Fondecyt Postdoctoral 2026: CCHEN offers sponsorship to researchers

Investigadores del Centro de Investigación en Física Nuclear y Espectroscopía de Neutrones (CEFNEN).

The Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission (CCHEN) invites researchers with a doctoral degree to apply to Fondecyt Postdoctoral 2026 competition of the National Research Agency (ANID, for its acronym in Spanish), for which it offers sponsorship during the development of their research projects in various strategic scientific and technological areas.

The initiative seeks to promote the productivity and scientific leadership of those who are beginning their research career, encouraging their insertion in the academic environment and collaboration with consolidated groups.

How to apply

Interested persons should send a cover letter and a resume (free format) to comunicaciones@cchen.cl, clearly indicating the research line of interest – described below – and the name of the related researcher.

Calendar:

  • Closing date for applications: February 7, 2025
  • Selection process: February 10 to 14, 2025
  • Announcement of selected candidates: February 18, 2025

Research lines

CCHEN, through its research centers, offers various topics for the development of postdoctoral projects. Let’s review the following research lines at disposal.

Nuclear Research Center for Health and Biomedical Applications (CINASB)

  • Development of a photocrosslinkable extracellular matrix-based formulation for applications in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering.

Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Felipe Olate Moya

  • Study of the effect of an exogenous electric field in cancer cell lines for possible applications as an alternative or complement in the treatment of cancerous tumors.

          Sponsor researcher: Dr. Ethel Velásquez Opazo

  • Development of a scaffold based on decellularized tissue for tissue engineering applications.

           Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Ethel Velásquez Opazo

  • Development of 3D models for in vitro radiobiology studies.

           Sponsor researcher: Dr. Ethel Velásquez Opazo

Learn more about CINASB Center here.

Center for Nuclear Research for Health and Biomedical Applications (CINASB).

Center for Research in Nuclear Physics and Neutron Spectroscopy (CEFNEN)

  • Study of neutron self-shielding factors.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Jaime Romero Barrientos

  • Implementation of photoneutron emission in OpenMC.

           Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Jaime Romero Barrientos

  • Monte Carlo simulations for Molten Salt Reactors (MSR).

          Sponsor researcher: Dr. Jaime Romero Barrientos

Learn more about the CEFNEN Center here.

Researchers from the Center for Research in Nuclear Physics and Neutron Spectroscopy (CEFNEN).

Plasmas and Materials Center (P2mc)

  • Characterization of pulsed radiation and plasma dynamics in a Kilojoule plasma focus device, denoted PFFAR-5kJ, for use in multidisciplinary sciences.

          Sponsor Investigator: Dr. Jalaj Jain

  • Fundamental processes in plasmas with application to space and laboratory plasmas. 

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Rodrigo López Herrera

  • Low temperature plasma and its applications in material sciences. Advanced nanostructure material productions and applications in energy, health and biomedical/agricultural sectors. 

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Biswajit Bora

  • Study of fundamental processes, triggers of fusion reactions in low-energy, low-current Focus Plasma (FP) discharges in optimized neutron emission regime. 

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Cristian Pavez Morales

  • Modification and characterization of a kilojoule focus plasma discharge chamber for the study of relativistic electrons and high intensity X-rays, with possible applications in interdisciplinary areas. 

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. José Moreno Martínez

  • Fundamental Plasma Physics in Transient Plasma Experiments. 

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Leopoldo Soto Norambuena

  • Pulsed Plasma Propulsor for Nanosatellites.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Leopoldo Soto Norambuena

  • Nuclear Fusion in Small Experimental Devices.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Leopoldo Soto Norambuena

  • Pulsed Electric Power Applications.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Leopoldo Soto Norambuena

Learn more about the P2mc Center here.

Research Center at the Intersection of Plasma Physics, Matter and Complexity (P2mc).

Materials for Energy Transition and Sustainability Center (METS)

  • Natural deep eutectic solvents as a sustainable solution for the recovery of strategic minerals from e-waste.

           Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Julio I. Urzúa

  • Innovative Materials for Sustainable Hydrogen Storage.

           Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Nicole Parra

  • Magnetic nanohydrometallurgy: Purification/recovery of critical elements for the energy transition.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. María José Inestrosa

  • Hybrid materials by sputtering: Nanofluids for efficient energy storage and transfer.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. María José Inestrosa

  • Theoretical study of materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

           Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Merlys Borges

  • Theoretical study of materials for solar cells.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Merlys Borges

  • Recovery of valuable elements from mining tailings through chemical and electrochemical processes for more sustainable copper mining.

          Sponsoring researcher: Dr. José J.A. Hernández Torres

  • Nanostructured materials and advanced electrochemical processes for the recovery and utilization of strategic elements in energy applications.

           Sponsoring researcher: Dr. Luis Ballesteros

Learn more about the METS Center here.

Some members of the research team of the Materials for Energy Transition and Sustainability (METS) Center.

 

Center for Nuclear Technologies in Vulnerable Ecosystems (CTNEV)

  • Determination of pre-cordilleran water recharge levels and their contribution to the aquifer of the Santiago basin, by means of isotopic analysis.

          Sponsor researcher: Dr. Ana Valdés Durán

Learn more about the CTNEV Center here.

CTNEV researcher during a field sampling day.