[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXV, Issue 78

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXV, Issue 78
Dec.21,2018

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Table of Contents

1. Solar Cycle 25: Call for Predictions

2. Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR): Institutes for Data-Intensive Research in Science and Engineering - Ideas Labs

3. Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-2 (Mid-scale RI-2)

4. New Due Dates for the Heliophysics DRIVE Centers 

5. MEETING: Fourth MMS Community Workshop

6. MEETING: Save the Date: “Scintillating Science: Cutting-Edge Science Achieved Through the Observations of Radio Scintillation” Workshop

7. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Positions in Magnetospheric Physics at Rice University

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

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

10. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position at the Space Research Institute in Graz, Austria

11. JOB OPENING: PhD student position in space physics at Umeå University: Studying the geoeffectiveness of magnetosheath jets

12. CESRA Solar Radio Highlights in December

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


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Solar Cycle 25: Call for Predictions

From: Doug Biesecker and Lisa Upton (SolarCycle25.prediction at noaa.gov)

The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and NASA are preparing to convene the Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel. This international panel will conduct a survey of forecasts for the amplitude and phasing of solar cycle 25, assess the various methods, and recommend a consensus forecast, including confidence limits. This consensus forecast will serve as the official Solar Cycle 25 Prediction for NOAA, NASA, and the International Space Environment Services (ISES) and will be announced to the community and public at large. 

The panel is committed to ensuring that differing techniques and viewpoints are adequately represented and thus, we would like to issue a formal call for solar cycle 25 predictions. In particular, we are interested in predictions of solar cycle 25 onset, the amplitude of solar cycle 25, and hemispheric asymmetry of solar cycle 25. Predictions should be updated with the most recent data available, and any predictions that were made using the historical SSN should address the impact of the revised SSN number on the prediction. All submissions must include a detailed description of the method used to obtain the prediction and ideally specify the category of the prediction technique (c.f. Fun, Precursor, Spectral, Climatology, Recent Climatology (relies on Cycles 23 & 24 only), Machine Learning, Dynamo, Surface Flux Transport or Other).  Many of these categories are described in Pesnell, 2008 doi: 10.1007/s11207-008-9252-2.

Predictions should be submitted the panel co-chairs no later than February 1, 2019. Any questions should be addressed to the panel co-chairs at SolarCycle25.prediction at noaa.gov.

The Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel Co-chairs,
Doug Biesecker and Lisa Upton


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Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR): Institutes for Data-Intensive Research in Science and Engineering - Ideas Labs

From: Michael Wiltberger (mwiltber at nsf.gov)

The overarching goal of the HDR Institutes DIRSE Ideas Labs is to foster convergent approaches to enable data-intensive research in science and engineering through a series of facilitated activities bringing together scientists and engineers working on important data-intensive science and engineering problems with data scientists, e.g., computer and computational scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and information scientists with expertise in different aspects of modeling and data analysis as well as systems and cyberinfrastructure specialists with expertise in open source software development, reproducibility, and transfer learning.  The Ideas Labs will focus on areas that: (1) are at a “tipping point” where a timely investment in data-intensive approaches has the maximum potential for a transformative effect; (2) have needs that can benefit from interdisciplinary investments in data analytics infrastructure; and (3) represent investment priorities for NSF science and engineering directorates during, and beyond, the lifetime of the HDR Big Idea. 

US researchers may submit preliminary proposals for participating in the Ideas Labs only via Fastlane.  Based on the number of preliminary proposals and the science and engineering areas and data science expertise represented by the applicant pool, one or more Ideas Labs may be scheduled in parallel. Participation in an Ideas Lab is required to be eligible to submit a full conceptualization proposal pursuant to this solicitation. Multidisciplinary ideas developed in an Ideas Lab will be submitted as full conceptualization proposals to NSF by invitation only. Interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers is required in the invited full conceptualization proposals.

The deadline for preliminary proposals by individuals wishing to participate is January 28, 2019.  The full Ideas Lab itself will occur on April 22-26, 2019.

Full solicitation at

HTML - https://nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19543/nsf19543.htm 
PDF - https://nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19543/nsf19543.pdf


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Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-2 (Mid-scale RI-2)

From: Michael Wiltberger (mwiltber at nsf.gov)

The NSF Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-2 Program (Mid-scale RI-2) supports implementation of projects that comprise any combination of equipment, instrumentation, computational hardware and software, and the necessary commissioning and human capital in support of implementation of the same. The total cost for Mid-scale RI-2 projects ranges from $20 million to below the minimum award funded by the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) Program, currently $70 million. Mid-scale RI-2 projects will directly enable advances in any of the research domains supported by NSF, including STEM education. Projects may also include upgrades to existing research infrastructure.

Full program description available at

HTML: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19542/nsf19542.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click
PDF: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19542/nsf19542.pdf?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click


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New Due Dates for the Heliophysics DRIVE Centers 

From: Jim Spann, Janet Kozyra (jim.spann at nasa.gov)

New due dates for the Heliophysics DRIVE Centers (ROSES-18 Amendment 46: B.13 DRIVE Science Centers).

Based on feedback of the community during AGU, and the fact that the ROSES DRIVE Science Centers is a large program not to be repeated for several years, the due dates for the Step 1 and Step 2 proposals are delayed as follows:
Step 1 February 1, 2019
Step 2 April 5, 2019

https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary!init.do?solId=%7b1FE15C46-31FA-783D-4ED2-F77BC1A233C9%7d&path=open

Jim Spann and Janet Kozyra


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MEETING: Fourth MMS Community Workshop

From: Jim Burch (jburch at swri.edu)

The Fourth MMS Community Workshop will be held at Yosemite National Park on February 19 - 21, 2019. See announcement at 
http://swri-eos.sr.unh.edu/mmscw/

Attendance is open to anyone interested in MMS data. Because of facility size attendance is limited to the first 85 registrants.


