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Seti Institute

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Terrestrial Intelligence Found - Astrophysicist Seti Institute Employee Review

5.0
Dec 5, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The combination of salary, benefits, and organizational mission -- to understand life in the Universe and the prevalence of extraterrestrial intelligence -- is hard to beat. CEO Bill Diamond restored the organization to a solid financial footing in 2015, and the SETI business team has made it a national organization so you can work remotely and take your health insurance with you. In addition, SETI's low overhead will make the total cost of your work attractive to funding agencies. Family-like atmosphere where people care about and acknowledge you, your work, and work/life balance. Very welcoming to those who leave SETI for another job, then return.

Cons

The downside of low overhead is that there is not a lot of cushion if your grant runs out or a major project ends, and you will by and large be writing grant proposals on your own time rather than an overhead account. If you don't work remotely, your will be faced with the grotesque cost of housing in the Bay Area, which of course is not SETI's fault.

Explore other reviews about Seti Institute

5.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Really nice people, smart, focused and aligned with the mission. Tenure at the Institute is between 5-40 years which shows great employee legacy.

Cons

Continuing to the build the culture in a non-profit is an ever moving target. We will get there.

3.0
Aug 18, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The HR Director, Armine Saroian is an amazing individual. She is the heartbeat of the SETI Institute. My time at SETI was significantly improved by her guidance and professionalism.

Cons

The glass ceiling is real.

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