Join ESO as a Cybersecurity Specialist and contribute to strengthening cybersecurity across a unique intergovernmental scientific organisation. As part of the IT Projects and Security Group, you will support the protection, resilience, and continuous improvement of ESO’s IT environment and services.
The successful candidates will contribute to the delivery of ESO’s cybersecurity programme and help strengthen cybersecurity operations, security engineering, resilience capabilities, and the secure onboarding of new IT services. Working closely with other cybersecurity specialists, internal stakeholders, and external providers, you will help ensure that cybersecurity requirements are effectively integrated into operational activities, projects, and new services.
Depending on organisational priorities and the experience and strengths of the successful candidates, responsibilities may focus on cybersecurity operations, cybersecurity engineering, project delivery, service onboarding, risk management, and resilience activities.
Your work will contribute to reducing cybersecurity risks, improving operational resilience, supporting secure digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring the reliable operation of critical services.
Remuneration and Contract:
We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (free of income tax for applicants from ESO member states), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and support to place your child/children in daycare.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
You will:
Position 1: Cybersecurity Operations
Support cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection, investigation, and incident response activities.
Contribute to threat hunting and analysis activities in collaboration with internal and external cybersecurity partners.
Support vulnerability management activities, including identification, prioritisation, and follow up of remediation actions.
Contribute to the implementation and continuous improvement of cybersecurity controls and operational processes.
Support the operation and optimisation of cybersecurity tools and technologies.
Position 2: Cybersecurity Engineering, Projects and Resilience
Contribute to the delivery of cybersecurity improvement projects and initiatives.
Support the secure onboarding of new services, technologies, and solutions in both on premises and cloud environments.
Participate in security assessments and help ensure that cybersecurity requirements are appropriately addressed during projects and service changes.
Support the identification, assessment, and management of cybersecurity risks.
Contribute to the development and improvement of disaster recovery, backup, and resilience capabilities.
Support the definition and implementation of security controls, standards, and governance practices.
General
Collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders across the organisation.
Prepare documentation, reports, and recommendations related to cybersecurity activities.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the cybersecurity function.
Adapt to evolving cybersecurity priorities and organisational needs.
Reports to
Head of the IT Projects and Security Group, Information Technology Department, Directorate of Engineering.
Key Competences and Experience
Essential
Professional experience at least in one of the following fields: cybersecurity, IT operations, IT infrastructure, cloud services, technology projects, or a related area.
Understanding of cybersecurity principles, security controls, and common threat scenarios.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams.
Structured and organised approach to work.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing requirements.
Desirable
Experience in cybersecurity operations, incident response, threat detection, or vulnerability management.
Experience in cybersecurity engineering, security implementation, or technology projects.
Experience supporting cloud or on premises service deployments and onboarding activities.
Experience in cybersecurity risk management, resilience, disaster recovery, or business continuity.
Familiarity with recognised cybersecurity practices and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, CIS Controls, or similar.
Experience working within international or complex organisational environments.
Qualifications
University degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
Recent graduates with relevant practical experience, internships, academic projects, or demonstrated cybersecurity interest are encouraged to apply.
Relevant professional certifications are considered an asset but are not required.
Language Skills
An excellent command of the English language, both oral and written, is essential. A working knowledge of German and/or Spanish would be an advantage.
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 and is supported by 16 member states along with the host state of Chile. ESO’s main mission is to provide state-of-the-art research facilities to astronomers and astrophysicists, allowing them to conduct front-line science in the best conditions. By building and operating a suite of the world’s most powerful ground-based astronomical telescopes enabling important scientific discoveries, ESO offers numerous possibilities for technology spin-off and transfer, together with high-technology contract opportunities and is a dramatic showcase for European industry. Whilst the Headquarters are located in Garching near Munich, Germany, ESO operates, in addition to the Santiago Centre, three unique observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor.
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Further information
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