Research Astronomer- The Radio Astronomy Lab

Position overview

Position title : Researcher

Salary range : The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position : https : / / www.ucop.edu / academic-personnel-programs / _files / 2024-25 / july-2024-scales / t13-b.pdf . A reasonable estimate for this position is $118,000-$163,900.

Percent time : 100

Anticipated start : 2025

Position duration : 2 years

Application Window

Open date : January 12, 2025

Next review date : Sunday, Jan 26, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Radio Astronomy Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a senior researcher to work on the Breakthrough Listen Initiative. Working closely with the Breakthrough Listen Principal Investigator, the incumbent will be responsible for US operations for the Initiative, planning and coordinating activities at Listen's US facilities (including a substantial program at the Green Bank Observatory), working with partners across the US (including the SETI Institute and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory), and cultivating relationships with other academic and industry partners. This position plays a scientific leadership role in conducting, publishing, and supervising original research activities. Supervision will be expected for all levels of undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral and staff research and support activities once more employees are hired.

Listen is a large international collaboration with partners at leading universities and other institutions around the world. The incumbent will be responsible for the research output from the US program and expected to liaise with international partners, including taking a leading strategic role in planning for future technosignature programs on the Square Kilometre Array, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and the Cerenkov Telescope Array Observatory. Frequent international travel will be required.

Responsibilities include :

• Develop new methodologies and techniques for technosignature research, and bring them to fruition through publications. This includes developing technosignature approaches across the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically targeting new and upcoming facilities like the Vera C. Ruben Observatory, the Square Kilometer Array and the Cherenkov Telescope Array. (50%)
• Leading data acquisition, analysis, and dissemination of results in technosignature research from the Listen initiative. (20%)
• Training of the next generation of technosignature researchers (20%)
• Manage Listen's successful undergraduate research program, and supervise graduate student and postdoctoral researchers in the future. (10%)

Division : https : / / vcresearch.berkeley.edu / research-unit / radio-astronomy-laboratory

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

required at time of application)

PhD or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications

required at time of start)

PhD or equivalent international degree and at least six (6) years of post-PhD research experience.

Preferred qualifications

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley (for additional information go to https : / / ofew.berkeley.edu / recruitment / contributions-diversity ).

Reference requirements

Apply link : https : / / aprecruit.berkeley.edu / JPF04631

Help contact : jsharpe@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and / or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

Job location

Berkeley, CA

Salary : $118,000 - $163,900