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MEETING: Save the Date: “Scintillating Science: Cutting-Edge Science Achieved Through the Observations of Radio Scintillation” Workshop

From: Mario M. Bisi (Mario.Bisi at stfc.ac.uk)

Dear Colleagues.

We would like you to save the dates and draw your attention to our upcoming “Scintillating Science: Cutting-Edge Science Achieved Through the Observations of Radio Scintillation” focussed/specialist workshop which will be held in Hermanus (near Cape Town), South Africa, the week of 15th July 2019.  The workshop will cover all aspects of scintillation from the science (including all the domains in which it can be applied, e.g. ionosphere, heliosphere, interstellar) through to engineering concepts/requirements including all aspects of its theory/modelling.  Further details will follow early in 2019.

Enjoy the Holidays and see you in 2019!

Best wishes,

Mario M. Bisi (UKRI STFC RAL Space – SOC Co-Chair)
Mike Kosch (SANSA/Lancaster University – SOC Co-Chair/LOC Chair)


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Positions in Magnetospheric Physics at Rice University

From: Frank Toffoletto and Stanislav Sazykin (toffo at rice.edu)

The magnetospheric modeling group at Rice University expects one or two postdoctoral openings to begin in early 2019 to work on fundamental physics of the inner magnetosphere and plasmasheet, the ring current and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. One position would be in model development. For this position, experience in magnetospheric model development, parallel programming and running large computer codes on supercomputers is highly desirable. The second position is in model-data comparisons. Proficiency in using computer models as is experience analyzing spacecraft and ground based-data is desirable. Candidates who have experience in both areas are also encouraged to apply. A Ph.D. in space physics is required for both positions. Initial appointment is anticipated for one year, with renewal likely for a second year, contingent on performance and availability of research funds.

Candidates should supply a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests, and names of three references online at: https://jobs.rice.edu/postings/17876. 

Information on the group’s research activities can be found at http://physics.rice.edu/Space.aspx.  Rice University is an affirmative-action/equal-opportunity employer.


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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)

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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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). 

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: Postdoctoral Position at the Space Research Institute in Graz, Austria

From: Martin Volwerk (martin.volwerk at oeaw.ac.at)

The Space Research Institute (IWF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) is looking for a Postdoc to work on an Austrian Science Fund (FWF) funded 3 year project on the study of ULF waves in the magnetosheaths of Venus and Mars. 

The interaction of the solar wind magnetoplasma with the exospheres of the unmagnetized terrestrial planets, Venus and Mars, creates a bow shock and a so-called induced magnetosphere. For this current project, the ULF wave power in the magnetosheaths of Venus and Mars will be investigated. Both specific wave modes (e.g. mirror and ion cyclotron) and low-frequency turbulence will be studied as well as a possible difference in the behaviour of the bow shock for solar minimum and solar maximum conditions. The interactions of Venus and Mars with the solar magnetoplasma differ because of the different radii and distances from the Sun. The differences and similarities will teach us not only something about Venus and Mars, but the results will be generally applicable for other planets (even magnetized ones) and comets. Full project description available on the personal page under project P 32035-N36.

Applicants are invited to send their application documents (cover letter, CV, publication list and other information you deem important) via e-mail to Dr. Martin Volwerk (martin.volwerk at oeaw.ac.at), personal page: http://www.iwf.oeaw.ac.at/user-site/martin-volwerk. We accept applications until the position is filled.

The ÖAW is an equal opportunity employer (https://www.oeaw.ac.at/die-oeaw/ueber-uns/gender-diversity/).


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JOB OPENING: PhD student position in space physics at Umeå University: Studying the geoeffectiveness of magnetosheath jets

From: Maria Hamrin (hamrin at space.umu.se)

The bow shock has long been considered to be a quite passive element of space physics. However, recent studies show that it can have a far more important role for the magnetosphere, with bow shock processes causing geoffective responses (geomagnetic disturbances) all the way down to the ionosphere: For example, magnetosheath jets (localized kinetic energy enhancements) generated at the shock can impact the magnetopause and cause disturbances in the geomagnetic field. In the project we will use data from several spacecraft missions and ground-based observatories to investigate the response of magnetosheath jets in the polar regions.

Starting date in September 2019 or by agreement. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with scientists from the University Centre in Svalbard and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

Last day to apply is April 15, 2019. The entire advertisement can be found on https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/phd-student-position-in-space-physics_243742/

For further information, contact Maria Hamrin, maria.hamrin at space.umu.se.


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CESRA Solar Radio Highlights in December

From: Eduard Kontar (eduard at astro.gla.ac.uk)

Coronal mass ejections associated to a super-active region
by H. Cremades et al.*
http://cesra.net/?p=2080

A type III radio burst automatic analysis system and statistic results for a half solar cycle with Nançay Decameter Array data
by Zhang et al.*
http://cesra.net/?p=2050

CESRA Highlights of Solar Radio Physics, aka CESRA Nuggets, are short communications written in language accessible to a non-expert in the specific area and designed to keep solar and heliophysics communities informed and up-to-date about current research. The highlights can be followed, discussed, commented and shared via http://www.facebook.com/solarcesra/
http://twitter.com/CESRA_community/


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