PhD and Master positions in Astrophysics at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Archive Date: 
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Pre-doctoral/Graduate Positions
Institution Classification/Type: 
Large Academic
Institution/Company: 
Pontificia Universidad Catolíca de Chile (PUC)
Department Name: 
Institute of Astrophysics
Street Line 1: 
Vicuna Mackenna 4860
City: 
Santiago
State/Province: 
RM
Zip/Postal: 
7820436
Country: 
Chile
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Institute of Astrophysics at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (IA-PUC) invites applications to our Ph.D. (4-yr) and Master’s (2-yr) programs, beginning March 2021, from talented students with undergraduate backgrounds in all areas of astrophysics and physics, or closely related fields.

Program Details:

  • One of the leading astronomy centers in Latin America.
  • Active and dynamic international community comprising ~15 faculty, ~25 postdocs, and ~50 graduate students.
  • Cutting-edge research in: cosmology; extragalactic, Galactic and stellar astrophysics; astrochemistry; astronomical instrumentation; high-energy astrophysics; and numerical simulations. 
  • 10% privileged access to a wide array of world-class observing facilities in Chile.
  • Rich and vibrant scientific life including mentorship with world-class faculty, weekly seminars and colloquia, daily journal-club discussion, group meetings, strong visitor program, and travel to national and international conferences, all of which offer plentiful opportunities for networking and collaboration at many levels.
  • Guaranteed external or internal 4-yr scholarships to all accepted Ph.D. applicants, and a limited number of internal 2-yr scholarships to exceptional Masters degree applicants. Includes stipend for living expenses plus tuition and fees. [Notwithstanding uncertainties from the global COVID-19 pandemic, we will conduct the evaluation and selection processes following our regular protocols.  At the time of making offers, we will only guarantee scholarships in accordance to what the funding agencies can guarantee themselves]
  • Funding for travel, research, publications and computers. 
  • English is the default language of the Institute.
  • Provide advanced training as a professional researcher, who will be able to compete effectively for academic positions if he/she chooses to do so, or pivot into observatory or industry careers.

Requirements:  

  • Applicants should have an undergraduate and/or master’s degree in Astronomy (or closely related fields), full-time commitment, and a good command of the English and/or Spanish language. Previous research experience is beneficial.

Application materials:

  • Cover letter outlining applicant’s motivation to train as a researcher in astrophysics, and in particular at IA-PUC in the Ph.D. or Master’s program, research experience (if any), research interests, and career plans and goals (max 2 pages).
  • Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages, including any publications):
  • A minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 letters of recommendation sent directly by the recommenders, written in Spanish or English, by people who know the applicant well and can give a thorough assessment of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses (e.g., classwork, teaching, investigation, and personal character).
  • Copy of official undergraduate (and graduate, if available) academic transcripts, translated into English or Spanish if necessary, and a clear indication of the grading scale system and the ranking of the student within their class.
  • Copy of title or academic degree certificate or an official letter from their University indicating expected graduation date.
  • Any other information that the student would like to add: e.g., results of some standardized test such as the GRE and/or TOEFL.

All application materials (aside from letters of recommendation) should be submitted via our application form. Shortlisted applicants will be scheduled for interviews. All questions should be directed to [email protected]

IA-PUC is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its workforce, including but not limited to religious freedom.

Application Deadline: 
Friday, October 2, 2020
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, November 13, 2020
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Director of Graduate Studies
Institution/Company: 
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Department Name: 
Institute of Astrophysics
Street Line 1: 
Vicuna Mackenna 4860
City: 
Santiago
State/Province: 
RM
Zip/Postal Code: 
7820436
Country: 
Chile
Phone: 
+56.2.2.354.4940
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Director of Graduate Studies
Subject: 
Graduate Studies at IA-PUC