Senior Regional Science, Technology and Engagement Officer

The ESO Representation Office in Chile formally represents ESO and its Director General in all matters and relations with Chilean governmental, regional and local authorities where ESO facilities and observatory sites are located, as well as with the diplomatic missions representing ESO Member States in Chile. It also coordinates the representation of ESO's political and legal interests in Chile and promote the positive relationship of ESO with Chile as a whole. Its main duty is to foster the relationship with Chile by consolidating and moving forward the engagement between ESO and Chile. It is responsible for proposing, implementing and monitoring ESO's strategy in Chile aimed to secure the necessary conditions for ESO's long-term operational success in the country. The Senior Regional Science, Technology, and Engagement Officer will support the ESO Representative in advancing ESO's strategic engagement with the regions, with particular emphasis on strengthening the contribution of astronomy and ESO's scientific and technological activities to regional development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected candidate will work closely with the ESO Representative to foster strong, long-term relationships and engagement between ESO and the regions where ESO has its facilities, with a particular focus on Antofagasta. The position will play an active role in connecting ESO's scientific and technological capabilities with regional priorities, institutions, academia, industry and local communities. A key objective will be to identify, develop and facilitate strategic collaborations that create new opportunities for regional development. The role will also promote the social value of astronomy, strengthening ESO's engagement with local communities and contributing to education, inclusion, scientific culture and the sustainable development of the region. Main responsibilities include:

• Support the development and implementation of ESO's regional science and technology engagement strategy, identifying opportunities to connect ESO's scientific and technical expertise with local scientific and technology regional ecosystems.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen regional capabilities in astronomy, astro-engineering, instrumentation, software, data science and other astronomy-related fields, positioning ESO as a valuable partner for regional development.
• Assist the ESO Representative in mapping regional scientific, technological and industrial capabilities and identifying areas where ESO's expertise and international networks can contribute to their development.
• Maintain strong engagement with key regional stakeholders, developing collaborative relationships that benefit both ESO and the regions.
• Assist in developing and implementing a Regional Industrial Relations strategy, identifying opportunities for collaboration between ESO and local, regional, and national industry. Facilitate opportunities for regional companies and institutions to engage with the broader international astronomy and technology ecosystem.
• Assist the ESO Representative in developing and implementing new cooperation agreements and initiatives that contribute to the development of astronomy in the regions, in alignment with ESO's mission and regional priorities.
• Coordinate regional political, institutional, and social engagement activities, promoting ESO's presence and increasing awareness of its contribution to local and regional development.
• Assist the ESO Representative in planning, organising, and hosting strategic visits to ESO premises in Chile involving regional stakeholders.
• Chair the Regional ESO-Chile Joint Committee, identifying potential projects that contribute to the development of the regions.

Reports to:

ESO Representative in Chile

Key Competences and Experience:

Essential Competences and Experience

• At least ten years of professional experience in scientific, technical, or other areas related to astronomy.
• Up-to-date knowledge of astronomical research and/or engineering developments, particularly in fields where ESO is making significant contributions.
• A good understanding of the astronomy, astro-engineering, innovation and industrial ecosystems, enabling effective representation of ESO and the identification and development of scientific and technological opportunities.
• Understanding of the potential of science and technology as drivers of innovation, regional development and economic diversification.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop strategic collaborations between scientific institutions, universities, industry, public authorities and other stakeholders.
• Objective and enquiring mind, together with a reserved temperament and balanced judgement.
• Diplomatic skills and discretion.
• Proven ability to provide clear, concise, and timely oral and written communications, identifying key issues, examining options, and proposing a way forward.
• Flexibility in adapting to changing requirements and priorities, as well as to different assignments.
• A friendly and approachable attitude towards engaging with Chilean society at large, while maintaining strict neutrality on political matters within Chile.
• A high degree of autonomy, while maintaining constant communication with the ESO Representative and remaining fully aligned with ESO's strategy and priorities.

Desirable Competences and Experience

• Experience working in international and culturally diverse environments will be considered an asset.
• A deep understanding of the Chilean scientific, technology, industrial, and socio-political environment.
• Experience in governmental and institutional relations.
• Experience in science diplomacy, technology transfer, innovation ecosystems or industry-academia collaboration.
• Experience in education, science communication, community engagement or initiatives aimed at generating social impact through science and technology.

Qualifications:

University Degree preferably in Natural Sciences, Engineering or equivalent qualification, preferably in an astronomy-related area.

Qualifications which would be an asset:

A PhD degree will be considered as an asset.

Language skills:

ESO is an international organization where the official language is English. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and educational benefits, as well as financial help in relocating the candidate's family, where applicable. ESO aims to support its members of personnel in maintaining a good work-life balance (https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-updated.pdf) between their professional and private life.

The initial contract is for a two-year term subject to medical clearance and successful completion of the probation period with a possibility of maximum one extension following the two years. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

For further information, please visit https://www.eso.org/public/archives/static/jobs/conditions/brochure-lsm-sp-updated.pdf

Duty Station:

The role is based on Antofagasta, in a 5/2 Turno, with regular visits to ESO observatories, mainly to Paranal, on demand.

Career Path: V

Application:

If you are interested in working in areas of frontline science and technology and in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org for further details.

Applicants are invited to apply online at https://recruitment.eso.org/. Your application should be in English and include your curriculum vitae (CV) and a letter of motivation. All interviews will be conducted in English.

Deadline for applications is 7 December 2026.

Interviews are expected to start soon after this date.

ESO Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organisation and its people.

The ESO Values are:

ESO strives for excellence through innovation.

ESO provides outstanding services to its communities.

ESO fosters diversity & inclusion.

ESO believes in the key role of sustainability for its future.

Achieving the above are recognized as only possible on the basis of personal values and attitudes that we expect from our employees: respect, integrity, accountability, commitment, collaboration, and clear & open communication.

Applicants to any ESO role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for interview.

Nationality

No nationality is in principle excluded from employment at ESO. However, non-Chilean applicants must hold a valid Chilean permanent residence at the time of application.

ESO is committed to equal opportunities. The post is equally open to suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion.