Graduate programs in astrophysics at PUCV

The Astrophysics Group within the Physics Institute (www.fis.ucv.cl) at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) is inviting applications for our MSc and PhD programs in Physics, where students may follow an astrophysics curriculum. 

The Astrophysics Group is a recent addition to the Physics faculty of PUCV, focusing on extragalactic astrophysics, star-formation in nearby galaxies, the intergalactic medium, large-scale structure of the Universe, observational cosmology, and the high redshift universe. We are looking for motivated and talented students interested in pursuing a MSc or PhD program specializing in astrophysics. Successful applicants will have access to the time guaranteed to Chilean institutions on all observing facilities based in the country (including VLT, ALMA, Gemini-South, Magellan, APEX, SOAR, ASTE, La Silla, CTIO, etc.) as well as the university's computing cluster. There is also the option to work in projects as part of international collaborations where PUCV faculty members are involved, including SDSS-IV/MaNGA, SDSS-V, LSST, CLASH-VLT, CRAFT, F^4, KiDS, the Atacama Cosmology Telescope, and Simons Observatory.

We encourage interested applicants to get in touch with faculty members María Argudo (maria.argudo@pucv.cl), Raphaël Gobat (raphael.gobat@pucv.cl), Jorge Noreña (jorge.norena@pucv.cl), Cristóbal Sifón (cristobal.sifon@pucv.cl) and/or Nicolas Tejos (nicolas.tejos@pucv.cl), for further information on available research projects. 

Students may begin either program in March or August each year, and applications are accepted all year long. However, we encourage those who wish to start in March 2020, to submit their applications by December 31, 2019. Interested applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a Bachelor of Science in physics or a related field. For more details on each program, including the application process, please visit the following webpages:

• PhD program (joint with UTFSM): http://doctoradofisica.usm.cl
• MSc program: http://fis.ucv.cl/postgrados-en-fisica/

Basic requirements: 

• Cover letter stating motivation
• Request for admission to the MSc program Download
• Request for admission to the PhD program Download
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters sent directly by the recommenders
• Degree certificate or institutional letter stating the expected date of degree

Students enrolled in either program will also be eligible for internal PUCV scholarships (https://www.pucv.cl/uuaa/vriea/becas-de-postgrado/2016-08-12/160610.html; in Spanish) as well as research incentives. The Physics Institute is based on the Curauma campus of PUCV in Valparaíso, and ~1h drive from Santiago (http://fis.ucv.cl/ubicacion/). PUCV is an equal-opportunity employer and we encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented minorities. We value diversity and strive to offer a welcoming environment for everyone.