PSO is responsible for the efficient execution of the scheduled observations, and in providing the highest quality data to our users in the worldwide astronomical community. The department is also charged with maintaining and where possible improving the scientific and operational performance of the VLT(I)'s astronomical instruments. Astronomers in the department chair the Instrument Operation Teams (IOTs). PSO is strongly involved in the preparations for the full integration of the ELT into Paranal, in the context of the Integrated Operations Programme (IOP).

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain and provide expert knowledge on novel instrumentation and become closely involved in operations development towards the ELT. They will be given the overall responsibility for an instrument at the Very Large Telescope or future ELT. Within our operational requirements, flexibility exists to tailor duties and responsibilities according to personal expertise and interests.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics or equivalent.

Duty Station:

Paranal (130 km near Antofagasta, North of Chile) and Santiago, Chile.