No subject

Submission acceptance begins: 1 October 2015
Submission deadline: 1 February 2016

Guest Editor:
Michael Denton, Space Science Institute/New Mexico Consortium

The aim of this Special Section is to highlight Unsolved Problems in Magnetospheric Physics (UPMP) following a workshop on this topic held in Scarborough, UK, in September 2015. The current state of magnetospheric physics is vibrant with a number of ongoing and highly-successful missions (e.g. Van Allen Probes, Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission, etc.) currently uncovering new physical processes at work in the Earth's magnetosphere. Along with ground-based observations, theory, and other satellite observations (both at Earth and in the wider solar-system) our understanding of solar-wind/magnetosphere interactions is being transformed. In this Special Section we solicit original research papers, and commentaries, on the most salient research questions still to be addressed by the community. Our ultimate aim is to stimulate research efforts on these topics and thus advance our understanding of magnetospheric physics in general.

Papers can be submitted via the JGR GEMS Submission system.


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SPDF/GSFC Recent Updates for the OMNIWeb+ Data and Interface

From: N.E. Papitashvili (Natalia.E.Papitashvili at nasa.gov)

The hourly OMNI data set provides a more than 50-year record of
near-Earth solar wind magnetic field and plasma parameters, as well as
various geomagnetic activity indices and solar energetic particle fluxes
(http://omniweb.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/ and http://cdaweb.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov).
We have  recently upgraded  the hourly OMNI dataset with a new
Version of Sunspot Numbers received from the Belgium Solar Data
Center (main producer of these data), that are approximately 1.6 times
larger than the old set (http://sidc.oma.be/silso/). To make this change
more transparent, user can make comparisons of both the old and
new Sunspot Numbers sets, selecting "Browse and Retrieve" option at
http://omniweb.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/form/sunspot_v1_v2.html.
 
We have also included the proton fluxes to our COHO data set, which
consists of the merged magnetic fields, plasma, and trajectories for
the spacecraft: Stereo-A&B, Pioneer 10&11, Voyager 1&2, Ulysses, and
Helios1&2. See the above mentioned OMNIWeb and CDAWeb main pages.

New functionality have been also added to the VEPO project - the Scatter
plot/regression fits and Ratio of any two fluxes for different species
and energy bins of many flux sources
(http://omniweb.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/ftpbrowser/flux_spectr_m.html).


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Availability of ISEE-1 and DE-1 Spectral Density Wave Data

From:  Jolene Pickett (pickett at uiowa.edu), Larry Granroth, and Shing Fung

We are pleased to announce the availability of calibrated spectral density wave data obtained by the Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI) as part of the International Sun-Earth Explorer-1 (ISEE-1) and Dynamics Explorer-1 (DE-1) missions. These data may now be directly accessed from NASA's Coordinated Data Analysis Web (CDAWeb) (http://cdaweb.gsfc.nasa.gov). The data are available in archived Common Data Format (CDF) files and in standardized, pre-generated spectral density plots in png format. In addition, various orbit and attitude data from the DE-1 mission are available in separate CDF files to facilitate analysis of the DE-1 spectral wave data. The ISEE-1 data cover an approximate 10 year period from Oct. 22, 1977-Sep. 26, 1987.  Electric and magnetic field spectral data in the frequency range 5.6 Hz to 400 kHz are available from the PWI's two receivers: Sweep Frequency Receiver and Spectrum Analyzer.  The DE-1 data cover an approximate 3-year period from Sep. 16, 1981-Jun. 28, 1984.  Electric and magnetic field spectral data in the frequency range 1.8 to 400 kHz are available from the PWI's two receivers, Step Frequency Correlator and Low Frequency Correlator.

ISEE-1 and DE-1 provide data that are applicable to understanding how the Sun affects Earth's environment during a solar cycle that was generally considered to be more normal (Solar Cycle 21) than the solar cycles since that time. The wave data from these two spacecraft will allow for event-based and statistical studies in connection with solar activity and cycles. These wave data will also be invaluable for eventual comparison to data obtained by current and ongoing missions, most notably NASA's Van Allen Probes for inner magnetosphere/radiation belt studies, NASA's Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) for magnetopause/reconnection studies, the multi-satellite NASA THEMIS and ESA Cluster missions, and the single satellite Japanese Geotail mission, all of which cross similar regions and boundaries to those of ISEE-1 and DE-1.

The ISEE-1 and DE-1 data were archived under the NASA Data Services Upgrade component of the Heliophysics Data Environment Enhancements program, Grant NNX13AI92G to The University of Iowa.


