Page last updated November 13, 2024
DO YOUR POSTDOC AT THE SETI INSTITUTE!
The SETI Institute is pleased to announce the call for applications to the 2025 William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship focusing on "Engineering the Future of Cosmic Exploration."
COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF FIELDS
- Advanced radio astronomy techniques
- The interstellar medium
- The development of cutting-edge instrumentation and technology in radio astronomy
- Time-domain / radio transient science
- Technosignatures
The William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to support exceptional early-career scientists to develop and employ novel instrumentation to answer fundamental questions in astronomy and astrophysics, with a particular focus on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence or technosignatures. The proposed research program should broadly contribute to the mission of the SETI Institute, which is to lead humanity’s quest to understand the origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the universe and share that knowledge with the world.
Deadlines
| November 13, 2024 | Accepting applications. |
|---|---|
| December 20, 2024 | Applications are due. |
| February 1, 2025 | Candidates selected for interviews will be notified. |
| March 1, 2025 | Fellowship offer(s) made. |
DURATION
The William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship is a full-time, two-year program, with an option for an extension based on the Fellow’s research progress and institutional approval.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field by the start of their Fellowship and provide a proven track record of research and a compelling research proposal. There are no restrictions on career stage or years since award of the PhD.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application, including their CV, research proposal, and three contacts for letters of recommendation. Details about the application process are outlined below. Applications must be submitted to fellowships@seti.org.
FUNDING
The William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an $85,000/year stipend and a $10,000/year allowance for research-related expenses and conference attendance.
BENEFITS
Along with the stipend, research and travel allowances, Fellow will receive comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including flexible spending and HDHP (Health Saving Account). For a full benefits summary, please contact Arminé Saroian, SETI Institute Human Resources Department, at asaroian@seti.org.
TITLE
Successful applicants will receive the title of SETI Institute William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellow. This title, bearing the name of the prestigious astronomer, represents a commitment to excellence and to groundbreaking and innovative approaches to the search for life in the universe.
KEY COMPONENTS
LOCATION
The William J. Welch Postdoctoral Fellowship is tenable at the SETI Institute Headquarters in Mountain View, California or the Hat Creek Radio Observatory, Hat Creek, California. In exceptional circumstances, hybrid or joint appointment arrangements will be considered.
MENTORSHIP
This Fellowship encourages creativity and independence aiming to foster groundbreaking discoveries among the next generation of researchers in collaboration with leaders in their scientific fields.
COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT
Fellows will be granted access to a dynamic community of researchers that will foster collaboration, idea exchange, and project development.
ACCESS TO FACILITIES
Fellows will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Hat Creek Radio Observatory.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
In addition to conducting research, Fellows will have the opportunity to meet with some of the top technologists in Silicon Valley to further develop their professional skills.
ABOUT WILLIAM J. WELCH
William John (Jack) Welch was a distinguished figure in the fields of radio astronomy and electrical engineering, and a professor and Director of the Radio Astronomy Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. As a pioneer in millimeter-wavelength astronomy, Jack made groundbreaking contributions, including the discovery of the first polyatomic molecules in space, which revolutionized the understanding of interstellar chemistry and launched the field of astrochemistry. He played a leading role in the development of millimeter and submillimeter interferometry, which paved the way for world-class observatories like ALMA. Additionally, Jack was instrumental in designing the Allen Telescope Array, which serves as a cornerstone for modern SETI research. His work earned him prestigious accolades, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the NRAO Jansky Lecturership.
Throughout his career, Jack was a passionate advocate for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), holding the Marilyn and Watson Alberts Chair for SETI at Berkeley and helping found the SETI Institute’s Board of Directors. His enthusiasm for both science and mentorship left a lasting impression on his students, 27 of whom completed their degrees under his guidance. Known for his kindness, generosity, and visionary leadership, Jack cultivated an environment that encouraged innovation and collaboration. His legacy continues through the telescopes he built, the students he inspired, and his enduring impact on the fields of radio astronomy and SETI.
