[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXII, Issue 64

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXII, Issue 64
November 12, 2015

Editor: Peter Chi
Co-Editor: Guan Le
Distribution Support: Sharon Uy, Todd King, Kevin Addison
Email: editor at igpp.ucla.edu       

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Table of Contents

1. MEETING: Beacon Satellite Symposium 2016, Trieste, Italy, June 27 – July 1, 2016
2. Call for Sessions for AOGS 2016
3. JOB OPENING: Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Remote Sensing & Space Sciences: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4. JOB OPENING: Space Radiation Environments Engineer, Jacobs ESSSA Group, Huntsville, AL
5. JOB OPENING: A Space Science Academic Position in South Africa
6. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Researcher in Solar Physics in UK
7. Organ Concert by Vytenis M. Vasyliunas during AGU Fall 2015 Meeting

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MEETING: Beacon Satellite Symposium 2016, Trieste, Italy, June 27 – July 1, 2016

From: Patricia Doherty <patricia.doherty at bc.edu>

We are pleased to announce that the 2016 Beacon Satellite Symposium will be held at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy on June 27 – July 1, 2016.  Dr. Sandro Radicella and Dr. Bruno Nava have graciously offered to be the local hosts this symposium.

This meeting will provide a unique opportunity for ionospheric scientists from all over the world to meet and collaborate on the ionospheric effects on radio propagation. This meeting is primarily sponsored by the Beacon Satellite Group of the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) Commission G. The Beacon Satellite Group is interdisciplinary, servicing science, research, application and engineering interests. These interests include all aspects of satellite signals observed on the ground and by receivers on-board satellites.

The Beacon Satellite Studies Group was originally formed in 1972, with the first Symposium at Graz, Austria. Symposia have continued to meet at two to four year intervals with meetings held at various worldwide locations. From the beginning, the two main areas of interest in Beacon Satellite Studies have been Ionospheric Electron Content and Scintillation. With more recent developments in ionospheric tomography, occultation techniques, assimilation models, distributed arrays of ionospheric measurements, IHY and IPY activities and satellite based navigation and communication systems; these studies have gained new momentum and perspectives.

We invite you to consider attending this distinctive symposium. Details on the abstract submittal process together with all the other organizational details will soon be listed on the Beacon Satellite web site at: http://t-ict4d.ictp.it/beacon2016.  At this time, we anticipate an abstract deadline of 15 January 2016.  Please be sure to check our web site for further announcements.

It is our intent to waive the registration fee and to assist travel costs for a limited number of students and attendees from developing countries. The total level of assistance will depend on sponsorship funding. Information on applications for assistance will also be available soon on our web site. 
We sincerely hope to see you in Italy for the 19th International Beacon Satellite Symposium.

Yours sincerely,

Patricia Doherty, Chair, Beacon Satellite Studies Working Group, URSI Commission G
Bruno Nava, Co-Chair, Beacon Satellite Studies Working Group
Andrzej Krankowski, Co-Chair, Beacon Satellite Studies Working Group


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Call for Sessions for AOGS 2016

From: Mario Bisi (mario.bisi at stfc.ac.uk), AOGS Secretary for ST-H: Sun and Heliosphere

I would like to remind you that the call for session proposals for AOGS 2016 in Beijing, China (31 July 2016 – 05 August 2016) is still open and will close on 25 November 2015.  I particularly encourage session proposals in the realm of Sun and Heliosphere.

There are new guidelines (as of 16 September 2015) on session proposals which can be found here: http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2016/public.asp?page=sessionProposal.htm, and the session-proposal submission can be carried out by logging into the MARS system here: http://www.meetmatt-svr3.net/aogs/aogs2016/mars2/login.asp and then clicking on the “My Session Proposals” option in the left-hand bar followed by clicking on the “Submit New Session Proposal” option in the main part of the window and following the instructions from there (remembering to select the “ST – Solar & Terrestrial Science” option from the drop-down Section menu).