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JOB OPENING: Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
 
From: Rashmi Mazzarella (mazzarer at erau.edu)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at its Daytona Beach, Florida campus. The University seeks a dynamic, nationally recognized academic leader who will partner with the faculty in maintaining and in enhancing the quality and national prominence of its educational and research programs.

Reporting to the Chancellor at the Daytona Beach campus, the Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the College and is responsible for its strategic, operational, and financial leadership. The Dean sets priorities, directs academic planning and works with departments to help them fulfill their academic missions. The Dean is also the chief advocate for the College in its relationships with the central administration and in representing the College to external constituencies. The successful candidate will be a distinguished scholar and an innovative academic leader with demonstrated administrative experience and the proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty and senior leadership to advance strategic projects and initiatives; the candidate must have a strong commitment to education in the liberal arts and sciences within the context of Embry-Riddle’s strong niche and world-recognized leadership in aerospace and aviation.

Candidates must:

•	Must hold a Ph.D. (or comparable terminal degree) and be eligible for tenure and the rank of professor in one of the disciplines represented within the COAS.
•	Have a distinguished record of scholarship and academic achievement, strong commitment, and capacities to work across disciplines and professions to enhance learning throughout the University.
•	Have progressive administrative experience at the level of department chair, assistant or associate dean, or dean, or comparable experience.
•	Show significant experience in recruiting, retaining, and nurturing faculty, including a well-developed ability to gauge academic quality and an appreciation for the vital importance of hiring and promotion decisions in creating and sustaining excellence in the University.
•	Be knowledgeable and entrepreneurial in envisioning, managing, and facilitating access to the internal and external sources of funding necessary to build and sustain excellence in research and educational programs, including an aptitude and enthusiasm for fundraising to support the College’s mission.
•	Be committed to working in partnership with University leadership, including the President, the Campus Chancellor, Vice Presidents, and the academic Deans, as well as a commitment to shared governance.
•	Be committed to promoting diversity and providing an atmosphere of collegiality, acceptance, and inclusion. 
•	Have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively and productively in a culturally diverse environment, and a commitment to an open and participatory leadership style.

Consideration of applications will begin December 1, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled; the expected start date is August 2016. Applications should include a detailed letter discussing qualifications and background that demonstrate a fit with the college mission and vision (http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/college-arts-sciences/); and a current curriculum vitae. Please submit your application materials through our website http://eraucareers.erau.edu/.

Questions can be directed to Rashmi Mazzarella in Human Resources by email at mazzarer at erau.edu or by phone at (386) 226-7657.

[Edited for length]


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JOB OPENING: Tenure Track Faculty Position in Space Sciences, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, FL

From: Matthew Zettergren (zettergm at erau.edu)

The Department of Physical Sciences at the Daytona Beach campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University invites applications for a 
Tenure-Track faculty position in areas of space- or ground-based instrumentation and space systems engineering with applications to space, atmospheric, planetary, or earth sciences. The successful candidate is expected to pursue an actively funded experimental research program, and to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. This position will be at the Assistant Professor level. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in engineering, physics, or a related science discipline and be available by August 15, 2016.

The Physical Sciences Department has over 30 faculty members and has greatly expanded its space and upper atmospheric research activities over the past decade. This increased research activity has recently culminated in the founding of the Center for Space and Atmospheric Research. The department is home to one of the leading ABET-accredited undergraduate Engineering Physics programs in the US, as well as expanding BS Space Physics, BS Astronomy & Astrophysics, MS and PhD Engineering Physics programs.

Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2016. Applications should be submitted online and include a cover letter, CV, statements of research interests and teaching philosophy, as well as the contact information of at least three professional references. All materials should be submitted through the link at: http://eraucareers.erau.edu; click on “Career Search”, and search for “Engineering Physics” at location Daytona Beach. Inquiries may be addressed to the search committee chair: Matthew Zettergren, zettergm at erau.edu, 386-226-7006.


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JOB OPENING: Tenure-track Assistant Professor Faculty Position in Theoretical and Computational Plasma Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dartmouth College

From: Kristina Lynch (kal at dartmouth.edu)

Applications are invited for a faculty position in Theoretical and Computational Plasma Physics, with a preferred starting date of Fall 2016. Consideration will be given to applicants at the assistant professor level, as well as to more senior exceptionally qualified candidates for appointment at higher ranks.  We are interested in a broad spectrum of computational plasma physics areas, including fundamental plasma physics, geospace, solar, heliospheric and astrophysical plasma physics, plasma fusion, and plasma device modeling. Candidates are sought who combine an outstanding research record with a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.  The successful candidate is expected to complement and expand existing theoretical and experimental efforts; please visit physics.dartmouth.edu for additional information. Application material (including: cover letter; current CV with publication record; statement of research interests and plans; statement of teaching interests; complete contact information of at least three professional references) should be submitted electronically to apply.interfolio.com/31594.  Application review will begin on January 11, 2016, and continue until the position is filled.  Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity.  In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans or any other legally protected group.


