The Double Degree Doctorate in Astrophysics (DDAp) is a program offered by the National University of San Martín through the Sabato Institute (CNEA-UNSAM) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany. It provides opportunities for students to connect with cutting-edge projects in universe science led by researchers from the Institute of Detection and Astroparticle Technologies (ITeDA), a subsidiary of CNEA, CONICET, and UNSAM.

The call for applications seeks to fill two vacancies and is aimed at young graduates, or those eligible to graduate before April 2026, in Physics, Astronomy, and related fields from any university in the country or abroad. All applications will be evaluated by an Academic Committee. Applicants should be interested in topics related to astroparticle physics, as the proposed research topics for this call are within the activities of the Pierre Auger Observatory: the study of cosmic rays, neutrinos, very high-energy photons, etc.
Applications are open until July 1, 2025. Interested applicants are asked to send a CV including their grade point average, a transcript of the courses they have completed, and a letter of recommendation to admisiones_ddap@iteda.gob.ar. A B2 or higher level of English is also required.
Selected candidates will be based at ITeDA’s headquarters, at the CNEA Constituyentes Atomic Center, and at KIT in Germany, where they must complete two internships of at least six months each. The dual degree program allows graduates to obtain a degree from UNSAM and another from KIT, giving them the profile of researchers capable of generating knowledge and/or technological developments, as well as working in university teaching and training human capital in the field.

Why study the Dual Doctorate in Astrophysics?

What is the universe made of? What are dark matter and dark energy? What is the origin of the matter-antimatter asymmetry? What properties do neutrinos play and what role do they play in cosmic evolution? What can they tell us about the interior of the Sun and Earth? And about supernova explosions? What is the origin of cosmic rays? What is the cosmos like at very high energy? Can we detect gravitational waves? What would they tell us about the processes of galaxy mergers? These are some of the questions that thousands of scientists around the world are trying to answer through large observatories and experiments. The dual-degree program in astrophysics, unique in Argentina, has a track record of more than 10 years, training professionals in excellent scientific environments. They receive personalized training and the opportunity to complete their doctoral thesis work in one of the international collaborative projects carried out by ITeDA, such as the Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory, located in Malargüe (Mendoza), or the QUBIC project, located in Alto Chorrillos (Salta), a Bolometric Interferometer for Cosmology project whose objective is to measure the B mode in the polarization of the microwave background radiation and thus study the early universe.

International Scientific Connection

The binational nature of this program allows students to connect with experts from around the world, not only because it requires a residency in the partner country but also because the research is carried out within the context of large international collaborative projects in astrophysics and cosmology.
The doctoral program does not include scholarships; Selected candidates must apply to CONICET in 2025 to obtain a doctoral scholarship. Travel expenses will be covered and a stipend will be awarded based on the cost of living in that country.

TECHNICAL SHEET

Call for applications to fill two vacancies in the Double Degree Doctorate in Astrophysics (UNSAM-KIT)

Registration deadline: July 1, 2025

Requirements: Graduates or advanced students in Physics, Astronomy, Data Science, and Mathematics from any university in the country or abroad. For related programs, applications will be evaluated by an Academic Committee.

How to apply:

Send the following to admisiones_ddap@iteda.gob.ar:
1- Applicant’s CV, including the academic average for the program taken.
2- Transcript of completed subjects.
3- A letter of recommendation.
For more information, questions, and inquiries, please write to admisiones_ddap@iteda.gob.ar