Breakthrough Listen Fellow

A Unique Opportunity for Postdoctoral Research in Astrophysics and Related
Fields. More than one fellowship is potentially available.





The University of Oxford invites applications for the Breakthrough Listen
Postdoctoral Fellowship, designed for early-career researchers in astronomy,
astrophysics, and computer science. This fellowship is a part of the
Breakthrough Listen initiative, a leading program in the search for
extraterrestrial intelligence headquartered at the University of Oxford.





Fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate with, and enjoy mentorship
from, the breadth of Oxford Astrophysics faculty as well as senior Listen
staff including Principal Investigator Andrew Siemion.





It is likely there will be opportunities for membership of an Oxford college.





The post is available for a fixed-term until 30th June 2026 initially.





**Research Areas and Objectives**





A list of potential research topics are listed below. However, these are not
comprehensive, and we encourage research plans aimed at novel technosignature
investigations as well.





**Radio Technosignatures:**



A key priority area for Breakthrough Listen involves work on advanced multi-
element radio telescopes such as MeerKAT, the Very Large Array and the Allen
Telescope Array. Research efforts could focus on developing and enhancing
algorithms for image domain approaches in radio interferometry with an aim to
improve instrument sensitivity and robustness of software pipelines for a more
effective search for radio technosignatures.





**Coherent Broadband Emission Physics:**



The Breakthrough Listen program involves in-depth analysis of natural and
artificial coherent broadband emissions. This is essential for distinguishing
between common astrophysical signals and potential indicators of
extraterrestrial technology. Establishing techniques for discerning the
underlying physical properties of coherent emitters would be very valuable to
the search for technosignatures.





** Atmospheric Technosignatures:**



Breakthrough Listen is keen to explore the potential of next-generation
observatories to study exoplanet atmospheres. Listen’s specific focus is on
identifying artificial molecules and other technosignatures.





**Machine Learning and Anomaly Detection**





Application of machine learning to large astronomical datasets, such as those
from the Vera Rubin Observatory and GAIA, offer exciting opportunities for
technosignature detection. Relevant research could include developing
algorithms for anomaly detection that would identify potential
technosignatures within these vast data sets, focussing on optical transients
or other large datasets. Citizen science is also of interest, especially where
combined with ML.





The candidate will be required to demonstrate the ability to manage their own
academic research and administrative activities which may involve small scale
project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.





The fellowship encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
Applicants will have the opportunity to work alongside leading experts in the
field. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess experience
in data analysis, radio astronomy, or machine learning.





Candidates should have experience of contributing to publications and/or
presentations and be able to contribute new ideas for research projects.



The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant area of astronomy,
physics or engineering.



The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.





Please direct enquiries about the role to Andrew Siemion
(andrew.siemion@physics.ox.ac.uk)





Only applications received before midday 16th February 2024 can be considered.
You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and
details of two referees as part of your online application. Your referees
should submit your reference to Leanne.Odonnell@physics.ox.ac.uk before the
closing date.