Investigador/a Postdoctoral o Investigador joven - Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía

Three full-time postdoctoral or young researcher positions are available at the Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO), with flexible start dates beginning in March. Successful candidates will undertake innovative research within one of IMO's core research lines.

Applicants must demonstrate relevant experience and a strong motivation to pursue research in their chosen area, using observational, experimental, and/or modeling approaches.

Appointees will be expected to:

• Develop their research topic in collaboration with two or more IMO Principal Researchers.

• Publish their research as first author in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

• Actively prepare and submit proposals to secure external funding, with a primary focus on applying for the ANID (Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo) postdoctoral fellowship (in the case of Postdocs only), or Initiation and Regular FONDECYT programs during the first year of the appointment.

• Collaborate actively on related research projects within the institute.

Funding Structure: The position is initially funded by IMO for a period of one (1) year, during which the researcher is expected to prepare and submit a competitive application for the ANID postdoctoral fellowship (or other major external grants) or Fondecyt Initiation grant as appropriate. Upon successful award of the ANID fellowship, the appointment will be extended under the terms and funding of the secured grant.

The Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO) is a center of excellence dedicated to fundamental oceanographic research in the South Pacific. It is hosted by a consortium of Chilean universities: the Universidad de Concepción (main host), the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, the Universidad Austral de Chile, the Universidad de Chile, and the Universidad Andrés Bello. IMO's primary research lines are:

1. Open-Ocean Hydrodynamics

This line focuses on analyzing deep circulation in the Southeastern Pacific, quantifying major currents, and projecting their evolution under climate change. It integrates shipboard observations, deep-sea moorings, autonomous vehicles, numerical simulations, and international collaborations to link circulation patterns with nutrient and sediment distribution, biogeochemical cycles, and carbon storage.

• Integrated Observations

• Deep Ocean Hydrodynamics

• Modeling and Data Analysis

2. Deep-Water Biology and Biogeochemical Processes

This research area analyzes biogeochemistry, biodiversity, and evolution in deep-water environments, including extreme hadal and oligotrophic zones. It investigates the roles of fast-sinking particulate matter and deep seismic energy in carbon cycling.

• Biological Adaptations and Diversity Analysis

• Genomics and Microbial Community Analysis

• Phylogenetic Diversity and Evolutionary Adaptations

• Biogeochemical Processes and Carbon Cycling

3. Marine Geodynamics

This line studies tectonic deformation, seafloor stability, sediment transport, and fault activity to improve the understanding of megathrust earthquake and tsunami generation, as well as their impact on trench dynamics and adjacent regions.

• Seafloor Imaging and Structural Analysis

• Fault Activity and Submarine Mass Wasting

• Multi-Sensor Time Series Analysis

APPLICATION DETAILS

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until 01 March 2026.
Appointment Duration: The initial IMO-funded appointment is for one (1) year. An extension for up to a second year can be granted based on progress, such as success in postulation to external funds.
Salary and Benefits: The annual gross salary (before taxes) is approximately USD 32,230. Additionally, foreign candidates are eligible for a gross installation fund of approximately USD 3,480. The contract will be issued through the University of Concepción.

Place of Appointment: The place of appointment is flexible, depending on the research line and the Principal Researchers with whom the candidate will work.

Application Requirements:

1.     a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field before the appointment start date, obtained within the last three (3) years for postdoctoral fellows, or within the last ten (10) years for young researchers.

2.     Curriculum Vitae, including a minimum of two first-author publications in ISI/Web of Science-indexed journals.

3.     A motivation letter stating the candidate's interest in the position, its alignment with one of IMO's research lines, and acknowledging the requirement to apply for ANID funding during the first year. Interaction across multiple research lines is considered a strong asset.

4.     A brief research proposal (maximum 1 page).

5.     Names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three scientific references.

Strongly Recommended: Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact IMO Principal Researchers they are interested in working with prior to submitting their application (contact information provided below).