[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXV, Issue 2

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXV, Issue 2
Jan.14,2018

REMINDER: Abstracts for AOGS 2018 are due January 19. See details at http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2018/public.asp?page=abstract.htm.

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Table of Contents

1. JGR Special Section on Dayside Magnetosphere Interactions

2. MEETING: 7th International HEPPA-SOLARIS Workshop, Roanoke, Virginia, June 11-15, 2018

3. SESSION: Call for TESS-2018 Submissions: Comparative Physics and Consequences of Celestial Body Atmospheric Loss

4. SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT JOHNS HOPKINS APPLIED PHYSICS LAB (APL)

5. JOB OPENING: Ionospheric Research Scientist/Engineer

6. JOB OPENING: Two Space Physics PDRA Positions at University of Reading (UK). Closing Date: 21 Feb

7. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Physics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada

8. Subscription to SPA Newsletter: Annual Reminder

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


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JGR Special Section on Dayside Magnetosphere Interactions

From: Qiugang Zong, Philippe Escoubet, David Sibeck, Guan Le, Hui Zhang (qgzong at pku.edu.cn)

Submission deadline: February 2, 2018
Special collection title: Dayside Magnetosphere Interactions
Special section organizers: Qiugang Zong, Philippe Escoubet, David Sibeck, Guan Le, Hui Zhang

Manuscripts are invited for a special section that focuses on Dayside Magnetosphere Interactions. This special collection will address the processes by which solar wind mass, momentum, and energy enter the magnetosphere. Regions of interest include the foreshock, bow shock, magnetosheath, magnetopause, and cusps, the dayside magnetosphere, and both the dayside polar and equatorial ionosphere. Results from spacecraft observations (e.g., MMS, Cluster, Geotail, THEMIS, and Van Allen Probes), ground-based observations (all-sky camera, radar, and magnetometer), MHD, hybrid and PIC simulations are all welcome. Parallel processes occur at other planets are also solicited. Many of the collected papers will be based on presentations at a recent AGU Chapman conference held in Chengdu, China, in July 2017. Papers relevant to the scope but not presented at the conference are also solicited.

Manuscripts are to be submitted through the AGU's submission system (GEMS) for JGR: Space Physics (https://jgr-spacephysics-submit.agu.org). The manuscript type will be a Research Article.  When authors submit a manuscript, they must select the correct special collection designation. If authors do not see the correct special collection in the list, please contact journal staff.


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MEETING: 7th International HEPPA-SOLARIS Workshop, Roanoke, Virginia, June 11-15, 2018

From: Brentha Thurairajah (brenthat at vt.edu)

Please save the date: The 7th International HEPPA-SOLARIS 2018 Workshop will be June 11-15, 2018 in Roanoke Virginia. The workshop will focus on observational and modeling studies of the inuences of solar radiation (SR) and energetic particle precipitation (EPP) on the atmosphere and climate. Broad topics to be covered include a) the causes and phenomenology of SR and EPP variability, b) mechanisms by which SR and EPP forcing aect atmospheric composition and dynamics, c) contributions of SR and EPP forcing to variations in space, atmosphere, and climate, and d) the current state of the art and outlook for relevant observations and models. The workshop will include talks and posters. It will be hosted by the Center for Space Sciences and Engineering at Virginia Tech, and will be held at the Hotel Roanoke. A web page with abstract submission guidelines will be available and announced shortly. For more information contact Scott Bailey (baileys at vt.edu) or Brentha Thurairajah (brenthat at vt.edu).


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SESSION: Call for TESS-2018 Submissions: Comparative Physics and Consequences of Celestial Body Atmospheric Loss

From: Mike Liemohn, Shannon Curry, Katherine Garcia-Sage, and Nicholeen Viall (liemohn at umich.edu)

The Triennial Earth-Sun Summit, TESS-2018, https://connect.agu.org/tess2018/home, is a meeting that brings together the Solar Physics Division of AAS with the Space Physics and Aeronomy section of AGU, to be held 20-24 May 2018 in Leesburg, Virginia. TESS not only promotes greater interaction and unity within Heliophysics but also connections to astrophysics and planetary physics.

We would like to bring to your attention a TESS-2018 special session on "Comparative Physics and Consequences of Celestial Body Atmospheric Loss." We welcome contributions to this session on any related topic to particle outflow from the Earth, planets, moons, comets, or Sun. Studies that are specific to a single celestial body are welcome, as are studies that compare different bodies and address fundamental physical processes or universal outflow phenomena. The TESS-2018 abstract submission deadline is 20 February 2018.

Session description:
Atmospheres abound throughout the solar system, including the Sun and Earth, the terrestrial planets, the outer planets, several planetary moons, and comets. The loss of these atmospheres includes the escape of both neutral gas as well as ionized particles.  While the neutral-ion proportions and dominant forces can be different, the basic physics and governing equations are similar. Therefore, much can be learned from a discussion of atmospheric loss comparing the physics and escape rates across different celestial bodies. For smaller bodies, the consequences of atmospheric outflow on the celestial object’s magnetosphere (whether that is internally produced or externally induced) can be substantial, driving structure and dynamics throughout the space environment of the celestial object (on a variety of spatial and temporal scale sizes). For the Sun, atmospheric loss creates the supersonic solar wind that creates and fills the heliosphere, affects all of the planetary obstacles within it. This session welcomes presentations across the broad spectrum of solar system objects, including the Sun, planets, moons, and comets, and all possible investigation techniques, including recent or archival observations, numerical approaches ranging from analytical to empirical to coupled first-principles models, theoretical analyses, or relevant lab experiments.


