PhD in Astrophysics

The Institute of Physics and Astronomy opened the program of the PhD in Astrophysics in the year 2013 and already has 25 graduates.

• Timetable: diurnal, full-time.
• Duration: 8 semesters/240 credits SCT.
• Vacancies: 6

This PhD program, supported by a distinguished faculty and high levels of scientific productivity, aims to train researchers capable of conducting cutting-edge scientific research in Astrophysics. Chile hosts world-class astronomical facilities and instrumentation, with 10% of observing time guaranteed to researchers working at Chilean institutions.

Students in our PhD program, whether Chilean or international, will be immersed in a vibrant scientific environment, working alongside graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members within active research groups. They will also have opportunities to establish collaborations with leading national and international universities.

Graduates of the PhD in Astrophysics will acquire advanced training in the application of physics to astronomical phenomena, together with critical thinking skills, intellectual independence, and extensive research experience at the highest level in one of the key areas of modern astrophysics. These areas range from planet formation and theoretical cosmology to astrostatistics and virtual observatories.

Program Objectives

The overall objective of the program is to train graduates with a strong foundation in astrophysics who are capable of leading research and generating new knowledge in the field. Graduates will be able to communicate their findings effectively while demonstrating responsibility, critical thinking, and professional ethics in their scientific work

Specific Objectives

• Develop in students the competencies required to conduct scientific research in astrophysics, fostering leadership as well as collaboration and teamwork.
• Provide a training environment that combines a solid theoretical foundation with hands-on research experience, promoting the development of analytical and methodological skills.
• Support the transition to academic and research careers, particularly through preparation for postdoctoral positions.
• Foster intellectual independence, lifelong learning, and the ability to acquire new knowledge autonomously.
• Promote the development of collaborative networks with national and international institutions.

Student Profile

The PhD Program in Astrophysics is intended for applicants with a strong academic background in scientific disciplines such as Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, or related fields, who demonstrate a clear interest in and motivation for pursuing a research-oriented academic career in astrophysics.

The ideal applicant possesses a solid foundation in physics and mathematics at the undergraduate and/or master’s level, as well as analytical and logical reasoning skills that enable them to tackle complex problems in modern astrophysics. Previous experience with computational tools and/or data analysis is expected, together with a willingness to acquire new competencies in programming, modeling, and observational techniques.

Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a proactive approach to learning, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a commitment to rigorous and ethical scientific practice. Through their statement of purpose and letters of recommendation, applicants should provide evidence of a strong vocation for scientific research and a genuine motivation to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in astrophysics.

Proficiency in English, particularly in reading and understanding scientific literature, is highly desirable for successful participation in the program. 

Generic Competencies

CG1: Works effectively within research and professional teams, fostering collaboration among team members to achieve shared goals across different disciplinary contexts.

CG2: Demonstrates oral, written, and visual communication skills that enable the effective dissemination of research findings and advanced knowledge within their field.

CG3: Acts responsibly, considering the ethical implications of decision-making and professional conduct in scientific research.

CG4: Applies analytical and critical thinking to continuously improve research and professional competencies.

Specific Competencies

CE1: Acquires and applies advanced knowledge in physics and astrophysics to address complex scientific and astronomical problems.

CE2: Independently explores new areas of study through the critical review of scientific literature and other learning resources, effectively organizing available resources to achieve academic and research goals.

CE3: Conducts independent research in astrophysics, analyzing results, evaluating uncertainties, and leading the preparation and publication of scientific articles.

CE4: Employs statistical analysis and data modeling techniques to solve problems in astronomy and related scientific fields.

CE5: Contributes to the generation and dissemination of new knowledge in astrophysics through original research conducted both independently and collaboratively.

 

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the PhD Program in Astrophysics will possess a strong foundation in physics and astronomy and will be capable of conducting original, independent, and impactful research in the field of astrophysics. They will also demonstrate effective communication skills for disseminating research results and advanced astrophysical knowledge, while exhibiting responsibility, critical thinking, and professional ethics in their scientific work.

In addition, graduates will have established collaborative research networks and developed strong teamwork skills through their participation in diverse research activities throughout the program, as well as through attendance at national and international conferences.

Employment opportunities

The Program provides the skills necessary for the student to successfully join the national and international professional astrophysical community, or many other scientifically-inclined organizations. Thus possible future employers include universities, higher studies institutions, astronomical observatories, research centers, scientific instrumentation developers, software developers, many state or private companies, consultants or scientific/astronomical tourism enterprises.

