Applications are open for the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Internship Program 2026 in Garching, Germany. This six-month internship offers aspiring science communicators the opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading astronomy organizations while gaining practical experience in science journalism, public outreach, and digital communications.
Interns will join ESO’s Department of Communication, working alongside experienced science communicators to produce news articles, press releases, web content, scripts, and other public communication materials related to groundbreaking astronomical discoveries.
About the ESO Internship Program
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is one of the world’s foremost intergovernmental astronomy organizations. Through its Department of Communication, ESO shares discoveries from its observatories and research projects with global audiences using engaging, accessible, and scientifically accurate content.
The internship provides hands-on professional experience within an international scientific environment and is designed for candidates interested in astronomy communication, science journalism, and public engagement.
Internship Benefits
Successful interns will receive:
- Monthly living allowance
- Free accommodation in Germany
- Return travel costs between home country and Germany
- Six months of professional work experience
- Mentorship from experienced science communication professionals
- Opportunity to work on international astronomy communication projects
- Experience within a leading global scientific organization
Internship Location
The internship is based at:
- ESO Headquarters
- Garching near Munich, Germany
Please note that remote or hybrid internships are not available.
Internship Duration
- 6 months
Internships are offered throughout the year.
What Interns Will Do
Participants will contribute to:
- Writing ESO news stories and press releases
- Preparing science publications
- Producing website content
- Drafting video scripts
- Creating exhibition panels
- Supporting public outreach materials
- Editing scientific content for general audiences
- Collaborating with astronomy communication professionals
Learning Opportunities
Interns will gain experience in:
- Science communication and journalism
- Public engagement with astronomy
- Writing about complex scientific discoveries
- Editorial workflows within an international organization
- Producing multimedia science communication materials
- Collaborative content development
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Have experience in science communication or science journalism
- Possess a solid foundation in astronomy
- Be fluent in written and spoken English
- Be currently studying or have recently completed a university degree in:
- Science
- Astronomy
- Science Communication
- Science Journalism
- Related fields
Applicants with astronomy degrees and demonstrated science writing experience are also encouraged to apply.
Required Skills
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:
- Translate complex scientific concepts into engaging public content
- Write clearly and accurately for non-specialist audiences
- Meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Work independently and collaboratively
- Communicate effectively across multicultural teams
Required Application Documents
Applications must include:
- One-page motivation letter
- Two-page CV
- Two English-language science writing samples (maximum five pages each)
Accepted writing samples include:
- Blog posts
- Magazine articles
- Newspaper articles
- Press releases
- Other science communication pieces
Scientific research papers and academic theses intended for specialist audiences are not accepted.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online in English through the ESO careers portal.
Because this is a rolling recruitment, applicants should indicate their preferred internship start date in the application.
Applications are reviewed approximately every four to six months.
Visa Information
ESO does not sponsor visas for this internship.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining the legal right to enter, live, and work in Germany, including securing any required visa.
Eligible Nationalities
Applications are welcome from all nationalities. Recruitment preference is given to nationals of ESO Member States, host states, and strategic partners, including:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Why Apply?
The ESO Internship Program offers aspiring science communicators a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of astronomy while developing professional writing, editing, and public engagement skills. With financial support, accommodation, travel coverage, and mentorship from experienced communicators, participants gain valuable international experience that can launch careers in science communication, journalism, research outreach, and public engagement.
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