Ceres Centre of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso (PUCV) within the framework of the project “Ecological intensification of agriculture: supporting transition to sustainable agri-food systems resilient to climate change” (R23F0003), funded by ANID, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position to highly qualified and motivated candidates. The main project goal is the study of the performance of ecological intensification of agriculture under complex and dynamic environmental and socio-institutional conditions in central Chile. This project brings together Chilean researchers from different disciplines towards agricultural sustainability.

Position Objective

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the generation of scientific knowledge on the role of soil functional diversity on nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, supporting evidence-based transitions toward sustainable agri-food systems.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for highly qualified PhD candidates with substantial experience in evaluating the provision of different ecosystem services to agriculture with focus in soil biodiversity, nutrient cycle, and carbon sequestration. We are interested in applicant with a background in implementing field experiments, combined with skills in data analysis and modelling using statistical software (R or similar). Moreover, candidates should be capable of leading technical teams, undergraduate and graduate students as well as coordinating with farming system stakeholders. Candidates must have:

• A Ph.D. in agriculture/biology/ecology/soil sciences or related disciplines.
• Have a strong record of high–quality scientific publications with some of them as first or corresponding author.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Spanish (if Spanish is not the native language).
• Have a driving license and respective experience in the countryside is desirable.
• Chilean citizenship or foreigners with Chilean residence (with the ability to submit tax receipts to the Chilen tax system).

Position Conditions

The selected candidate will have a monthly salary of $2.222.000 Chilean pesos (ea., 2,465 USD, including taxes). The position is granted until December 12th 2026 (with the possibility of extending it by one extra year) with an annual renewal process subject to prior approval from the project's director, principal researchers (PIs) and the funding agency.

The postdoc location will primarily be based in Valparaíso Region at Ceres Centre located in La Palma, Quillota. Given this main location, the applicant must be available to carry out extensive fieldwork in rural areas of the region.

Evaluation criteria.

Applicants will be evaluated and selected by the Project PI's following the criteria below:

• Thematic affinity with the project goals and requirements: 35%
• Number and quality of scientific publications in the area in the last five years: 20%
• Letters of interest and recommendation contacts (2): 15%
• Personal interview: 30%

Postdoctoral responsibilities:

• Full-time dedication to the project (40 hours per week on-site).
• Manage fieldwork and lab experiments.
• Data analysis and scientific manuscript publication.
• Publish at least one scientific article during the contract period with the project's PIs, on topics and results related to the project, indicating affiliation with the Ceres Centre, and always acknowledging “Ceres/R23F0003”.
• Participate in national and international scientific meetings related to project R23F0003 and outreach activities.
• Participate in the application of I+D projects.
• Present an annual report of activities.

Important dates:

The application deadline is February 16, 2026, 18:00 h (Chilean time)
Notification of interview for suitable candidates: One week after
Personal interviews: February 23-24, 2026 (flexible date)
Results publication: March 02, 2026
Starting date of selected candidate: March 13, 2026.

Application Procedure

To apply, please send an email to comunicaciones@centroceres.cl including the following items in a single PDF file:
• A letter of interest maximum two pages and personal contact information from two recommenders.
• Curriculum Vitae and a short description (1 extra page) of the most relevant activities related to this project with emphasis in publications and grants.
• Copy of the PhD. /Dr. diploma or certificate.
• Foreign nationals must attach a document proving their residence in Chile

Please use the subject “Postdoc 1_Ceres_ANID_2026_application” in your email to avoid being directed to the spam. Applications must be in Spanish or English. For more information and any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at comunicaciones@centroceres.cl.