Call for applications Postdoctoral Position
Natural Systems and Processes Cluster
CIGIDEN / Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
The Research Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (https://cigidenweb.ing.uc.cl) is a multidisciplinary research Center funded by CONICYT and located in Santiago, Chile. It brings together four universities and researchers from diverse fields (e.g., Anthropology, Design, Earth Sciences, Geography, Engineering, Psychology Sociology, and Urban Studies). The aim of CIGIDEN is to produce excellence-level and interdisciplinary research on all aspects of the disaster cycle (preparedness, response, participation, recovery, and mitigation) and to mitigate disaster impacts by building more resilient communities.
CiGIDEN is hosted by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (www.uc.cl), ranked first in Latin America by the 2018 QS international ranking and third by the Times Higher Education Latin America University Ranking 2017.
The Postdoctoral Position
CIGIDEN is seeking applications for a postdoctoral researcher with a background in geomorphology, geology, hydrology and/or related fields to join the Natural Systems and Processes research Cluster. In this cluster, CIGIDEN researchers are investigating fundamental aspects related with the nucleation, triggering, and impacts of extreme natural events on physical and social systems, and their potential interconnections (earthquake-tsunami, climate-landslides-floods, earthquakes-volcanoes-lahars, earthquakes-landslides).
The successful candidate has to understand and to model the relationship between extreme precipitation events and the occurrence of sudden mass flow in the Central Andes mountain range, which contribute to creating rapid floods with high-sediment concentrations that often have consequences on urban areas. The researcher will work in a multidisciplinary team, which includes specialists in hydrology, hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and river morphodynamics, and real-time wireless sensor networks communication for real-time communication monitoring systems.
Several years of data are available from a number of sources and field trips, including a real-time continuous feed from a wireless sensor network operated by the CIGIDEN team in the foothills of Santiago. The successful candidate is expected to take advantage of this dataset and field experimental sites to investigate the stability of hillslopes, flow rheology and to developing numerical models that help to understand the relevant physical factors that control flood hazards in mountain regions.
The postdoctoral position is for a minimum of 2 year period, and is available immediately and open until filled. The successful candidate will develop his research within the project “Hydroclimatic Hazards in a Context of Global Change”, led by Dr. Jorge Gironás.
She/he is expected to produce at least two peer reviewed articles within the period. The successful candidate is also expected to actively participate in the activities of the Natural Systems and Processes Cluster, and CIGIDEN. The postdoctoral researcher will undergo a mid-term evaluation by the end of Year 1. She/he is also required to submit a postdoctoral proposal to FONDECYT by the end of Year 1.
Requirements
- The candidate must hold a doctoral degree PhD in Geomorphology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Engineering or related fields.
- Strong quantitative skills.
- A proven research background.
- Fluency in English, particularly for writing purposes.
The successful applicant will reside in Santiago, Chile. She/he will receive a monthly salary of $ 1,800,000 Chilean pesos plus additional expenses for start up research activities.
Process
Application deadline preference: May 21st, 2018**
To apply, send a letter of intent, a tentative proposed research agenda, a sample of written work, a CV, and three letters of recommendation. The email message header should be titled “Postdoc NS&P-CIGIDEN” and directed to Rodrigo Cienfuegos (director@cigidenweb.ing.uc.cl). First selection of candidates will be conducted on the basis of the submitted application files. Candidates may also be invited for interview (via Zoom or Skype where necessary).
For further information please contact Professor Rodrigo Cienfuegos (director@cigidenweb.ing.uc.cl).
