Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF-EF) at ESO - Expressions of Interest

ESO DEADLINES

Milestone

Deadline

Internal application deadline

 31 July 2026

Outcome notification

 7 August 2026

Upload of draft proposal to the EU Portal

19 August 2026

Final submission of proposal to the EU Portal

9 September 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to get in touch as early as possible and well in advance of the mentioned deadlines.

ADVANCE YOUR RESEARCH CAREER AT ESO

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) invites expressions of interest from postdoctoral researchers wishing to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF-EF) with ESO as the host institution.

Please note that ESO supports applications for European Fellowships only (not Global Fellowships). The terms "European" and "Global" refer to the fellowship destination, not the applicant's nationality.

If an ESO Faculty supervisor is convinced of the quality of your proposed project and your potential to carry it out successfully at ESO, MSCA PF-EF candidates will develop their applications jointly with their selected supervisor.

WHY APPLY WITH ESO?

An MSCA PF-EF at ESO offers postdoctoral researchers who are interested in conducting independent research and broadening their international networks to develop their future career prospects the opportunity to:

  • Advance their research at a world-leading astronomical research organisation
  • Work closely with an experienced ESO Faculty supervisor
  • Collaborate with internationally recognised experts
  • Access cutting-edge facilities, data, and scientific networks

IDEAL APPLICANT PROFILE

Competitive applicants typically demonstrate several of the following:

  • Strong publication record, including first-author contributions, and international research experience
  • Presentations at international conferences, workshops, and invited seminars
  • Scientific awards, fellowships, or other recognitions of research excellence
  • Evidence of research independence, leadership, mentoring, or teaching experience
  • Experience organising workshops, conferences, or collaborative scientific activities
  • Outreach, public engagement, or knowledge-transfer activities
  • Service to the scientific community, including peer review, or committees

ESO RESEARCH AREAS AND FACULTY SUPERVISORS

ESO covers a broad range of research areas. Further information on our research areas and faculty members can be found on the ESO Garching Science webpage here.

Applicants are encouraged to identify and contact a potential ESO Faculty supervisor whose research interests align with their proposed project. If there is a good match, the required internal application forms should be submitted by the internal deadline of 31 July 2026.

If assistance is needed in identifying the most suitable ESO Faculty supervisor, applicants may contact Dr. Michael Hilker, Head of the Office for Science in Garching.

CONTACTS

SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

ESO GUIDANCE

ESO APPLICATION FORMS

  • Research project concept (PDF | Word)
  • Letter of commitment from ESO Faculty supervisor (PDF | Word)
  • Eligibility self-assessment from candidate (PDF | Word)
  • CV & Track Record (PDF | Word)
  • PhD certificate or defence confirmation

EC DEADLINE

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships call is now open. Deadline to submit proposals via the EU Portal is 9 September 2026, 17:00, CEST.

HORIZON-MSCA-2026-PF-01-01

EC GUIDANCE

MSCA GUIDANCE