The User Support Astronomers Group (USG) within the User Support Department is the main interface between the La Silla Paranal Observatory and the Service Mode users of its facilities. The department is part of the Data Management and Operations Division which provides high-reliability support to the operation of the ESO facilities and to their community of users in the framework of an integrated end-to-end system and maintains the archive facility and its data holdings as a powerful resource for both scientific and operational use. The core responsibility of the USG is to provide expert and user-oriented support for Phase 1 proposals and Phase 2 observations preparation including the observations follow-up ensuring the high quality and efficient Service Mode operations. The members of the USG define the requirements for observation preparation tools and feedback on operational requirements for new instruments.

The User Support Department is looking for an astronomer with a strong and active research profile. The post holder should have a strong interest in maximizing ESO's science output through conducting expert user support and contributing to the development of efficient processes, tools, and high-quality documentation for the user community.