Many thanks in advance, and any problems, please contact me, Nanan Balan (ST President), or the AOGS Secretariat.


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JOB OPENING: Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Remote Sensing & Space Sciences: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

From: Jonathan J. Makela (jmakela at illinois.edu)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Position in Remote Sensing & Space Sciences 

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in remote sensing and space sciences, with particular emphasis in one or more of the following areas: novel electro- optics and radio/radar technologies for probing the space environment; emerging sensor technologies for distributed sensing of the space environment; space flight hardware design and development; and high-performance scientific computing and numerical modeling and simulation of the space plasma environment. This position was created in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation for Faculty Development in the Space Sciences. Applications are encouraged from candidates whose research programs will complement existing strengths and activities at Illinois, and have the potential to expand into new directions and form new collaborations within the department, college, and university. The intended appointment is at the Assistant Professor level. However, candidates with significant experience may also be considered.

The ECE Department has one of the very top programs in the United States, granting approximately 350 B.S. degrees, 100 M.S. degrees, and 60 Ph.D. degrees annually. The department has a rich history of pioneering research and education leadership in the development of radio and optical sensing technologies and their applications to space science. The ECE Department has recently moved into its new 235,000 sq. ft. net-zero energy design building. The University of Illinois is home to Blue Waters - one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, supported by the National Science Foundation and developed and operated by the University of Illinois’ National Center for Supercomputing Applications. Qualified candidates may be hired as Blue Waters Professors who will be provided substantial allocations on and expedited access to the supercomputer. To be considered as a Blue Waters Professor, candidates need to mention Blue Waters as one of their preferred research areas in their online application, and include a reference to Blue Waters in their cover letter.

Please visit http://jobs.illinois.edu and select Faculty Positions, College of Engineering: Professor (Open Rank) - Electrical and Computer Engineering (F1500094), to view the complete position announcement and application instructions. Full consideration will be given to applications received by December 15, 2015, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Enquiries may be directed to Professor Farzad Kamalabadi, Chair of the Faculty Search Committee; e-mail: farzadk at illinois.edu; phone: 217-333-4406.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

Illinois is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.


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JOB OPENING: Space Radiation Environments Engineer, Jacobs ESSSA Group, Huntsville, AL

From:  Linda Parker (Linda.N.Parker at nasa.gov)

Jacobs ESSSA Group, Huntsville, AL – Space Radiation Environments Engineer

The Engineering & Science Services and Skills Augmentation (ESSSA) contract provides engineering, scientific and engineering technician support to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL.  The Jacobs ESSSA Group is comprised of eight companies of Aerodyne, All Points Logistics, Bevilacqua, ERC, Jacobs, Lee and Associates, Qualis and Tuskegee. 

Candidate would provide support as a SPACE RADIATION ENVIRONMENTS ENGINEER specifically to the Space Environments Team within the Natural Environments Branch at MSFC. Candidate would serve a technical role directly supporting NASA satellite and launch vehicle programs, especially for the Space Launch System (SLS) and Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). This will include providing analyses of the space environments that are used for program development efforts, as well as operational support and anomaly investigations for NASA missions.

Please visit https://jacobsexternal-jacobstechnology.icims.com/jobs Requisition Number 22939 to view a more complete description of the position or to apply.  Questions can be directed to Dr. Linda Neergaard Parker, Jacobs; email:  Linda.N.Parker at nasa.gov.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship is required.  Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Jacobs does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of: race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, individuals with disabilities, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by national, regional or local law.


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JOB OPENING: A Space Science Academic Position in South Africa

From: Michael Kosch (mkosch at sansa.org.za)

The University of KwaZulu–Natal (UKZN) is committed to Employment Equity with the intention to promote representivity within the Institution. 
 
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/SENIOR LECTURER (PHYSICS) 
FIVE YEAR FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT
SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS
WESTVILLE CAMPUS

REF NO.: CP25/2015

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the top three Universities in South Africa and in the top 500 Universities globally.  The School has active research and teaching programmes on Westville and Pietermaritzburg.  

