[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXV, Issue 76

Newsletter Editor editor at igpp.ucla.edu
Sun Dec 9 11:43:23 PST 2018


AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXV, Issue 76
Dec.09,2018

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Table of Contents

1. MEETING: Outer Planet Moon-Magnetosphere Interactions, Selfoss, Iceland, 11-15 Feb 2019

2. JOB OPENING: Ionospheric Research Position at SDL

3. JOB OPENING: Post-Doctoral Associate at New Jersey Institute of Technology

4. JOB OPENING: NCAR ASP and HAO: Postdoc Positions, Application Deadline January 4, 2019

5. JOB OPENING: Post Doctoral Fellow - Space Plasma Theory and Simulations at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

6. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position in Space Physics Data Analysis and Instrumentation at Los Alamos National Laboratory

7. Graduate Studies in Space & Planetary Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and Southwest Research Institute

8. SCOSTEP/VarSITI Newsletter Vol.20

9. Two new RHESSI Science Nuggets

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Announcement Submission Website: http://goo.gl/forms/qjcm4dDr4g


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MEETING: Outer Planet Moon-Magnetosphere Interactions, Selfoss, Iceland, 11-15 Feb 2019

From: Fran Bagenal (bagenal at colorado.edu)

Europlanet workshop 
Outer planet moon-magnetosphere interactions 
Selfoss, Iceland, 11-15 Feb 2019

The workshop will include a combination of eight keynote talks about moon-magnetosphere  interactions and one about moon space environments at Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune  combined with contributed oral papers covering these subjects through data analysis,  simulations and theory. 
This workshop can serve as a starting point of a new series of moon-magnetosphere  workshops in the future to maximize the science output from past missions like CASSINI,  GALILEO, VOYAGER, PIONEER and to support current and future missions like HISAKI,  JUNO, JUICE, EUROPA CLIPPER, etc.

Meeting place
Hotel Selfoss, Iceland. 
Address: Eyravegur, 800 Selfoss, Island, Phone: +354 480 2500; 
Meeting dates: 
11 Feb noon -15 Feb noon, 2019. 
Deadlines for registration and submitting presentation titles: 
21 December 2018 
For more details, registration and submitting presentation titles please go on the workshop website
http://www.mps.mpg.de/Iceland2019

We hope to see you in Iceland in February 2019. Have a safe trip! 
N. Krupp, M. Holmström, E. Roussos, S. Barabash, O. Witasse, P. Brandt, K. Khurana, G. Murakami, C. Paty
Science Organizing Committee


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JOB OPENING: Ionospheric Research Position at SDL

From: Don Thompson (don.thompson at sdl.usu.edu)

Ionospheric Research Physicist

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Physicist in the field of ionospheric and thermospheric modeling in our ABQ, NM office. This position supports the Air Force Research Laboratory in the research and development of advanced space modeling and sensor concepts. Efforts span the spectrum of basic research through applied science to improve Department of Defense understanding of the ionosphere and its impact on defense-related systems.

Typical duties may include the following:

· Running ionosphere-thermosphere models
· Tailoring ionosphere-thermosphere models according to research objectives
· Conducting input parameter studies of ionosphere-thermosphere models
· Analyzing and processing data sources
· Comparing model outputs to observation data
· This position may involve occasional travel for short periods.

Required Qualifications:

· PhD (or MS with experience) in physics, engineering, space sciences, or a related field
· Experience with TIEGCM or similar physics based numerical simulations of the Earth’s ionosphere-thermosphere system
· Experience with empirical ionosphere-thermosphere models (Weimer, Jacchia-Bowman, MSIS, IRI, etc.)
· Familiarity with basic ionospheric measurement techniques
· Competency in a common programming language and analysis tool (e.g., Matlab, IDL, Python, C++, FORTRAN)
· Ability to define and execute specific tasks based on broad guidance and organizational goals
· Work effectively as part of a team
· Self-starter and be able to work independently
· U.S. citizenship
· Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

The following skills/experience are highly desirable:

· Experience with assimilative models and data assimilative methodology
· Ability to process and analyze space-based (measured ion, electron and neutral densities, drifts, temperatures, and magnetic field observations) and ground-based (ISR, SuperDARN, GNSS-TEC) ionosphere-thermosphere data
· Linux and Windows environments familiarity

SDL Benefits: SDL offers flexible work schedules and competitive salaries and benefits. As a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), SDL also offers unique benefits, such as company contribution of 14.2% of annual gross earnings for retirement for exempt staff and discounted USU tuition of 50% for employees and dependents.