Application Materials and How to Apply
Applicants should apply to the fellowship by assembling the elements below into a single .pdf format document using the naming convention “[Full Name]_Application_2025_Welch_Fellowship.pdf” and emailing the document to fellowships@seti.org with the subject line “Welch Fellowship Application.”
- An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
- Names and contact information for 3 references (1 page)
- Previous and Current Research statement (3 pages)
- Research Proposal (3 pages)
Applications that do not provide all of the listed information will not be considered. Additional formatting requirements and guidance are given below.
CV
There are no page limit or formatting requirements for the CV portion of the application, except that it should be submitted in PDF format. The CV should include past and current educational and professional positions, publications (especially peer-reviewed publications), and conference abstracts with full references and/or links.
Previous and Current Research Statement
In this statement, the applicant should demonstrate a strong track record of research excellence, detailing their leadership and contributions to the research activities described in the CV and including any ongoing projects. Applicants are encouraged to highlight activities which are relevant to the project described in the Research Proposal where possible.
Research Proposal
In this statement, the applicant should describe the research that they plan to perform. Successful Research Proposals will describe a feasible research plan which makes use of SETI Institute resources, researcher expertise, and facilities to advance knowledge in a relevant discipline. The motivation for pursuing your plan, i.e., the topic’s scientific case, should be explicitly stated. The research theme should also be linked to 1) the call’s focus areas and 2) the general science mission of the SETI Institute. Strong proposals will provide a case for why the applicant is uniquely positioned to carry out the research they propose, and also a case for why the SETI Institute is uniquely suited to their project.
References
Applicants should provide the name, relationship to applicant, email address, and (optionally) phone number for three reference writers. Reference writers should be able to speak to the applicant’s research activities, educational attainment, work ethic and professional background. References may or may not be contacted.
Page Limits
The Previous and Current Research Statement and Research Proposal should each be 3 pages maximum (references excluded from page count). Figures and/or tables may be included to demonstrate significant results — note that these will count towards the page limit. The document should not produce text that is denser than 12pt Times New Roman single-spaced, and margins should be at least 1in.
Selection Criteria
Packets from eligible applicants containing all required materials will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of relevant SETI Institute researchers and leadership.
The selection committee will select fellows whose application packets demonstrate:
- Sufficient relevant preparation to lead to success, as determined primarily via the Prior and Current Research Statement and the CV
- Articulation of a scientifically-compelling research project which can be completed within the proposed fellowship duration and that is a good match to the available resources, facilities, and skillset of the applicant, as determined primarily via the Research Proposal
- The potential to be a productive part of a thriving, interdisciplinary team and develop scientific leadership skills during their tenure
Questions?
Applicants who have questions related to their research proposal can contact:
Dr. Andrew Siemion, Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI: asiemion@seti.org
Dr. Nathalie A. Cabrol, CSC Director, Science Council Chair: ncabrol@seti.org
For other questions related to applications or employment at the SETI Institute, please contact Arminé Saroian, SETI Institute Human Resources Department, at asaroian@seti.org.
ABOUT THE SETI INSTITUTE
The SETI Institute is a world-renowned multidisciplinary institute studying the universe, its habitability, its potential for life, intelligence, and consciousness to emerge beyond Earth, and what can be learned from these studies about humanity’s place and role on our planet. The SETI Institute is home to principal investigators who specialize in theoretical studies and modeling, planetary missions (e.g., MRO, MSL, Mars 2020, New Horizons), terrestrial analogs to planetary environments, and cutting-edge ground and space telescope research (including Hubble, TESS, James Webb). Their expertise covers a wide range of fields:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Astrobiology
- Climate and Biogeosciences
- Exoplanets
- Planetary Exploration
- SETI and Technosignatures
The SETI Institute boasts its own world-class radio-telescope array at Hat Creek in Northern California. Access to cutting-edge facilities coupled with the Institute’s prime location in the heart of Silicon Valley offers exceptional opportunities for Fellows to engage with top scientific researchers as well as distinguished experts in the tech industry. This includes the development of AI solutions for research projects.
Connect with us on the website at www.seti.org and on social media (@setiinstitute)