SERC Chile dispone de cuatro cupos para estudiantes de Post Doctorado. El plazo para postular se cierra el 24 de junio

The Solar Energy Research Center (SERC Chile), a consortium integrated by six Chilean universities (Universidad de Chile, Universidad de Tarapacá, Universidad de Antofagasta, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, and Universidad de Concepción) and Fundación Chile, offers a postdoctoral opportunity in any of its seven research lines:

1.- Solar Energy in Industry and Mining. Takes a unified approach to addressing the thermal and electrical requirements of both sectors and the development of conversion and control technologies for solar plants. Professor Samir Kouro, PhD, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, is responsible for this research line.

2.- Electric Power Systems with High Penetration of Solar Energy. Covers issues of supply, quality, power interfaces, and network operation and expansion planning methods for electrical systems with high solar energy penetration. Professor Luis Morán, PhD, Universidad de Concepción, is responsible for this research line.

3.- Solar Energy Coordination Systems for Urban and Rural Communities. Researches possibilities for the cost-effective exploitation of existing solar power potential and proposes models for the active participation of local communities. Professor Rodrigo Palma-Behnke, PhD, Universidad de Chile, is responsible for this research line. Professor Palma-Behnke also serves as the director of SERC Chile.

4.- Solar Energy Storage. Investigates the storage of solar energy through sensible or latent heat storage using salts and other compounds, hydrogen generation, and the optimization of storage systems. Professor Hector Galleguillos, PhD, Universidad de Antofagasta, is responsible for this research line.

5.- Solar Water Treatment. Investigates methods for the decontamination and disinfection of natural water, the treatment of industrial wastewater, and solar desalination of seawater and brackish water. It also focuses on further characterizing solar radiation in the Atacama region. Professor Lorena Cornejo, PhD, Universidad de Tarapacá, is responsible for this research line.

6.- Economic, Social, and Regulatory Issues for Solar Development. This line addresses potential barriers preventing higher penetration of solar energy in Chile. The research considers economic, environmental, and regulatory challenges identified by the other research lines. Professor Claudio Agostini, PhD, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, is responsible for this research line.

7.- Physics and Chemistry Applied to Solar Energy Technologies. This is a new research line being developed by SERC Chile. Candidates with fundamental knowledge in physical or chemical sciences applied to the design and/or manufacturing of solar cells will be considered for this position.

SERC Chile was established in 2012 by the Chilean Government as a center of excellence in solar energy research. The Center aims to be a world leader in basic research on solar energy technology and applications, with a particular emphasis on developing the potential of Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the world’s premier locations for the study and application of solar power. Our goal is to build a solid foundation of scientific knowledge regarding this energy source. By leveraging the exceptional conditions of northern Chile, we will conduct scientific research into the technical and economic challenges of solar energy with both global and local impact.

(For more details on SERC Chile, please visit the website: sercchile.cl/)

The postdoctoral position is available immediately and funded for one year, renewable for up to three years if the second phase (5 years) of SERC is approved by CONICYT. Otherwise, the postdoctoral position is available until November 2017. It is ideally suited for PhD graduates interested in any of the aforementioned research lines and willing to live and work in Chile. Selected applicants are expected to work collaboratively and produce visible, high-quality scientific results.

SERC Chile offers a competitive salary, depending on the experience and productivity record of the applicants. Accepted candidates will work full-time on projects approved by the director of the research line they join. International applicants will receive a stipend to help cover travel and/or relocation expenses.

If you are interested, please contact Professor Rodrigo Palma, PhD, at rodpalma@cec.uchile.cl and cc: psilva@centroenergia.cl, writing ‘POSTDOCTORAL POSITION – SERC CHILE’ in the subject line.

Please include your resume and your areas of interest. Include at least one letter of reference or a list of three references who may be contacted. The deadline to receive applications is June 24^th. Selected applicants should be able to start work by late July or early August 2016.