Please visit https://jobs.sdl.usu.edu/usurf-jobs/employment/position-details?job_position_id=9955 to apply.


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JOB OPENING: Post-Doctoral Associate at New Jersey Institute of Technology

From: Hyomin Kim (hmkim at njit.edu)

Position Summary:

The Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR) of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in data analysis for magnetospheric and ionospheric studies. The successful candidate will make use of various data sets including, but not limited to,  spacecraft data such as Van Allen Probes, MMS, THEMIS, and Cluster, and ground-based instruments such as magnetometers, auroral imagers, riometer, GPS and incoherent scatter radars to investigate solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes. CSTR operates ground-based geospace science instruments at high latitudes. Thus, experience in science instrument development, testing and installation is highly desired. Occasional domestic or international travel for instrument installation and service may be expected. 

The successful applicant will be expected to perform the duties of a post-doctoral fellow, including the publication of original research, submission of proposals, and the support of CSTR projects. Applicants should have obtained by the starting date a PhD in plasma physics, space physics, geophysics, or related field. The start date of the appointment is flexible, however, earlier dates are preferred. The appointment is for one year, with a possible renewal for two more years based on successful applicant performance. Benefits are competitive and salary will be commensurate with applicant experience. 

The successful applicant will work primarily with Dr. Hyomin Kim, Assistant Professor of NJIT as well as the other CSTR faculty members including Drs. Andrew Gerrard, Louis Lanzerotti, Rualdo Soto-Chavez and Nathaniel Frissell. 

Candidates will need to submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief statement of research interests, and the names of three professional references. Questions may be directed to Dr. Hyomin Kim (hmkim at njit.edu). Use the following website for application. 

https://njit.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?site=1&id=972

The Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR) of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, in Newark, NJ, is a worldwide leading institution in solar and space physics. CSTR is a PI organization in the NASA Van Allen Probes mission, manages the Polar Engineering Development Center, and operates the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) and the Owens Valley Solar Array (OVSA) in California. For more information visit http://centers.njit.edu/cstr/

To build a diverse workforce, NJIT encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women. EEO employer.

Essential Functions:
- Data analysis utilizing programming languages such as Python and/or IDL.  
- Presentation of results at professional meetings.
- Presentation of result via peer-review journal papers.
- Occasional domestic/international travel for instrument installation/service

Prerequisite Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Space Physics or related field.
- Background in magnetospheric/ionospheric physics.
- Experience in data analysis using programming languages.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in electronics lab experiment and field work is highly desired.


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JOB OPENING: NCAR ASP and HAO: Postdoc Positions, Application Deadline January 4, 2019

From: Matthias Rempel (rempel at ucar.edu)

The Advanced Study Program (ASP) Postdoctoral Fellowship is an excellent opportunity to conduct independent research at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Early career Ph.D. scientists interested in theoretical, experimental and observational studies of the Sun and Earth’s upper atmosphere are encouraged to apply to the ASP and select the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) as the preferred NCAR unit.

Successful applicants will pursue research, in collaboration with members of NCAR and HAO scientific staff, on a wide range of topics, including study of the Earth’s ionosphere, thermosphere, and magnetosphere; observations and simulations of coronal mass ejections; spectro-polarimetric observations and their interpretation using HAO instrumentation and data inversion tools; probing solar magnetism through observations and modeling; and instrument development. 

Postdoctoral fellows are appointed for a maximum of two years, typically beginning in October 2019; some flexibility is possible on the specific times of arrival and departure. Fellowships must begin by January 31, 2020.

The application deadline is January 4, 2019.
See https://www2.hao.ucar.edu/ for further detail about HAO, and see the ASP website for complete application details: https://www.asp.ucar.edu/postdocs/prospective-applicants. Contact Caitlyn Erdesz (cquinn at ucar.edu) or Matthias Rempel (rempel at ucar.edu) for further information.

