronomers.
- University PhD supervisors of the candidates are encouraged to apply for the ESO Visitor Program (https://jobeax.com/link/L5xTiTXcwDLbRcPW) to support their scientific visit during the Studentship period.
Opportunities for Learning and Outreach:
- Students in Garching can attend lectures through the International Max-Planck Research School on Astrophysics.
- ESO students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of outreach activities.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in enhancing your PhD experience in an international and culturally rich environment, growing your network, and strengthening your scientific profile, please apply by completing the web application form available at ESO Recruitment (https://jobeax.com/link/lPTe7vEc1aq0Yquy)
Your application should include:
- A motivational letter.
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, if any.
- Copies of your university transcript and certificates/diplomas.
- A summary of your master's thesis project (if applicable) and/or other ongoing projects (maximum half a page).
- A short description of your general PhD scientific plan, including tentative title, home institute supervisor, and start/end dates (maximum half a page).
- An outline of the proposed project for the Studentship (maximum one page), including a clear timeline with start, end date and possible milestones of the ESO Studentship. The project description must also highlight its alignment with the overall PhD plan and the benefits of being at ESO. The project should also include a clear statement about whether you need to attend university classes during the Studentship, along with a course plan if applicable (maximum and extra half page).
- Two letters of reference: one from your home institute supervisor and one from your proposed ESO supervisor. Once you have entered the names and contact details of your reference persons in the web application form, they will automatically receive an invitation to submit a recommendation letter. We strongly recommend that you initiate these invitations well in advance of the application deadline (this can be done even before you submit the final application).
- A letter from your home institute providing: i) confirmation that you are enrolled in a PhD program, ii) a confirmation of whether your current PhD scholarship will be paused during the ESO Studentship, iii) if the scholarship will continue, a statement of the monthly net salary you will receive, iv) a guarantee of financial support for the remainder of your PhD after the ESO Studentship ends (this is not required if you plan to complete your PhD at ESO, but such a proposal must be thoroughly justified).
Please ensure all documents are in English (no translation is required for certificates and diplomas).
Application Deadlines:
- The call for a Studentship is open twice per year, generally with deadline in April and October. The upcoming deadline for applications is 20 October 2026 (including reference letters).
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Candidates will be notified of the selection results within two months following the deadline. Studentships from the April round typically begin between August of the same year and March of the following year, while those from the October round begin between March and August of the following year.
For more information:
- Details about the Studentship programme can be found here: https://jobeax.com/link/eZr5p9ntAAoNylsi
- A list of current ESO staff and fellows, and their research interests, can be found here: https://jobeax.com/link/Ip50K9Ogs3vOrE81
- Information on PhD projects offered by ESO staff is available here: https://jobeax.com/link/kj0RVjZKCcGbfDWz
- Employment conditions and benefits details are available here: https://jobeax.com/link/RSHcnFhout8QLG5d
- For general questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ (https://jobeax.com/link/nE8FiBd3mqPXpEle), or contact gar-applicationsATeso.org.
ESO Values
An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.
The ESO values are:
ESO strives for excellence through innovation.
ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.
ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.
ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.
Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.
Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.
Diversity
ESO has established diversity as an important value of the Organisation, is committed to providing an equal opportunities environment and is actively seeking to promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Please visit https://jobeax.com/link/OmjpLhA60sUBVd8q for further details.
Nationality
No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO, however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of our Member States, host states and strategic partners: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Chile, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religion.