2026 ESO Audiovisual Media Internship

Internships start every March and September. As this is a rolling position, there is no application deadline. Applications received less than 3 months prior to the starting date will automatically be considered for the next open slot. Please state within your application if you prefer a later starting date.

The European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO) is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory, operating three unique observing sites in the Chilean Atacama Desert. Currently, ESO is building the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), the largest optical and near-infrared telescope on Earth, together with partners from across Europe and in Chile. ESO's Headquarters are in Garching near Munich, Germany.

ESO's Department of Communication (ESO COMM) is responsible for all aspects of internal and external communication for the Organisation. This includes a host of audiovisual productions to excite the public about science, astronomy and the groundbreaking engineering conducted here.

As Audiovisual Media Intern you will support ESO's Creative Team, part of ESO COMM, in our numerous video productions, through which we bring the wonders of the Universe to our audiences - such as the hosted show Chasing Starlight with Suzanna Randall, our documentary on the challenging construction of the ELT or our explainers about the many scientific discoveries enabled by our telescopes. As member of our team, you will work hand in hand with our seasoned professionals in film, animation and graphic design. You will be able to participate in all stages of our production workflow - from pre-production to release - with a focus on video editing. Additionally, you will help us structuring our footage, preparing interviews and maintaining our archives. Through your involvement in various projects and with our support, you will have the opportunity to understand and learn:

• How a large international scientific organisation works in practice and in particular about the workflows within the Department of Communication.
• How to edit videos for science communication in various lengths, styles and for different target audiences - from longer form documentaries to interviews to short social media productions.
• About all stages of professional video production: concept, script writing, pre-production, preparing interviews, video recordings, structuring footage, editing, sound, typography, animations, post-production, release and archiving.
• How to collaborate within a diverse and multinational team, ensuring seamless and timely productions in high quality.
• How to translate scripts into engaging audiovisuals to make science attractive and approachable to the public.
• About the groundbreaking science discoveries and engineering happening here at ESO as part of our mission.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelInternship
• SponsorEuropean Southern Observatory (ESO)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• 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.
• Monthly allowance to cover your living expenses and we provide accommodation.
• Cost of a return trip from/to your home station.

Requirements

ESO is working in an exciting environment at the forefront of science and technology, which is why we are looking for equally excited, highly motivated and proactive students or graduates of Audiovisual Media or a comparable degree program to complement our team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Video editing for various lengths, formats and audiences.
• Structuring interviews, preparing footage and creating compilations.
• Assisting with video recordings on location and in the studio.
• Organising archival footage.
• Additional audiovisual tasks depending on the demand within the team.

Competences:

• Experience in video editing, audio processing and working with camera and lights. We kindly ask for a demo reel or video portfolio to evaluate these skills.
• Experience working with the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly with Adobe Premiere.
• Experience in the fields of post-production or motion graphics is a strong plus.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver to agreed deadlines and standards.
• Ability to work both on your own initiative and as part of a team.
• Ability to collaborate with people from different cultural backgrounds and disciplines and to build constructive and effective work relationships.

Language Skills:

• A good command of English is essential as it is our working language. Spanish or German language skills are a plus.

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

Not Specified

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to European Southern Observatory (ESO) on recruitment.eso.org to apply

• Applications must be completed in English and should include a motivation letter (1 page) and your CV (1-2 pages). Important: Please also provide links to past work samples, a demo reel or portfolio so that we can evaluate your skill level! In case of collaborative projects please point out which parts of the production you were responsible for specifically. Please note that only complete applications, with all required materials in English, will be accepted.
• Internships start every March and September. As this is a rolling position, there is no application deadline. Applications received less than 3 months prior to the starting date will automatically be considered for the next open slot. Please state within your application if you have a preferred starting date.
• Please note that ESO does not sponsor visas for this internship. Applicants are responsible for securing their own right to enter, live and work in Germany, which may include obtaining a visa.

For any further questions please contact [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit ESO internship webpage.