ASP Postdoctoral Fellowships in HAO will be granted on the basis of proven scientific ability and relevance to HAO research programs. Applications are accepted through NCAR ASP (https://www.asp.ucar.edu). Applicants should specify HAO as the preferred NCAR unit to be considered for ASP fellowships within HAO. Offers will be made no later than April 2019. 


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JOB OPENING: Post Doctoral Fellow - Space Plasma Theory and Simulations at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

From: Viacheslav Merkin (slava.merkin at jhuapl.edu)

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct basic scientific research on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and kinetic modeling of space plasmas including global simulations of planetary magnetospheres, the Earth’s ring current and radiation belts. The successful candidate would join an existing numerical simulation and modeling team and participate in performing and analyzing simulations, as well as development of cutting-edge space plasma algorithms and their utilization on leadership-class supercomputers.

For further details please contact Slava Merkin (slava.merkin at jhuapl.edu) or Sasha Ukhorskiy (Sasha.Ukhorskiy at jhuapl.edu). Interested applicants can submit their applications online at the following link: 

https://jhuapl.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=19541

Job Summary:

The research position focusses on MHD, extended MHD (e.g., multi-fluid and Hall MHD) and kinetic (test-particles) simulations representing plasma physics occurring in the magnetospheres of Earth and other planets. The research area includes the simulation of plasma processes in these environments and their analysis with the focus on the diagnosis of observable distinguishing signatures. The candidate will work in partnership with staff in the group with expertise in global MHD, particle tracing and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, kinetic plasma theory and data analysis. The successful candidate would be expected to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and team with SRP staff to pursue external support for continued research and development for fundamental simulation research as well as projects relating to past, ongoing, and future missions.

Duties: 
1. Conducting original research involving the development and adaptation of simulation codes to study space plasma systems of interest.
2. Authoring papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Preparing for and participating in scientific conferences.
4. Developing innovative scientific research efforts and proposing to competed solicitations.
Note: This job summary and listing of duties is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time.

Required Qualifications: 

The applicant must have completed a PhD in Physics or in a related field, or the demonstrated equivalent experience in a scientific field applicable to space physics and have extensive demonstrated experience in high-end hydrodynamic and plasma simulations. The applicant must have a record of published first author scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Desired Qualifications:

The applicant should have in-depth knowledge of MHD and plasma physics, numerical methods and computational physics with applications to astrophysical or space environments, including planetary magnetospheres and stellar winds. The applicant should have experience with numerous technical aspects of scientific software development: programming languages (Fortran, Python, C, C++), software version control (e.g. Git), parallel computing (e.g. OpenMP and MPI), extensive experience in the use of advanced computational facilities (e.g. NASA, DOE, and NSF), multicore architectures (e.g. GPUs), and scientific data visualization.  It is also desirable that the applicant possess sufficient software design experience and maturity to work on model development in tandem with other scientists in the group and external collaborators. 

Special Working Conditions: Travel to scientific meetings is required.

Benefits:  APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including a liberal vacation plan, a matching retirement program, significant educational assistance, a scholarship tuition program for staff with dependents, and competitive salaries commensurate with skills and experience. For more information about our organization, please visit our web site at www.jhuapl.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments Acts of 1972, as well as other applicable laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position in Space Physics Data Analysis and Instrumentation at Los Alamos National Laboratory

From: Dan Reisenfeld (dreisenfeld at lanl.gov)

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks candidates for a postdoctoral position in heliospheric physics and instrumentation with the Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1). ISR Division currently leads instruments or instrument subsystems on NASA’s IMAP, IBEX, SWIFT, TWINS, ACE, Mars Odyssey, and Van Allen Probes missions, as well as NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory and Mars 2020 rovers. The candidate chosen for this position will be expected to carry out original research addressing the structure and evolution of the outer heliosphere through analysis of data from the ongoing IBEX mission.  The candidate is also expected to support the development and calibration of energetic neutral atom instrumentation to be used in the upcoming IMAP mission.  Additional opportunities in the development of space plasma instrumentation may also be available. Applicants should have laboratory experience applicable to developing hardware for the detection of space plasmas. Additional desirable skills include familiarity with heliospheric science (solar wind, outer heliosphere, magnetospheres, etc.), or a strong interest in learning about such environments. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to interact with Laboratory staff engaged in a broad range of observational, computational, and theoretical research in heliophysics.

