The young but ambitious and actively expanding astronomy department at the University of Antofagasta is seeking enthusiastic recent PhD graduates (01 January 2012 to 01 November 2015) to carry out cutting edge research on a broad range of topics including minor bodies or the solar system, exoplanets, variable stars, star clusters, and galaxy evolution.

One of the defining features of the department is its involvement in SDSS-IV, with the Astroengineering Center at the University of Antofagasta playing a role in building components in support of the near-infrared APOGEE-South spectrograph. We are therefore especially looking for highly-motivated applicants desiring to get involved in any aspect of SDSS-IV, from instrumentation to the exploitation of the eBOSS, MaNGA, and APOGEE surveys. In addition to SDSS-IV, the applicant will also have access to the 10% share of all telescope time in Chile, including ALMA, VLT, Gemini, Magellan, and CTIO instruments among others. She or he will strongly be encouraged to make full use of these opportunities.

The generous 3-year postdoctoral grant will be provided by FONDECYT, including 3000000 CLP (~4900 USD) for relation costs, a salary of 19764000 CLP (~32400 USD) per year, and yearly research expenses (travel, hardware, etc.) of 4500000 CLP (~7400 USD). For the first step of the selection process, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact faculty members relevant to their field to build a strong application. A CV, a list of publications, a research statement, and three letters of recommendation should be sent to Prof. Eduardo Unda-Sanzana (eduardo.unda@uantof.cl), department chair by May 11. Selected applicants will then gain the required full sponsorship from the University to apply for the FONDECYT grant (2015 success rate: 46%).