CIGIDEN R+ / Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Disaster Risk, Resilience and Recovery (ANID Center of National Interest)
The Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Disaster Risk, Resilience and Recovery CIGIDEN R+ (https://nuevo.cigiden.cl/) is a multidisciplinary research center of excellence funded by the Chilean Agency for Research and Development, ANID. Its mission is to reduce disaster risk, promote resilience, and strengthen recovery processes in social and built environments exposed to multiple hazards, by integrating cutting-edge research with public policy and territorial action.
CIGIDEN R+ brings together researchers from a wide range of disciplines —including Social Sciences, Urban Planning, Geography, Psychology, Engineering, and Geosciences— and is supported by a consortium of six Chilean universities: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (www.uc.cl), Universidad Católica del Norte (www.ucn.cl), Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (www.usm.cl), Universidad Andrés Bello (www.unab.cl), Universidad de Valparaíso (www.uv.cl), and Universidad de Concepción (www.udec.cl). The Center’s research team is primarily based in Santiago, Valparaíso, Antofagasta, and Concepción.
In a context characterized by earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as the increasing occurrence of climate-related disasters such as floods and wildfires, CIGIDEN R+ seeks to produce scientific knowledge and applied solutions that support improved decision-making and more integrated disaster risk management. Research is organized around five interconnected lines: Hazards, Infrastructure, Territories, Society, and Challenges, addressing topics ranging from multi-hazard risk assessment to governance and community participation.
The Postdoctoral Position
CIGIDEN R+ invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Position within our Society (S) Research Line. Specifically, this research line examines disaster governability, community engagement, and sociocultural resilience looking to develop knowledge on multi-level coordination among public and private stakeholders, and to integrate community knowledge to inform policies that strengthen resilience, reduce risk, and promote sustainable recovery.
We encourage candidates from different disciplines and with different expertise to apply.
The successful applicant is expected to contribute and complement the work developed by our researchers in one or more of the following topics:
- Locally sensitive early warning systems and community response: Design, implementation, and evaluation of early warning systems that integrate local contexts, with emphasis on community preparedness and response in fire-prone areas (or other hazards).
- Epidemiological and public health implications of disasters: Analysis of the health impacts of disasters, including disease outbreaks, mental health consequences, and the disruption of health services in affected populations.
- Land regulation and governance for disaster risk management and reconstruction: Study of land-use policies, institutional frameworks, and local governance processes that shape disaster risk and post-disaster reconstruction at the municipal level.
- Disasters and older adults: Examination of the specific vulnerabilities, needs, and capacities of older adults in disaster response, and recovery contexts.
- Disasters and children: Investigation of the differential impacts of disasters on children, including risks to physical safety, mental health, education, and long-term development.
- Local knowledge and community participation in disaster contexts: Exploration of how local and indigenous knowledge systems and participatory approaches can contribute to disaster risk reduction and resilience-building.
- Risk communication in disaster preparedness and emergency contexts: Research on the processes, challenges, and effectiveness of communicating risk and/or early warnings to communities, institutions, and/or decision-makers.
- Environmental Humanities and disaster research: Interdisciplinary inquiry into the cultural, historical, and ethical dimensions of human–environment relations as they intersect with disaster risk and experience.
- Social Studies of Science and Technology in disaster contexts: Critical analysis of how scientific knowledge, technologies, and expert systems are produced, contested, and applied in disaster risk management and response.
Candidates will be encouraged to participate in the different outreach activities and programs of CIGIDEN R+ with the objective of transferring the scientific knowledge to different communities in the country, such as professionals and practitioners, and school students.
Requirements
- A PhD degree obtained within the last 3 years at the time of appointment in a research area related to the description of topics presented above (all social sciences and the humanities are welcome to apply, as well as candidates from other disciplines, as long as they are oriented towards the objectives of the Society ́s research line)
- A demonstrated research trajectory, evidenced by scientific publications and/or presentations at academic or professional events.
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Autonomy, proactivity, and results-oriented work style.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Experience in teaching, supervising undergraduate and graduate students, engaging in outreach and transfer activities, participation in research projects, and other professional and research working experience are a plus.
Position conditions
- Application deadline: 4 May 2026
- Expected start date: no later than July 2026
- Appointment: full time and for a maximum of 3 years, pending an internal yearly evaluation.
- Location: San Joaquín Campus, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- Salary: equivalent to ANID Fondecyt postdoctoral grant.
Applications
To apply, please submit the following documentation:
- Curriculum Vitae, including the information and contact details for two referees who we can approach for recommendations.
- Application letter, providing information about your qualifications (e.g., research experience, methodological expertise), your motivation to apply, research interests, and expected contribution to the project (1 page).
- Research proposal, including a general research formulation, a summary of the postdoctoral thesis, objectives, methodology, and work plan (2 pages).
The email message header should be titled Postdoctoral Research Position Society – CIGIDEN R+ and directed to Professors Magdalena Gil (mogil@uc.cl) and Marcelo González (magonzalezg@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 live, depending on the candidate ́s location).
For further information, please contact Marcelo González (magonzalezg@uc.cl) and Magdalena Gil (mogil@uc.cl)
