SETI Institute
University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The University of New Mexico invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship to work on commensal observing science using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, to begin in October 2025. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is located within a new (Fall 2019), state-of-the-art research facility, the Physics and Astronomy and Interdisciplinary Science (PAÍS) building.
Position Summary
The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Greg Taylor and Dr. Chenoa Tremblay and will play a key role in using and assisting in upgrades related to the VLA commensal project, the Commensal Open-Source Multimode Interferometer Cluster (COSMIC), which enables one of the most comprehensive Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) programs to date through ethernet-based digital architecture. COSMIC is capable of achieving various scientific objectives. The fellow will leverage COSMIC’s experienced team to further commission COSMIC for additional scientific endeavors by working closely with researchers at the SETI Institute and University of New Mexico, as well as collaborating with partners including Oxford University, Breakthrough Initiatives, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). The fellow will have access to science-ready data products from COSMIC and flexibility to design new processing pipelines for real-time analysis. There will be opportunities for independent research in areas such as SETI, astrobiology, radio transients, radio frequency interference, or ionospheric science. The fellow will also have the chance to become an expert user of the VLA, with access to the Long Wavelength Array and opportunities to use the Allen Telescope Array, benefiting their research. Responsibilities include: Extending the science capabilities of the COSMIC commensal observing system through software development. Assisting the Project Scientist with hardware upgrades and repairs at the VLA site. Collaborating with researchers at the University of New Mexico, SETI Institute, and partners including Berkeley SETI Research Center (BSRC), Oxford University, Breakthrough Listen, and NRL. Research funds will support publications and travel to conferences and workshops. The researcher will also have opportunities for collaboration with the SETI Institute, NRAO, and NRL. Applications are encouraged to be submitted by August 31, 2025, for best consideration. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, computing science, or a related field at the time of hire. Preferred Qualifications: Strong software development skills. Familiarity with the VLA and scientific computing/observatory software/radio astronomy technology. Knowledge of radio observatory science operations. Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Commitment to understanding and respecting the diverse cultures of New Mexico and supporting the university’s mission to serve local and global communities. Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted through the official UNMJobs site. If viewing this on a third-party site, please visit UNMJobs to apply. A complete application includes a cover letter, a research statement (up to three pages, excluding bibliography), a CV with publications, and two confidential letters of recommendation. Applicants selected for a faculty position must provide official certification of degree completion before employment begins. For best consideration, apply by August 31, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
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The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Greg Taylor and Dr. Chenoa Tremblay and will play a key role in using and assisting in upgrades related to the VLA commensal project, the Commensal Open-Source Multimode Interferometer Cluster (COSMIC), which enables one of the most comprehensive Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) programs to date through ethernet-based digital architecture. COSMIC is capable of achieving various scientific objectives. The fellow will leverage COSMIC’s experienced team to further commission COSMIC for additional scientific endeavors by working closely with researchers at the SETI Institute and University of New Mexico, as well as collaborating with partners including Oxford University, Breakthrough Initiatives, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). The fellow will have access to science-ready data products from COSMIC and flexibility to design new processing pipelines for real-time analysis. There will be opportunities for independent research in areas such as SETI, astrobiology, radio transients, radio frequency interference, or ionospheric science. The fellow will also have the chance to become an expert user of the VLA, with access to the Long Wavelength Array and opportunities to use the Allen Telescope Array, benefiting their research. Responsibilities include: Extending the science capabilities of the COSMIC commensal observing system through software development. Assisting the Project Scientist with hardware upgrades and repairs at the VLA site. Collaborating with researchers at the University of New Mexico, SETI Institute, and partners including Berkeley SETI Research Center (BSRC), Oxford University, Breakthrough Listen, and NRL. Research funds will support publications and travel to conferences and workshops. The researcher will also have opportunities for collaboration with the SETI Institute, NRAO, and NRL. Applications are encouraged to be submitted by August 31, 2025, for best consideration. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, computing science, or a related field at the time of hire. Preferred Qualifications: Strong software development skills. Familiarity with the VLA and scientific computing/observatory software/radio astronomy technology. Knowledge of radio observatory science operations. Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Commitment to understanding and respecting the diverse cultures of New Mexico and supporting the university’s mission to serve local and global communities. Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted through the official UNMJobs site. If viewing this on a third-party site, please visit UNMJobs to apply. A complete application includes a cover letter, a research statement (up to three pages, excluding bibliography), a CV with publications, and two confidential letters of recommendation. Applicants selected for a faculty position must provide official certification of degree completion before employment begins. For best consideration, apply by August 31, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
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