We’re here to maximize humanity’s chances of detecting a signal from an extraterrestrial civilization through supporting people involved in SETI

Young scientists support program – сompetitive selection of young scientists for funding their education in astrophysics, astrobiology, exoplanetology and related fields for collaborative work in SETI.

Aim of the project: attracting and supporting promising young researchers for further involvement in the organization’s collaborative initiatives focused on the search for extraterrestrial civilizations.

Requirements for candidates

Age limit: up to 35 years

Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas:

• astrophysics;
• astronomy;
• planetology;
• biophysics;
• computer science or related disciplines;
• chemical and biological sciencies.Fields of scientific interests: SETI, astrophysics, astronomy, astrobiology.

Scientific experience and achievements providing an advantage:

• participation in scientific conferences and grant projects;
• processing data from telescopes, spectrographs, etc.;
• skills in programming (Python, MATLAB) and analysis of large datasets;
• participation in field research (analogues of Earth’s extreme environments — e.g., the Arctic, deep-sea hydrothermal vents);
• possession of patents or practical developments.

Funding terms

Funding amount: individual scholarships depending on the studying program.

Funding duration:  1–3 years with the possibility of extention.

Eligible expenses:

• access to supercomputing resources/cloud services;
• business trips to conferences and observatories (aligned with the project’s research focus);
• participation in partner-organized events.

Participant obligations:

• submission of semi-annual reports (including complete project datasets);
• open-access publications acknowledging organizational support;
• participation in the organization’s working groups;
• willingness to publicly disseminate research findings (lectures, interviews).

Selection procedure

Application submission: applications must be submitted via the website by completing an online form with the following required information

Personal details:

• First Name, Last Name;
• date of birth;
• country of Residence;
• highest educational qualification at the time of application;
• languages proficiency;
• E-mail address.

Required supporting documents (in PDF):

• identity verification document;
• educational credentials (in English; translations are of the applicant’s responsibility);
• curriculum Vitae (CV);
• motivation letter (2 pages max).

Evaluation process: online interview (in English): shortlisted candidates whose applications are approved will be invited for a virtual interview with the selection committee.

Any questions left?

To find the answers or learn more about the program, write to info@setifund.org