CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist

The CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist will provide scientific leadership for ESO's participation in CTAO. In return for the effort to operate CTAO‑S, ESO will have 10 % of the open time on the northern and southern arrays. They will also be responsible for optimising the multi‑wavelength/multi‑messenger use across ESO's facilities and with other leading facilities. The Programme Scientist is responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic vision for multi‑wavelength synergistic use of ESO facilities, including advising on and developing strategic partnerships with other astrophysical facilities both ground based, and in space.

In particular, the Programme Scientist is responsible for maintaining a strategic scientific vision for CTAO and contributing to ESO's overall policy and long‑term planning. They maintain professional contacts at the highest level outside the Organisation and, as postholder, will be assigned to the role for the full duration of the CTAO Programme. In addition, the Programme Scientist serves as the primary interface between CTAO and the broader ESO user community.

• Work with the VLT, VLTI, ALMA and ELT Programme Scientists to ensure that scientific synergies between the facilities are identified and propose means to strengthen these where relevant.
• Provide the scientific leadership of the CTAO Programme at ESO.
• Contribute to the Governance of CTAO, representing ESO as required.
• Coordinate the scientific ESO CTAO activities with CTAO, in particular with the CTAO Project Scientist.
• Present ESO facilities to the CTAO user community to promote them and to increase the interest in the exploitation of emerging synergies.
• Advise the ESO Directors of Science, Programmes and Operations on the Programme's strategic scientific goals and assisting with the coordination and updating of observing modes to adapt to the paradigm shift introduced by CTAO.
• Consult the scientific community and ESO advisory committees in developing a scientific vision for CTAO and synergetic use of ESO facilities with facilities inside or outside of ESO.
• Report to ESO and its governing and advisory bodies on CTAO developments, challenges and scientific productivity.
• Support public engagement and outreach, in collaboration with the Communication Department, helping make the multi‑wavelength use of ESO telescopes and their instruments accessible and inspiring to a diverse audience.

The above main duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and will evolve. As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct an active astronomical research programme on a 50/50 basis.

• At least five years of experience in the field of physics, astronomy or closely related disciplines after PhD;
• Proven ability in developing a long‑term scientific vision, understanding science requirements, and translating them into coherent plans;
• Proven experience using astronomical facilities in a multi‑wavelength and multi‑messenger environment, and knowledge of VHE gamma‑ray astrophysics;
• Ability to think strategically, taking a long‑term perspective and openness to new ideas, emerging scientific priorities, challenges and anticipating future needs or trends, while communicating a compelling vision for the future;
• Experience in collaborating to develop shared visions and scientific strategies for the future, within and beyond ESO, including the wider astronomical community;
• Effectively lead and inspire geographically dispersed, multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, fostering ownership, engagement and a professional, respectful working environment, and constructively addressing disagreement and conflict;
• 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;
• An ability to create and formalise synergies inside and outside the Organisation ensuring that…