Oportunidades Públicas

Size and scale of volcanoes in different environments of the cortex

This project will use data from a database data of morphometry of volcanoes (i.e., Grosse et al., 2008) to understand the distribution of the size and scale of the volcanoes. The student will perform statistical analysis and thermodynamic

Desarrollo e Implementación de Algoritmo de Predicción de Ataques Epilépticos en base a señales de Electrocardiograma, usando

- Estudiante de 4to, 5to o 6to año de Ingeniería Matemática, en Computación o Eléctrica (u otra, si se han orientado hacia el área de Data Science)
- Experiencia trabajando en proyectos aplicados de Data Science (o voluntad y tiempo para aprender).
- Conocimiento intermedio/avanzado de algoritmos de Machine Learning tradicionales (uso de pandas, sklearn y otros similares).
- Conocimiento básico/intermedio de algoritmos de DeepLearning (uso de pytorch, keras, tensorflow o jax).
- Buenas habilidades de programación en python.

Los ataques Epilépticos afectan a x% (rellenar el dato) de la población en Chile, y pueden afectar severamente la vida de quienes los sufren.

Usualmente se utilizan señales electricas del cerebro para detectar y predecir este tipo de eventos, a través de Electroencefalogramas. Lamentablemente, este tipo de mediciones son muy imprácticas para llevar un monitoreo constante de los pacientes en su día a día. Es por esto que buscaremos desarrollar algoritmos de Machin

La investigación, en colaboración con el Dr. Bemit Crespin (Universidad de Limoges), requiere un estudiante con experiencia en C/C++, Python, gráficos por computadora y computación GPU.

Advanced Numerical Modeling and Materials Analysis

Are you ready to tackle cutting-edge challenges in computational engineering and materials science? Join our dynamic research team to develop innovative techniques that combine voxel-based finite element methods (V-FEM) with powerful computational tools, advancing applications in medical engineering, materials science, and mechanical systems.

Voxel-based finite element methods leverage high-resolution image data to create precise models of complex structures, enabling unprecedented accuracy in simulations. These approaches find critical applications in medical fields, such as bone mechanics and implant design, and in materials science, where understanding microstructural behavior is essential for innovation.

Optimizing Bacterial Self-Healing in Concrete: Encapsulation vs. Direct Addition for Enhanced Performance

This research explores the innovative autonomous self-healing approach in concrete, which incorporates bacteria to enable self-repair of cracks. The focus is on evaluating two primary methods: direct addition of bacteria to the concrete mixture and encapsulation of bacteria within microcapsules.

In the direct addition method, bacteria and nutrients such as calcium lactate are embedded into the concrete. When cracks form and water seeps in, the bacteria activate and convert nutrients into calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), effectively sealing the cracks. The encapsulation method, on the other hand, uses microcapsules containing bacteria, which rupture upon crack formation to release healing agents that repair the damage.

This research explores the innovative use of bacteria for autonomous self-healing in concrete. It evaluates two main methods: direct addition of bacteria to the concrete mix and encapsulation in microcapsules.

Direct addition activates bacteria upon water ingress to produce calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and seal cracks, while encapsulation releases repair agents when microcaps

Research on mineral economics themes

The research project seeks for the student to identify a topic related to mineral economics that is of interest, within a list of topics and challenges predefined by the mentor. Next, the student is expected to define the problem or opportunity, the hypothesis and research objectives, and propose a methodology to address said topic (month 1).
Next, it is expected that a bibliographic review related to the chosen topic will be carried out, and that progress will be made in the application of the proposed methodology, delivering results and their discussion in perspective with the state of the art.

Universal Discontinuity Index–Driven Digital Twins for Multiscale Damage and Stability in Brittle Rock Masses

This IPre project is embedded within a broad research framework focused on the development of Digital Twin–based approaches for rock mass behavior in mining and underground engineering. The research aims to advance the understanding of how geometric discontinuities, stress conditions, and scale effects jointly control damage evolution, anisotropy, and structural stability in brittle rock masses.
A central element of this framework is the Universal Discontinuity Index (UDi), which serves as a unifying structural descriptor to quantify fracture activation, mechanical degradation, and failure mechanisms across a wide range of mining-related problems. By integrating UDi into Digital Twin models, the research establishes a consistent link between rock mass geometry, loading conditions, and mechanical response, enabling systematic interpretation across different engineering contexts.
The Digital Twin framework developed in this project is applicable to multiple domains of mining engineering, including:
• uniaxial and confined rock strength (UCS and biaxial conditions),
• pillar stability and strength evolution,
• support and reinforcement design in jointed rock masses,
• anisotropic fracture behavior associated with oriented discontinuities,
• stability assessment of underground excavations at different scales.
Within this approach, numerical and experimental models are treated as digital representations of physical rock systems, where damage indicators such as fracture intensity, activation mode, kinematic response, and UDi evolve together with stress and deformation. This enables a unified interpretation of failure processes, independent of the specific mining application.

