Principal Investigator

About Seti Institute

At SETI, we are dedicated to advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe through world-class scientific research, exploration, and discovery. We bring together a brilliant, passionate community of researchers, scientists, engineers, and innovators.

About the Opportunity

Are you a funded researcher seeking an institutional home that champions your science, maximizes your grant funding, and actively accelerates your next breakthrough?

At the SETI Institute, we are dedicated to advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe through world-class scientific research, exploration, and discovery. We are currently expanding our community of elite researchers and are seeking Principal Investigators who currently hold active grant funding to bring their research to the SETI Institute.

We welcome visionary scientists, engineers, and STEM education professionals working in astrophysics, astrobiology, planetary science, heliophysics, space instruments, or SETI research.

Why Anchor Your Research at the SETI Institute?

We understand that as a Principal Investigator, your true calling is discovery—not administrative overhead. We provide a powerhouse of support to ensure you spend your time where it matters most: the science.

• Maximize Every Research Dollar: The SETI Institute was founded on a core principle: indirect costs must remain as low as possible to allow maximum resources to flow directly to your research. Through strategic, long-standing affiliations with the NASA Ames Research Center, Lockheed Martin, and others, we maintain a highly competitive indirect cost rate that stretches your funding further.
• A World-Class Grants Engine: Our dedicated Grants Administration team provides proactive, end-to-end support. We don't just manage your current grant; we actively monitor the landscape for new proposal opportunities, alert you early, and provide rigorous senior staff reviews to ensure your next application is overwhelmingly competitive.
• Unrivaled Prestige & Network: You will join an elite, intellectually vibrant community of over 100 scientists spanning 24 natural science domains. As a top-tier contractor for NASA and the NSF, and through deeply integrated partnerships with Lockheed Martin and top tech and AI companies, we offer unparalleled collaborative opportunities to push the boundaries of modern science.
• Exceptional Compensation & Total Care: We offer highly competitive Bay Area salaries commensurate with your expertise and available funds. Our premier benefits package features 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and all your dependents, a generous 8% 403(b) retirement contribution (after one year), and comprehensive paid time off.
• Ultimate Workspace Flexibility: Work where your science thrives. Choose our modern, technology-equipped Mountain View headquarters designed for collaboration, nearby NASA Ames, a collaborator’s secure facility, or the focus of a remote home office.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific, engineering, or STEM education field.
• Must currently hold active grant funding (from NASA, NSF, private foundations, etc.) eligible for transfer to the SETI Institute.
• A distinguished track record of scientific publication, innovation, and research excellence.

Don’t have active funding right now? Join our Affiliate Program.

If you do not currently hold an active grant, we still want to hear from you. We invite qualified, ambitious researchers to apply to our Affiliate Program. Affiliates receive the full institutional backing and extensive, hands-on support of our Grants Administration team to write and submit highly competitive proposals. Upon the successful funding of your proposal, Affiliates are considered for full employment as Principal Investigators. To learn more about the Affiliate Program, please contact Zenia Ibarra at zibarra@seti.org.

How to Apply

Ready to elevate your research trajectory? Submit your application and initiate your grant transfer request here.

For inquiries regarding current onsite and offsite indirect cost rates, please contact Debbie Kolyer at dkolyer@seti.org. For HR and employment discussions, please reach out to Rodney Tabares at rtabares@seti.org.