Page last updated December 21, 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.
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)