FACULTY POSITION AT THE UNIVERSIDAD DE LA SERENA

The Instituto de Investigación Multidisciplinario en Ciencia y Tecnología (IIMCT) at the Universidad de La Serena (Chile) invites applications for a full time Faculty position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics, depending on the candidate's qualifications.

We welcome applicants especially interested in areas related to Stellar or Galactic Astrophysics or Planetary Science. We particularly encourage candidates interested in exploring synergies between large photometric or spectroscopic surveys and numerical simulations, with the aim of exploiting the data produced by TESS, HARPS, etc, and the large synoptic surveys based in Chile such as Rubin/LSST, SDSS-V, and VISTA/4MOST.

Both the IIMCT and the Astronomy Department are in vigorous expansion. We have a strong academic program at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including a Masters and a PhD program in Astronomy. The staff of astronomers at ULS includes 13 professors, 6 postdocs, 29 graduate students, and several dozen undergraduate students. Faculty members are very active in teaching, research, outreach and administration. Research areas of interest include Stellar Astrophysics, Stellar populations, Numerical Astrophysics, and Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy.

Duties and responsibilities

Successful candidates are expected to supervise undergraduate and graduate students and teach (preferably in Spanish) at these levels. In addition, the candidates are expected to demonstrate scientific leadership and vision to conduct high-impact independent research projects through internal and external funding. Candidates are also expected to engage in university service activities, including social engagement programs. The starting date is expected to be as soon as possible and no later than October 2023.

Benefits

The salary of the position is highly competitive according to local standards. In addition, a productivity incentive exists. The position includes a starting fund for computing, publications, meeting travel, etc. Successful candidates are expected to apply to external research funding to support their activities in the mid-long term.

About the University

The Universidad de La Serena, which is located in a beautiful and touristic coastal city, is one of the most important universities in northern Chile. It is very near a number of international observatories including the Vera Rubin Observatory, Las Campanas Observatory, Gemini-South, La Silla, CTIO and SOAR, as well as the future GMT. ULS researchers have access to 10% of observing time on these and all existing and future telescopes in Chile, including EELT, VLT and ALMA.

Qualifications

Applicants must have obtained a Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics (or a closely related field). Candidates with demonstrated commitment to excellence in independent research as well as teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and postgraduate levels (including Thesis supervision) are preferred. Demonstrated experience in academic service and outreach is also desirable.

Application instructions

Candidates should send a cover letter, CV (including publications and academic experience), a research statement (5 pages max), a teaching statement (1 pages max), and a social engagement statement (1 page max), all in a single pdf file. Candidates should arrange for three (3) reference letters. Enquiries, as well as applications and reference letters should be sent to Mr. Renato Urzua (renato.urzua@userena.cl). Applications received by 15th of April, 2023 will receive full consideration.