# European Southern Observatory jobs and careers

> 0 open roles at European Southern Observatory as of October 24, 2026. Source: https://www.thejobsmap.com/company/european-southern-observatory

ESO, the European Southern Observatory, is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive astronomical observatory. ESO provides state-of-the-art research facilities to astronomers and is supported by 16 member-states along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner. ESO's main mission, laid down in the 1962 Convention, is to provide state-of-the-art research facilities to astronomers and astrophysicists, allowing them to conduct front-line science in the best conditions. By building and operating a suite of the world's most powerful ground-based astronomical telescopes enabling important scientific discoveries, ESO offers numerous possibilities for technology spin-off and transfer, together with high technology contract opportunities and is a dramatic showcase for European industry. Whilst the Headquarters (comprising the scientific, technical and administrative centre of the organisation) are located in Garching near Munich, Germany, ESO operates, in addition to the Santiago Centre, three unique observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor.

## Key facts

| | |
|---|---|
| Open roles | 0 |
| Headquarters | Garching bei Muenchen, None - Outside US & Canada, Germany |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Employees | 501 to 1,000 |
| Industries | Space, Association, Non Profit |
| Website | https://eso.org |

## Leadership

- Xavier Barcons, Director General
- Fernando Comeron, Deputy Director For Science
- Dr Sara Krauss, Director Of Engineering Designate
- Arnout Tromp, Head Of Contracts And Procurement
- Florian Heissenhuber, Head Of IT Project And Security Group - Projects, Service Quality, IT Security, Licenses
- Adrian Russell, ESO Director of Programmes
- Christine Georgi-Turcotte, Executive Assistant to the Director General
- Claudia Burger, Director of Administration

## Common questions

### Is European Southern Observatory hiring right now?

European Southern Observatory has no open roles listed as of October 24, 2026. Roles appear here as soon as they are posted on European Southern Observatory's careers site.

### Where is European Southern Observatory headquartered?

European Southern Observatory is headquartered in Garching bei Muenchen, None - Outside US & Canada, Germany and was founded in 1962.

### Who leads European Southern Observatory?

Xavier Barcons, Director General, is at the top of European Southern Observatory's org chart.

### How do I apply for a job at European Southern Observatory?

Pick a role on European Southern Observatory's TheJobsMap page and select Apply. Every listing links to the original posting on European Southern Observatory's own careers site, so you apply directly with the employer.