Sustainable Cement-Free High-Early-Strength Mine Backfill Using Tailings and Wastewater for Low-Cost, Low-Carbon Underground Mining

Chile is globally known for its mining industry. As demand increases, underground mining is expanding, but it brings serious risks such as ground subsidence and environmental degradation. To address these issues, different backfill technologies have been developed based on mine depth, geology, and safety needs. Among them, paste backfilling offers the highest strength and minimal surface settlement (0.0–0.1), ideal for sensitive zones. However, its high cost and technical complexity remain key challenges. Traditional cemented backfill also faces issues like time delays, high cement use, and sourcing materials. My Current research focuses on two main goals: Firstly, reducing cost and system complexity. Secondly, using local mine waste as a substitute for cementitious materials components. This approach not only lowers expenses but also helps tackle CO₂ emissions, as cement is responsible for over 8% of global greenhouse gases, making backfilling both economically and environmentally sustainable.
As a researcher who views challenges from environmental, economic, and engineering perspectives, I aim to develop a sustainable backfilling material that is not only cost-effective and eco-friendly but also capable of reaching high strength within just a few days. My approach focuses on using mine waste, including tailings, as a substitute for traditional cement, and wastewater from mining or other industries as freshwater to refill underground voids. This journey requires a multidisciplinary approach: civil engineering and concrete technology to ensure strength and durability, mining engineering for operational compatibility, and material chemistry to understand the microstructure of cementitious systems and guide the alkali activation of tailings. I am currently seeking motivated collaborators to join this research. If you are excited about innovative, game-changing solutions in concrete technology and the mining industry, please send your CV and be part of this journey.
I especially welcome motivated students and early-career researchers with mining or civil engineering backgrounds who are interested in hands-on laboratory experiments, data analysis, and the development of sustainable cement-free backfilling materials to get in touch and collaborate on this project.

Low-Alkali Cement-Free Tailings Binders

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce cement consumption and its environmental footprint. One promising approach is the development of cement-free binders based on low-calcium (low-Ca) materials, where industrial by-products such as mine tailings are reused as alternative precursors for construction materials.
My current research focuses on alkali-activated materials (AAMs) produced from low-Ca tailings, with the aim of developing sustainable binders suitable for civil engineering applications. A key challenge in AAM technology is the reliance on high concentrations of alkali activators, particularly sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which raises concerns related to cost, safety, and environmental impact. This project specifically targets minimizing the use of alkali activators, while still achieving reliable and practical mechanical performance.
The research is mainly experimental and involves laboratory mixing, mechanical testing, and basic material characterization to evaluate the performance of tailing-based binders under reduced alkali activation. The broader goal is to move toward more practical, safer, and environmentally responsible alkali-activated systems for construction use.
I am currently seeking motivated students and early-career researchers with a background in civil engineering or related fields who are interested in sustainable construction materials and hands-on laboratory research. If you are excited about working on innovative, low-carbon binders and gaining practical research experience, I would be happy to collaborate.

Fragmentation of metal markets: regional premiums, benchmarks, and trade policy shocks

Motivation: Metal markets have recently exhibited episodes of divergence between benchmarks (e.g., LME vs. COMEX) and a temporary loss of credibility or functionality in price references. Simultaneously, trade policy and sanctions have increased the likelihood of regional market segmentation. Understanding when regional premiums emerge, how long they persist, and the variables explaining them is crucial for price forecasting, contract design, and public policy.
Expected results: Evidence is expected of statistically significant and persistent increases in spreads following regulatory announcements or policy shocks. A useful outcome is the quantification of the “half-life” of a regional premium and its sensitivity to inventory levels and logistics.

Bibliometric map of the economics of critical minerals and the energy transition (2015–2025) + 2026–2028 agenda

Motivation: The literature on “critical minerals” has grown explosively over the last decade and is scattered across the fields of economics, public policy, engineering, sustainability, and geopolitics. A bibliometric map based on open data allows for structuring the field and identifying sub-communities (clusters), “bridge” papers, evidence gaps, and priority questions for the 2026–2028 agenda.
Expected results: The study aims to identify 4–8 dominant clusters and their temporal dynamics, as well as a small set of papers and authors acting as “bridges” between disciplines. The paper should conclude with a prioritized (high-impact) agenda for mineral economics and public policy.