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Research Scientist

SETI Institute
Mountain View, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/7/2026

SETI INSTITUTE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

 

Position Title                         Research Scientist     

FLSA Status:                          Exempt, full time

Reports To:                            Senior Research Scientist     

 

REQUIRED:       A cover letter, resume and application are required attachments. 

                           Applications received without a cover letter and resume will not be       

                           accepted.

Apply here:       Click here to apply:   https://www.seti.org/career-center/research-scientist/.    

                          Please do not apply using the EASY APPLY button on other platforms

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

 

The SETI Institute is a nonprofit research organization focused on the search for life beyond Earth. We support NASA missions to destinations in our own Solar System and look for signs of technology as proxy for life and intelligence far beyond using advanced radio telescopes, laser cameras and other scientific missions.

 

We are currently seeking a Research Scientist to support various spacecraft missions including the Visible Imaging System (VIS) on the VIPER mission to the Moon, the ongoing HiRISE instrument on MRO, and other missions. The qualified candidate will be responsible for architecting and developing scientific software systems to support terrain data production and cartographic products.  In addition, the Research Scientist in this role will have the responsibility of supporting the team with projects related to planetary spatial data infrastructures and will be expected to interface with and support the Senior Scientist to determine the data processing and scientific goals for each project. 

 

SALARY RANGE:

$55,000 to $90,000 per year

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

  • Architect and develop scientific software as needed to support planetary mission work.
  • Architect and develop scientific software as needed to support planetary spatial data infrastructure work.
  • Analyze mission science data to support scientific goals as needed.
  • Present results at scientific and technical conferences.
  • Author or co-author publications related to the work.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

  • PhD or equivalent experience with planetary software and data systems.
  • Experience with unix operating systems.
  • Experience with the Python programming language.
  • Experience with geospatial software libraries.
  • Experience with SQL.
  • Experience with the Ames Stereo Pipeline or other photogrammetry software.
  • Expertise in planetary image processing and cartography.
  • Experience with Web development and Javascript

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

  • Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
  • Sort, file paperwork, grasp lightly, and use fine manipulation, lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh up to 25 lbs.
  • Stand, walk, reach or work above shoulders and use a telephone.

Salary and Benefits

The SETI Institute offers competitive benefits, including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance.

EEO/Veteran

 

 

 

Salary : $55,000 - $90,000

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