Eso Studentship Programme Chile 2025/2026

**ESO Studentship Programme Chile 2025/2026**:
Santiago

Deadline 20/10/2025

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 a minimum of 6 months and up 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.
- Students are expected to undertake 'Observatory projects' where they will travel to the La Silla Paranal observatory and work under the supervision of a staff or astronomer on a small project to improve observatory operations
- Positions for the ESO Studentships in Vitacura (Santiago, Chile) are hosted at ESO's offices in Santiago (Chile), where positions are also provided for students enrolled in Chilean universities.

**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 6 months and up to two years,** during which time students are employed and entirely or partially compensated by ESO, depending on the PhD scholarship conditions.
- 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.

**Opportunities for Learning and Outreach**:

- ESO Chile students have the opportunity to visit the observatories and to get involved in small technical projects that equip them with hands-on skills and give them insights into the observatory operations and instrumentation.
- ESO students also have the possibility to participate in various outreach activities.

How to Apply:

- 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).
- 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**:
For more information:
**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