The Solar Energy Research Center (SERC-Chile) is a leading research center dedicated to advancing solar energy science, technology, and policy in Chile and Latin America. Established in 2012, the Center has built a strong research program addressing key challenges in solar energy development, integration, and impact. The current phase, corresponding to its third development period (2026–2030), is funded under ANID’s National Research Centers of National Interest Program and aims to strengthen research activities by enhancing interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and the generation of robust scientific evidence to support decision-making processes in public policy, industry, and society.

To support these objectives, SERC-Chile is accepting applications for three (3) full-time postdoctoral research positions:

  1. Application for Line 2, with a special focus on energy policy and/or an inclusive energy transition
  2. Applications are open only to women who propose research related to one of the center's five research areas.
  3. Call for research proposals on any of the center's five research areas.

Research Line 1: Sustainable Solar Solutions

Focused on the sustainability and long-term performance of solar technologies under local environmental conditions, this research area addresses durability, life cycle assessment, environmental impacts, and the development of solar-assisted industrial and chemical processes, contributing to low-carbon technologies and the sustainable use of resources.

Research Line 2: Inclusive Solar Energy Transition

This line of research focuses on the socio-technical dimensions of the energy transition, including policy analysis, governance frameworks, and mechanisms to promote equitable access to solar energy.

Research Line 3: Solar Solutions for Productive Systems and Communities

Focused on productive sectors and local communities, this line of work develops application-driven solutions that use solar energy to support industrial, agricultural, and community-scale applications, with an emphasis on hybrid systems, applied research, and relevance for public and private stakeholders.

Research Line 4: Solar-to-X Integrated Solutions

This research area focuses on the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen and other Solar-to-X products, integrating electrical engineering, materials science, electrochemical and thermochemical processes, as well as system-level approaches for the development of integrated energy solutions.

Research Line 5: Smart Solar Integrated Systems

To address the challenges of large-scale solar integration, this research area focuses on smart grids, energy storage, digitalization, and advanced system-level analysis to support the reliable operation, planning, and regulation of future energy systems with high solar penetration.

Each postdoctoral researcher will be formally affiliated with one Research Line and is expected to actively engage in cross-cutting and interdisciplinary activities throughout the Center. Such contributions may include, among other things, joint publications, participation in cross-line projects, and collaborative research activities that support the achievement of SERC-Chile’s scientific, technological, and policy-oriented objectives.

Relevant information

  • Applicants must hold a doctoral degree at the time of appointment.
  • Applicants must be eligible to obtain a residence permit in Chile at the time of application.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a strong publication record in high-quality, peer-reviewed international journals with recognized scientific impact.
  • Selected applicants are expected to produce high-quality scientific results, including publications, participation in research grants, collaboration with industry, contributions to research networks, and the generation of scientific evidence that informs decision-makers.
  • The position requires full-time commitment.
  • The appointment will be for an initial term of one (1) year, renewable based on performance and funding availability, in accordance with SERC-Chile's standard postdoctoral terms and conditions.
  • The expected start date for the position is July 2026.

SERC-Chile is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

  1. A brief statement describing their expected contribution to the selected research line(s) and to the Center's objectives, clearly indicating the research line(s) to which they are applying and outlining potential contributions and synergies with other research lines.
  2. An updated resume, including a list of publications. Please indicate whether these are conference papers or indexed publications.
  3. Documentation certifying the holder's doctoral degree.
  4. Contact information for at least two references whom the Center may contact to provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Applications and further inquiries should be sent to SERC@uc.cl. Inquiries will be accepted until April 30, 2026, and will be answered on May 6, 2026. Applications will be accepted until May 20, 2026.

Solar Energy Research Center – SERC Chile