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SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT JOHNS HOPKINS APPLIED PHYSICS LAB (APL)

From: larry paxton (larry.paxton at jhuapl.edu)

The Space Exploration Sector of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD is now accepting applications for the APL NASA Intern Program. Rising sophomores through Ph.D. students as of fall 2018 who are selected will contribute to NASA-related missions and research work. Talks by key mission engineers and scientists, along with tours of APL and other activities, will be provided. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be in high academic standing (3.0 GPA or higher), and have successfully passed a background check. Applications are due by March 30, 2018; however, selections are made on a continuous basis, so interested students should apply as early as possible. For more information, please visit: 

http://www.jhuapl.edu/NASAIntern/


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JOB OPENING: Ionospheric Research Scientist/Engineer

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

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a scientist/engineer in the field of ionospheric research. The selected candidate will support the Air Force Research Laboratory in the research and development of advanced space 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. Related disciplines include ionospheric theory, radio frequency engineering, signal processing, software development, radio propagation, and plasma physics.

Typical duties may include the following:
•	- Phenomenology modeling, simulation, and measurement
•	- Developing state-of-the-art or proof-of-concept ground and in-situ (e.g., airborne, spaceborne) instruments or sensors
•	- Data collection, data compression/decompression, data visualization, data exploitation, data fusion, and data analysis
•	- Design and fabrication of laboratory equipment
•	- Upgrade, refurbishment, or repair of ground-based sensors
•	- Development of control software and analysis tools

Required Qualifications: 
•	- PhD (or MS with experience) in physics, engineering, space sciences, or a related field
•	- Familiarity with basic ionospheric measurement techniques
•	- Experience with analog, digital, and RF electronics
•	- Competency in a common programming language and analysis tool (e.g., MATLAB, IDL, Python, C++)
•	- Ability to define and execute specific tasks based on broad guidance and organizational goals
•	- Self-starter and be able to work effectively independently and as part of a team
•	- Occasional travel may be required to support programs
•	- U.S. Citizenship
•	- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
•	- Data acquisition and signal processing experience
•	- Software-defined radio experience
•	- Competent in Linux and Windows environments

About SDL: SDL, a nonprofit unit of the Utah State University Research Foundation, has been solving the technical challenges faced by the military, science community, and industry since 1959. 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.  For additional information please visit the SDL employment web site.  This job offering can be found at https://jobs.usurf.usu.edu/usurf-jobs/employment/position-details?job_position_id=9754 


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JOB OPENING: Two Space Physics PDRA Positions at University of Reading (UK). Closing Date: 21 Feb

From: Mathew Owens, Clare Watt (m.j.owens at reading.ac.uk)

Two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in Heliospheric Physics and Radiation Belt Physics at University of Reading. Closing Date: 21 Feb

We seek two post-doctoral researchers to join the Space and Atmospheric Electricity Group (SPATE) in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading to work on projects funded by the University of Reading STFC “Solar System Science” Consolidated Grant. SPATE undertakes research in the physics of Space Weather and Planetary Science, with a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary work that links the Sun through the heliosphere to Earth and other planets.

For the Heliospheric Physics post, the post-holder will analyse in-situ spacecraft data to determine how different heliospheric magnetic field topologies are created and destroyed close to the Sun. Models of solar and coronal phenomena will be used to relate these small-scale processes to solar magnetic cycles. For informal enquiries regarding this post, please contact Prof Matt Owens (m.j.owens at reading.ac.uk).

For the Radiation Belt Physics post, the project would benefit most from the skills of a space plasma physicist with research interests in the generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves, wave-particle interactions and energetic particle dynamics. We welcome applications from strongly-motivated individuals who would like to join the Radiation Belt group here at Reading. Our group uses data analysis, empirical modelling and physics-based modelling to understand the variability of Earth’s Outer Radiation Belt and we seek a post-doctoral researcher to complement and extend these activities. For informal enquiries regarding this post, please contact Dr Clare Watt (c.e.watt at reading.ac.uk)

In addition to the research activities mentioned above, towards the end of the project there will be the opportunity to contribute towards the next 3-year STFC Consolidated Grant application. 

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, is a Stonewall Diversity and Global Diversity Champion, and supports the principles of the Race Equality Charter and Athena SWAN.  Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs. The School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences was awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2010, renewed in 2014 and 2017, in recognition of its good employment practices in relation to women working in science, engineering and technology.

For full particulars of each position, person specifications, and instructions for how to apply, please visit:
https://jobs.reading.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=2519
https://jobs.reading.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=2517


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Physics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada

From: Danny Summers (dsummers at mun.ca)

A position of Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Physics is available in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Canada starting in September, 2018. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in space physics, plasma physics, or related field. Experience is required in one or more of the following: radiation belt physics, Earth's magnetosphere, solar wind, planetary magnetospheres, kinetic theory, MHD, computer simulations. Initial appointment is for one year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and budget. Please send letter of application, statement of research interests and CV, and have at least three letters of reference sent, to  Professor Danny Summers, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada A1C 5S7.


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Subscription to SPA Newsletter: Annual Reminder

From: Editor (pchi at igpp.ucla.edu)

The SPA Newsletter serves more than two thousand subscribers in the international Space Physics and Aeronomy community. Please forward this e-mail newsletter to new colleagues or students of yours who might not be receiving the SPA Newsletter. Subscription requests can be made at the mail service web page at:

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Announcement requests should be made through the online submission form located at:

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

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