Are you a PhD student in astronomy or a related field seeking an exceptional research opportunity? The European Southern Observatory or ESO Studentship Programme 2025/26 offers you the chance to conduct your doctoral research in a dynamic and scientifically rich environment, either in Europe or Chile. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is Europe’s premier intergovernmental astronomy organization, operating some of the world’s most advanced ground-based observatories. With a vibrant community of approximately 110 staff astronomers, 40 fellows, and 40 PhD students, ESO is at the forefront of astronomical discoveries, ranging from exoplanets to cosmology.

Programme Overview

The ESO Studentship Programme 2025/26 provides PhD students with the opportunity to work at one of ESO’s observatories for a period ranging from 6 months up to two years. Students will conduct their research under the formal supervision of their home university supervisor, with co-supervision by an ESO staff astronomer or a team comprising an ESO staff astronomer and a fellow.

• Deadline: 20 April, 2025
• Funding: Fully/Partially Funded

Eligibility Criteria for ESO Studentship Programme 2025/26

• Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD programme in astronomy or related scientific fields, including observational, theoretical, and fundamental astrophysics.
• Supervision: Coordination between the student’s home institute supervisor and a prospective ESO supervisor is required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their prospective ESO supervisor well before the application deadline.

Application Process

1. Prepare Your Application: Ensure your application includes:
   • A motivational letter.
   • Attach your curriculum vitae (CV) which includes a list of publications, if any.
   • Copies of university transcripts and certificates/diplomas.
   • Provide a summary of your master’s thesis project (if applicable) and/or other ongoing projects (no more than half a page).
   • A short description of your general PhD scientific plan. It includes 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 and end dates, and possible milestones.
2. Submit Your Application: you must submit your application through the online ESO Recruitment Portal before 20 April 2025.

Benefits of the Programme

ESO internship program 2025/26 offers you many benefits including:

• Collaborative Environment: Engage in a vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary setting that fosters innovation and creativity.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to co-organize scientific events, participate in conferences hosted at ESO, and mentor master’s students.
• Learning and Outreach: Access to lectures through the International Max-Planck Research School on Astrophysics (for students in Garching) and involvement in various outreach activities.

Funding Information

While the programme offers significant support, including compensation during the studentship period, it’s important to note that the studentship is not fully funded. The compensation provided by ESO may be partial or complete. Funding depends on the PhD scholarship conditions of the student’s home institution. Applicants are advised to discuss funding details with their prospective ESO supervisor and home institute to understand the financial arrangements fully.

If you’re eager to enhance your PhD experience in an international and culturally rich environment, grow your professional network, and strengthen your scientific profile, don’t miss this opportunity. Prepare your application and submit it by the deadline to embark on a transformative research journey with ESO. APPLY NOW! For more details and insights, please visit the official website of the European Southern Observatory.

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