ATA Project Scientist

SETI Institute Position Description

Position Title:                   ATA Project Scientist
Location:                          Hat Creek Radio Observatory, Hat Creek, California
FLSA Status:                    Full time, Exempt

Note:
Use this link to apply now:  https://www.seti.org/career-center/ata-project-scientist/

REQUIRED:       A cover letter, resume and application are required attachments.
                           Applications received without a cover letter, resume and application will not be considered.

The SETI Institute is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual for the role of Project 
Scientist for the Allen Telescope Array (ATA), a facility of the Hat Creek Radio Observatory. The 
incumbent will be tasked to serve as the science program lead at the ATA, and will be responsible 
for researching current telescope technology, designing and testing new hardware and software, and 
implementing the telescope for use in scientific research.  The ATA can be effectively employed in 
a wide range of activities,
including radio astrophysics, space domain awareness, space communication and high throughput 
computing applications.

Salary range: $115k–$145k/year.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead a diverse science program on the Allen Telescope Array
o  Research and analyze current telescope technology to identify areas for improvement
o  Lead or support the system design and testing of new software and hardware components
o  Conduct extensive testing and calibration of the instrument, including commissioning new array 
elements and observing modes.
o  Train and supervise a team of observers, scientists and engineers to operate and use the 
telescope
o  Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals

o  Represent the Allen Telescope Array and Hat Creek Radio Observatory to a wide range of 
stakeholder communities

QUALIFICATIONS:
o  A PhD or equivalent degree in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer 
Science or a related field is desirable but not required.
o  Experience with high-speed digital signal processing and/or signal detection in the time or 
frequency domain
o  Experience with many petabyte data sets, distributed scientific data analysis, and
/ or training deep learning algorithms on large and complex datasets
o  Experience of interferometric principles (e.g., correlation, fringe tracking, visibility 
function, aperture synthesis).
o  Experience with calibration of interferometric data (amplitude, phase, delay, polarization).
o  Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals involving exploitation of radiometry for 
scientific research
o  Experience with both high low-level programming languages like python, C, C++, and CUDA
o  Experience with UNIX/Linux-based systems, shell scripting languages, and the command line
o  Excellent written and verbal communication in English is required.
o  Commitment to open, transparent, and reproducible science
o  Must be a team player and work in close collaboration with the team members at the observatory.
o  Experience commissioning novel multi-element radiometers is highly desirable

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
o Reach or work above shoulders and use tools.
o  Lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh up to 25 lbs.
o  Work outside in hot weather conditions.
o  Perform computer-based tasks, or work in laboratory environment.

EEO/Veteran