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Program Overview
CSET UNISA SETI PhD Programme
Project Description
The focus of this programme is the search for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence utilizing the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. Participants will engage in the development and application of high-throughput technosignature detection pipelines intended for deployment with BLUSE, Breakthrough Listen's commensal SETI survey system affiliated with MeerKAT. Collaborating closely with researchers and engineers from Breakthrough Listen, candidates will have the opportunity to explore and assess various technosignature detection methodologies, including the implementation of contemporary machine learning techniques, where applicable. The details of the programme can be customized according to the candidate's specific interests. This initiative is housed within the College of Science, Engineering & Technology at the University of South Africa (CSET UNISA). The anticipated commencement date for the programme is January 2024.
Financial Support
The awarded bursary is set at R212,000 per annum for a duration of three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
Additional Benefits Include:
- A funded opportunity to work alongside researchers at a collaborating university outside of South Africa for three months.
- Financial support for attending international conferences.
- Access to substantial local computing resources at UNISA.
- Utilization of BLUSE, Breakthrough Listen's advanced computing cluster at MeerKAT, which comprises over 104 GPU nodes and more than 2 petabytes of storage.
- An equipment grant designated for the purchase of a personal computer.
Supervisors
- Prof. James O. Chibueze
- Dr. Daniel Czech
Candidate Profile
Desired Qualifications:
- A strong interest in SETI, radio astronomy, and radio interferometry.
- Proficiency with Unix tools and experience operating Unix-based computing systems.
- Strong programming skills, preferably in Python or Julia.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Application Process and Deadlines
The deadline for submitting applications is 30 August 2023.