Research Astronomer- The Radio Astronomy Lab

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

PhD or equivalent international degree

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

• PhD in astrophysics or a related field
• Extensive experience with radio astronomy observations and analysis
• Extensive experience working in a large results-driven collaboration
• Internationally-recognized leadership in the field of technosignature research
• Familiarity with state-of-the-art methodologies in technosignature science
• Track record of successful grant applications
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Internationally-recognized excellence in academic research
• Record of impactful results from mentoring of students and early career researchers

• 3 required (contact information only)

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.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
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