The Westville Campus has vibrant research groups in a number of areas including quantum information science, theoretical physics, space, plasma and atmospheric physics, condensed matter physics, and cosmology. The School is looking for a suitable candidate to strengthen the area of theoretical and/or observational space physics or astrophysics as well as manage the National Astrophysics and Space Science (NASSP) teaching programme for the School. The candidate should have experience in curriculum development. 

The incumbent will provide added strength to the School’s research and teaching programmes, and will be expected to contribute actively to research, supervision of postgraduate students, and teaching at all levels, as well as contribute towards administration of the School. 

The incumbent will report to the relevant Academic Leader of Physics.

Minimum Requirements:
* A PhD degree in Physics
* Experience in teaching at a tertiary institution
* A current and sustained research record of publications in quality peer-reviewed ISI/SAPSE accredited journals appropriate for the level of appointment 
* Successful supervision of postgraduate students appropriate for the level of appointment

In addition to the above: Associate Professor:
* Demonstrated ability to attract external research funds
* Successful supervision of postgraduate students including at least one PhD student

This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University Vacancies website on http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Academic-Process-Proc-Guides.aspx

Enquiries and details regarding the posts may be directed to the Academic Leader: Physics (Wvl), Prof. F. Petruccione, 031 260 2770 or e-mail: petruccione at ukzn.ac.za

The total remuneration package offered includes benefits.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 20 November 2015.

Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form and CV which is available on the Vacancies website at www.ukzn.ac.za.  Completed forms and Curriculum Vitae may be sent to Recruitment-aes at ukzn.ac.za 
Advert Reference Number MUST be clearly stated in the subject line.


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Researcher in Solar Physics in UK

From: James McLaughlin (james.a.mclaughlin at northumbria.ac.uk)

Postdoctoral Researcher in Solar Physics (fixed-term for 2 years)
Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom

https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/hrvacs/eae1519  

Closing Date = Sunday 29 November 2015

Applications are invited for a two-year postdoctoral research position in the area of Solar Physics. The successful candidate will conduct research relevant to producing automated direct measurements of the key properties of Alfvénic waves in coronal holes in the solar atmosphere, with a view to providing strict constraints on the role of Alfvénic waves in solar wind acceleration.

This position is funded by a research project grant from the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research. You will work primarily with Dr James McLaughlin (PI of grant) and Dr Richard Morton (Co-I of grant) at Northumbria University. Further details about the research group can be found here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/sun/.

The ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of solar physics and will have extensive experience in the data analysis of solar observations. Experience in magnetohydrodynamic wave theory or time series analysis would also be beneficial. Applicants must hold a PhD in solar physics, plasma physics, applied mathematics or a relevant discipline by the start of the project.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr James McLaughlin at james.a.mclaughlin at northumbria.ac.uk  or Dr Richard Morton at richard.morton at northumbria.ac.uk

Full details can be found here:  https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/hrvacs/eae1519  

Deadline = Sunday 29 November 2015 at 12:00 noon (UK time)

Selection date = 10 December 2015


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Organ Concert by Vytenis M. Vasyliunas during AGU Fall 2015 Meeting

From: Vytenis Vasyliunas (vasyliunas at mps.mpg.de)

During the Fall 2015 AGU meeting in San Francisco,
Vytenis M. Vasyliunas will again play an organ concert

Sunday, December 13, 4:00 p.m.
St. Mary's Cathedral (Geary and Gough, 2 blocks west of Van Ness)

Program (duration approx. 1 hour): works by composers born in 1865,
including Edwin H. Lemare, for some years city organist of San Francisco, who moved there in 1915.

Alfred Hollins (1865-1942)         Concert Overture No. 3  in  f
Adolphe Marty (1865-1942)      Piece Symphonique
Edwin H. Lemare (1865-1934)   Toccata and Fugue   in  d
                                                        Clair de Lune
Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)            Commotio


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