Research areas

Stellar Astrophysics: Dedicated to the study of star formation and evolution.
Galactic Astrophysics: Dedicated to describing the structure and theories of formation of the Milky Way.
Extragalactic Astrophysics: Dedicated to the study of galaxy formation and evolution.
Theoretical Astrophysics: Dedicated to the theoretical development of astrophysics and cosmology.

You can also see the RESEARCH AREAS on our website to find out more about the fields of research available and the academic staff in each area. See also Research Centers and associates.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the PhD Program in Astrophysics must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline. Applicants holding degrees awarded outside Chile must submit academic documents that have been duly certified and authenticated by the appropriate authorities.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Official undergraduate transcript. International applicants must indicate the grading scale used by their institution (minimum grade, maximum grade, and passing grade) to allow conversion to the Chilean grading system.
• Degree certificate(s) and/or diploma(s) corresponding to undergraduate studies. Applicants who have not yet graduated should provide a letter from their undergraduate program director or equivalent authority indicating their expected graduation date.
• Class rank certificate (for graduates only), or an official statement from the university indicating that class rank is not provided by the institution.
• Updated curriculum vitae.
• National identity card or passport (for international applicants).
• Statement of purpose addressed to the current Director of the Program, Dr. Maja Vuckovic.
• Two letters of recommendation. These should not be included with the application package but must be sent directly by the referees to the program administration email (postgrado.astrofisica@uv.cl). The subject line should read: “Recommendation for [Applicant’s Name]“.

Academic Staff

– Catalina Arcos: PhD in Astrophysics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile. Massive stars, stellar winds, Be stars, line variability.

– Patricia Arévalo: PhD in Astronomy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, München, Germany. Black holes, accretion, Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN).

– Jordanka Borissova: PhD in Astrophysics and Astronomy, University of Sofia, Bulgaria. Star formation, stellar clusters, Milky Way galaxy, infrared astronomy, massive stars, variable stars.

– Graeme Candlish: PhD in Physics, University of Nottingham, UK. Numerical simulations, cosmology and gravitation.

– Víctor Cárdenas: PhD in Science, specialization in Physics, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Chile. Cosmology, General Relativity, Dark Matter, Dark Energy..

– Michel Curé: PhD in Physics, specialization in Astrophysics, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München, Germany. Massive stars, stellar winds, hydrodynamics, radiative transport, numerical methods, astrostatistics, astrometeorology.

– Daniela Grandón: PhD in Physics, Universidad de Chile. Cosmology, large-scale structure, dark energy, machine learning and deep learning, and Bayesian statistics.

– Zhen Guo: PhD in Astrophysics, Peking University, China. Stellar variability, young stars and protostars, rotation, accretion disks, young giant planets. 

– Eduardo Ibar: PhD in Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, UK. Observational cosmology, galaxy formation and evolution, active galactic nuclei, deep radio, infrared and submillimetre surveys.

– Radostin Kurtev: PhD in Astrophysics and Astronomy, University of Sofia, Bulgaria. Star formation, stellar clusters, the Milky Way galaxy, infrared astronomy, very low mass stars, brown dwarfs, cool atmospheres.

– Juan Molina: PhD in Science, specialization in Astronomy, Universidad de Chile. Formation and evolution of galaxies. Galaxy dynamics. Starbursts. Host galaxies of active galactic nuclei.

– Verónica Motta: PhD in Astrophysics, Universidad de la Laguna, España. Observational cosmology, strong gravitational lensing, microlensing, AGN, accretion disks, galaxy groups and clusters, high redshift galaxies, dark matter, spectroscopy.

– Maja Vuckovic: PhD in Astrophysics, K.U. Leuven, Belgium. Evolution of hot subdwarf stars, compact pulsators, close binary stellar evolution, asteroseismology.

– Mónica Zorotovic: PhD in Astrophysics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Close compact binary evolution (white dwarfs, hot subdwarf stars), BPS models, common envelope phase.

How to apply

Please register your interest using the red button labeled “Registra tu interés aquí” at the following link:

https://postgrados.uv.cl/doctorado/doctorado-en-astrofisica

Once you have registered your interest, you will receive the credentials required to access the online application portal. If the admission call is not yet open, these credentials will be sent to you as soon as the application period begins.

More information:

• Please contact postgrado.astrofisica@uv.cl