This is a two-year position with the possibility of an extension to a third year. Applicants should have a doctoral degree in Space Physics, Physics, Astronomy, or appropriate similar fields obtained within the last five years, or soon to be completed. They should have demonstrated ability to pursue independent research and work as a member of a team, as well as a strong record of publication and presentation.

Interested candidates should send their CV, publications list, and statement of research interests to Dan Reisenfeld (dreisenfeld at lanl.gov), and apply online at jobs.lanl.gov and search for IRC69562.


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Graduate Studies in Space & Planetary Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and Southwest Research Institute

From: Mihr Desai (mdesai at swri.edu)

The Joint UTSA/SwRI Graduate Physics Program in San Antonio, TX invites applications for several Graduate Research Assistants wishing to pursue a PhD. in the areas of Space and Planetary Science. UTSA is the second largest component university of The University of Texas System, with an enrollment of more than 30,000 students (http://www.utsa.edu/physics/). SwRI's Space Science and Engineering Division is a leader in space physics and planetary science research with major involvement in numerous NASA missions (http://www.swri.edu). UTSA/SwRI graduate students engage in data analysis and instrument design & calibration in many of the most exciting ongoing NASA missions (Juno, MMS, LRO, Van Allen Probes, New Horizons, TWINS, IBEX, Parker Solar Probe) and future missions (e.g., Europa Clipper, JuICE, Bepi Columbo, Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe or IMAP). Application deadline is 1 February 2019 for entry in Fall 2019 (http://grad.space.swri.edu). For further information about the program, please contact Prof. Mihir Desai at mdesai at swri.edu or +1 210 522 6754. Application procedures and additional information can be found at http://graduateschool.utsa.edu/admissions/graduate-application/ and  http://grad.space.swri.edu/application/how_to_apply.html.


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SCOSTEP/VarSITI Newsletter Vol.20

From: Kazuo Shiokawa and Katya Georgieva (shiokawa at nagoya-u.jp)

SCOSTEP's VarSITI (Variability of the Sun and Its Terrestrial Impact, 2014-2018)

VarSITI Newsletter volume 20 has now been published.  The PDF file is available at 
http://newserver.stil.bas.bg/varsiti/newsL/VarSITI_Newsletter_Vol20.pdf
Below are the contents of this volume.  

Contents of VarSITI Newsletter Volume 20

Articles
1. Noctilucent Clouds and Climate Change
2. Stable Auroral Red (SAR) Arc Observed at King George Island in 2017
3. Database of Small-scale Magnetic Flux Ropes in the Solar Wind

Highlights on Young Scientists
1. Aramesh Seif/ Canada
2. Karin Dissauer/ Austria

Meeting Reports
1. ISEST 2018 Workshop
2. The 15th International Symposium on Equatorial Aeronomy (ISEA-15) October 22-26, 2018, Ahmedabad, India
3. The 7th Brazilian Symposium on Space Geophysics and Aeronomy

Upcoming Meetings


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Two New RHESSI Science Nuggets

From: Hugh Hudson (hhudson at ssl.berkeley.edu)

No. 340, “The flight of FOXSI-3”, by Lindsay Glesener and Noriyuki Narukage: single-photon counting and direct imaging across hard and soft energies.

No. 339, “Stellar Flares and Starspots”, by Lauren Doyle: stellar flares don’t spatially coincide with their giant spots.

See http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/RHESSI_Science_Nuggets

listing the current series, 2008-present, and

http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/nuggets/ 

for the original series, 2005-2008.

We publish these at roughly two-week intervals and welcome contributions,
which should be related, at least loosely, to RHESSI science.


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SPA Web Site: http://spa.agu.org/

SPA Newsletter Editorial Team: Peter Chi (Editor), Guan Le (Co-Editor), Sharon Uy, Marjorie Sowmendran, Todd King, and Kevin Addison

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