Deadline:
December 31, 2026
Location(s)
Germany
Garching
Overview
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. 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.
Details
ESO's Department of Communication is responsible for all aspects of internal and external communication for the Organisation. It covers the whole spectrum of communications, including media relations, content production, public and local outreach, digital communication and internal communication, and engages with a broad range of audiences ranging from scientists and the astronomy community, decision-takers and industry partners, to journalists and members of the public. It also coordinates closely with the ESO Supernova - Planetarium & Visitor Centre for astronomy education activities. The Department is based partly at the ESO Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, and partly in Santiago, Chile.
In ESO's Department of Communication you will work with a team of professional science communicators for the preparation of ESO news and press releases, publications, web pages, video scripts, exhibition panels and other public communication products
Through your involvement in various projects and with our support, you will have the opportunity to understand and learn:
- About the mission of ESO and the role and responsibilities of the Department of Communication for its implementation;
- How a large international scientific organisation works in practice and in particular what are the workflows, processes and procedures within the Department of Communication;
- How to write about complex scientific issues in an engaging and understandable manner;
- How to edit texts and work on drafts as a team to ensure the final press release, script or blog post is accessible and exciting to its target audiences;
- How written text and audiovisuals can be combined to make science attractive and approachable to the public.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
We are looking for people who want to gain experience in science communication of frontline astronomy projects.
You should have some previous experience in written science communication/journalism and have enough basic knowledge of astronomy to be able to understand scientific papers. You must be fluent in English both written and oral.
Candidates currently studying or having recently completed a University degree in science, science communication or science journalism, are preferred. We also welcome applications from students who have recently completed a degree in astronomy and have experience in writing about science to wider audiences.
Competences
You should be able to:
- Understand and translate scientific research into simple concepts and write about it to general audiences in an engaging and accurate manner;
- Provide clear, concise and timely written and oral communications;
- Work under time pressure and deliver to agreed deadlines and standards;
- Work both on your own initiative and as part of a team;
- Build good collaborative working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines.
Dates
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Internship details
Internship opportunities are offered throughout the year. Internships take place in Garching, Germany (a remote or hybrid internship is not possible) and have a duration of 6 months. We offer a monthly allowance to cover your living expenses and we provide accommodation. We also cover the cost of a return trip from/to your home station. For any further questions please contact vacancy@eso.org.
Un-save Opportunity
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