Programa posdoctoral de ESO en Chile 2026/2027

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has opened the call for its postdoctoral programme in Chile for 2026/2027 (ESO Fellowship Programme Chile 2026/2027), aimed at research personnel in the early stages of their scientific career.

The program allows to develop an independent research project in an international scientific environment and to participate directly in the activities of the observatories of Paranal or ALMA.

The contracts have a duration of four years. During the first three, the selected people will combine their research activity with functions to support the scientific operations of Paranal or ALMA, equivalent to 50% of their working time. The fourth year may be held at an astronomy or astrophysics institution in an ESO Member State, in Australia, at a Chilean institution or at an ESO site and, in general, shall not include functional obligations.

Those who have obtained a doctorate in astronomy, physics or a related discipline, or are in a position to obtain it before November 1, 2027, may submit their candidacy. The call is open to research personnel from any field of observational, theoretical or computational astrophysics.

ESO offers competitive remuneration, social benefits and financial support for family relocation, as well as funding for congresses and workshops and scientific stays in other institutions.

Applications must be submitted using the form available on the ESO employment portal.

The application must include, using the official ESO templates, a letter of motivation, a research plan and a relationship of academic and research trajectory. The contact details of three reference persons must also be provided and the sending of invitations to submit their letters of recommendation by 15 October 2026 must be activated through the form. It is recommended to do so well in advance.

The deadline is 15 October 2026.