ELT Programme Scientist

Main Duties and Responsibilities: Provide scientific leadership to the ELT Construction Programme and ensure that the telescope will be scientifically exploited to the best of its capabilities; Guide the scientific development of ELT instruments through sound scientific leadership within the ESO Instrumentation Programme, helping ensure they meet their science goals; Act as a strategic and scientific connector between the Telescope and its suite of Instruments across both Programmes, ensuring that their combined performance offers the highest possible scientific return; Oversee and maintain the ELT Observatory Top Level Requirements, working closely with the ELT Construction Programme Manager to ensure these are integrated throughout the construction phase; Collaborate closely with the Instrumentation Programme Manager to maintain, evolve and develop the ELT Instrumentation Plan; Provide advice to the Instrumentation Programme Manager to ensure that the necessary design trade-offs made on the Programme are carried out within an appropriate science-driven context. Provide science-based guidance on design decisions, helping to set clear and balanced scientific priorities in this context; Lead the scientific verification of the telescope performance and the commissioning and science verification of the instruments; Engage with the Community to optimise the usage of ESO optical and near-infrared telescopes, together with other ESO Programme Scientists; Prepare and give briefings to communicate progress and challenges to ESO governing bodies and committees as needed; Inform the Director for Science about ELT developments, challenges and scientific productivity; Support public engagement and outreach, in collaboration with the Communication Department, helping make the scientific goals and results of the ELT and its instruments accessible and inspiring to a diverse audience. As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the ELT Programme Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct an active astronomical research programme on a 50/50 basis. Reports to: Director for Science Key Competences and Experience: Essential Competences and Experience Ability to think strategically, taking a long-term perspective and openness to new ideas, challenges and anticipating future needs or trends; Experience in supporting and leading geographically dispersed, multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, with an inclusive and respectful approach to team dynamics; Experience collaborating to develop shared visions and scientific strategies for the future, both within ESO and the wider astronomical community; In-depth knowledge of astrophysical instrumentation, along with experience in facility commissioning and operations; Ability to inspire and support others, fostering a positive and motivating team environment; Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and constructively, and to facilitate informed decision-making; A proactive approach to constructively suggest improvements to established ways of working to create positive change; Excellent communication and diplomatic skills, allowing to effectively communicate and establish trust at all levels within the organization, the instrument Consortia and with the community; A strong record of personal research achievements, demonstrating international recognition appropriate to the career stage in optical and near-infrared astrophysics research; Willingness to spend considerable time in Chile during ELT Commissioning. Desirable Competences and Experience Experience in project leadership including familiarity with project management principles and/or experience contributing to complex, multi-stakeholder scientific projects; Experience in community liaison and/or community leadership; Understanding of science policy, funding structures, or strategic planning in large-scale research organisations; Ability to navigate between technical, scientific, and organisational priorities, and to find common ground among diverse perspectives; Experience with the ELT and its operational aspects. Qualifications: PhD in astronomy, physics or equivalent. Language skills: The position requires a full working knowledge of English, both oral and written.