Astronomer / Instrument Project Scientist

ESO is engaged in the operation and construction of a number of optical and infrared instruments for its observatories. The Instrument Project Scientist follows the development and construction phases of new instruments ensuring that the top-level requirements are fulfilled and that the operational scenarios are commensurate with the scientific needs and the constraints of the observatory. The development of the instruments may either be carried out by a consortium of universities and institutes, working in collaboration with ESO, or by an internal team at ESO. The successful applicant will be assigned to follow one or more instruments at any given time.

Applicants with relevant experience in instrumentation at optical/IR wavelengths and using any technique (e.g. spectroscopy/imaging/mos/ifu/high/low-resolution) are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to highly experienced applicants and/or to those with a background in the development and use of adaptive optics facilities and the associated instrumentation.

The main duties and responsibilities of the job holder are to

• Provide strong scientific leadership to the assigned instrument programmes within ESO;
• Act as the principal scientific contact to the instrument building consortium;
• Liaise with ESO’s scientific community on issues related to the instruments under their responsibility;
• Develop, own and maintain the scientific requirements for the assigned instruments;
• Work closely with the ESO Project Managers, Project Engineers and System Engineers to ensure the implementation of the scientific requirements;
• Coordinate and connect with the relevant Programme Scientist(s) on the related instruments and projects;
• Support the testing, commissioning and early operations. Specifically: prepare for the science operation during design, manufacturing/assembly/integration and testing and commissioning of the instrument in close cooperation with the observatory;
• Participate in progress meetings and instrument reviews;
• Track the evolving requirements for the assigned instruments emerging from the community;
• Interact closely with the observatory and data management teams on operational aspects; and
• Coordinate the activities of the instrument Science Team.

As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty the job holder is expected and encouraged to conduct an original personal research programme and to participate actively in the scientific life of ESO.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics or equivalent field.