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JOB OPENING: Scientist I position in upper atmosphere physics, High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research

From: Mike Wiltberger (wiltbemj at ucar.edu)

The High Altitude Observatory (HAO) of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is seeking candidates for a ladder-track Scientist I position to conduct research on modeling and analyzing physical processes in the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere, and their connections with the broader solar-terrestrial environment, in support of the HAO mission "to understand the behavior of the Sun and its impact on the Earth, to support, enhance, and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community, nationally and internationally, and to foster the transfer of knowledge and technology." HAO is a center of development for community models of the coupled atmosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere system, including the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model-eXtension (WACCM-X). The scientist selected for this position will play a leading role in fundamental research into ionosphere-thermosphere physics, in development of community models, and in the application of these models to study the Sun-Earth system. Information about HAO and NCAR can be found at http://www2.hao.ucar.edu.

Duties of this position include:
- Conduct independent and collaborative research, model development, and numerical experimentation to support HAO's research objectives with a focus on addressing outstanding questions in ionosphere-thermosphere physics;
- Contribute to NCAR and HAO programs through leadership and participation in high-priority projects such as the development of the coupled atmosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere models as well as data assimilation models; 
- Interact with scientists throughout NCAR and in the university community on research topics related to space weather and Sun-climate interactions;
- Provide service to the community through external committees, editorships, reviews, education/outreach, professional society activities, communicating science to the public, professional development of staff/visitors, student mentoring, and/or diversity efforts;
- Communicate research results by publishing papers in scientific journals and by giving presentations at national and international meetings.

The successful candidate has the opportunity to develop an independent research program within the broad guidelines of the HAO strategic plan and to shape future plans. His/her research is expected to take advantage of and contribute to NCAR as a national center.  The position comes with a share of HAO’s administrative and computing support. Additional support may be garnered through competitive grants. 

To apply for this position, visit UCAR Human Resources website at 
https://ucar.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=217768&company_id=15947&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=992746&level=levelid1&levelid1=45212&startflag=2

A Ph.D. in space physics or related science is required. Applicants should supply a cover letter, a statement of research interests and how they might contribute to the HAO mission and strategic plan, a current CV, and the names of four potential references. Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to October 21, 2015. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.

[Edited for length]


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JOB OPENING: PhD Position in Ionospheric Physics

From: Claudia Stolle (cstolle at gfz-potsdam.de)

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ seeks applications for a PhD position in ionospheric physics. The position is associated with the project “Local and temporal structures of plasma irregularities in the equatorial F region ionosphere” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for a 3-year period within the Priority Program 1788 “DynamicEarth” (http://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/273589349?language=en). The successful candidate will focus on the analysis and interpretation of geomagnetic and geodetic observations, as well as observations of the upper atmosphere, taken on board the Swarm satellites. Comparison with ground observations and simulation results are also important. The project aims to determine processes and properties of plasma irregularities such as seeding mechanisms, boundary effects, structure or typical scale lengths. The successful applicant should have a Masters’ degree (or equivalent) in geophysics, meteorology, physics or a related discipline, good programming skills and substantial language skills in English, both written and spoken.


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[CORRECTION] JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position in the Upper Atmosphere and Space group of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, UCLA

From: Richard Thorne (rmt at atmos.ucla.edu)

The Radiation Belt group of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences invites applications for a postdoctoral position in modeling and/or data analysis on research topics involving the dynamic variability of the radiation belts and auroral processes at Earth and Jupiter using data from the Van Allen Radiation belt probes and the JUNO mission. The successful candidate will join an expanding research group with broad interests in Planetary Magnetospheres, Sun-Earth Connections, and Space Weather, with emphasis on the role of wave-particle interaction processes. Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. with specialization in magnetospheric physics or a closely related field and have had prior experience in space plasma physics research, and the analysis of satellite data. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years, contingent on performance and availability of research funds. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2015. UCLA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, publication list, short description of research interests, and names and contact information of three individuals who can provide letters of reference. Applications and inquiries should be directed to:

Professor Richard M. Thorne, UCLA, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 7127 MS, Box 951565, CA 90095-1565. Phone 310 614 6630, Email: rmt at atmos.ucla.edu.


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