The Solar Energy Research Center (SERC-Chile) is a leading research center dedicated to the advancement of solar energy science, technology and policy in Chile and Latin America. Established in 2012, the Center has consolidated 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 the ANID 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 invites applications for three (3) full-time postdoctoral research positions:
- Application to line 2 with a special focus on energy policy and/or inclusive energy transition
- Application open only to women who propose research related to one of the five research lines of the center.
- Open application for research proposal on any of the five research lines of the center.
Research Line 1: Solar Sustainable Solutions
Focused on the sustainability and long-term performance of solar technologies under local environmental conditions, this line addresses durability, lifecycle assessment, environmental impacts and the development of solar-assisted industrial and chemical processes, contributing to low-carbon technologies and sustainable resource use.
Research Line 2: Inclusive Solar Energy Transition
This line 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
Oriented toward productive sectors and local communities, this line 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 line 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
Addressing the challenges of large-scale solar integration, this line 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 transversal and interdisciplinary activities across the Center. Such contributions may include, among others, joint publications, participation in crossline projects and collaborative research activities that support the achievement of the scientific, technological and policy-oriented objectives of SERC-Chile.
Relevant information
- Applicants must have a doctoral degree at the time of appointment.
- Applicants be eligible to obtain residency permission 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, contribution to research networks and the generation of scientific evidence that informs decision makers.
- The position requires full-time dedication.
- The appointment will be for an initial duration of one (1) year, renewable according to performance and funding availability, following the standard postdoctoral conditions of SERC-Chile.
- The expected starting date for the position is July 2026.
SERC-Chile is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- A brief statement describing their expected contribution to the selected Research Line(s) and to the objectives of the Center, clearly indicating the research line(s) to which they are applying and outlining potential contributions and synergies with other research lines.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications. Please indicate whether these are conference articles or indexed publications.
- Documentation attesting possession of a doctoral degree.
- Contact details of at least two references that may be contacted by the Center to provide a reference letter on your behalf.
Applications and further enquiries should be sent to SERC@uc.cl . Enquires will be received until April 30, 2026 and will be answered on May 6, 2026. Applications will be received until May 20, 2026.
Solar Energy Research Center – SERC Chile