[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXV, Issue 61

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXV, Issue 61
Oct.03,2018

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Table of Contents

1. Open Call for ESA Earth Explorer 10 (Phase 0) Mission Advisory Group Membership

2. MEETING: FReSWeD 2019, San Juan Argentina - Second Announcement

3. Graduate Studies in Physics and Astronomy at the Dartmouth College

4. JOB OPENING: Faculty Position in Space-Based Instrumentation at the University of Iowa

5. JOB OPENING: NSF AGS Science Analyst

6. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Positions in Hidden Symmetries and Fusion Energy

7. JOB OPENING: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato, New Zealand

8. SCOSTEP/VarSITI Newsletter Vol.19

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


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Open Call for ESA Earth Explorer 10 (Phase 0) Mission Advisory Group Membership

From: Alex Hoffmann (alex.hoffmann at esa.int)

The European Space Agency (ESA) has recently announced the selection of 3 competitive Earth Observation proposals for mission analysis and feasibility (phase 0) studies, within the framework of the 10th call for Earth Explorer mission ideas:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Three_Earth_Explorer_ideas_selected

Amongst the 3 candidates, STEREOID, Daedalus and G-CLASS, the Daedalus mission concept may be of particular interest to the community served by the SPA newsletter. Daedalus is proposed as a low-flying spacecraft for the exploration of the lower thermosphere and ionosphere, focusing on key electrodynamic processes that determine structure and composition of the upper atmosphere, down to altitudes of 120 km and below. Daedalus shall perform in situ measurements to quantify energy deposited by Joule heating and Energetic Particle Precipitation, during quiet and active geomagnetic times.

ESA invites qualified experts to apply for membership of the respective Mission Advisory Groups (MAGs), which play an active role in providing advice on activities supporting the scientific definition and preparation of the mission concept during consolidation and preparation of the mission requirements. 

Further information on all mission ideas, registration, and scope and Terms of Reference for the MAGs (accessible to registered applicants) can be found at: 
http://missionadvice.esa.int

Note that nationality restrictions apply. 

The call for applicants has been opened on 28th September, and will close on Wednesday 31 October (12:00hrs CET). Early registration is encouraged.


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MEETING: FReSWeD 2019, San Juan Argentina - Second Announcement

From: Laura Balmaceda (lbalmace at gmu.edu)

FReSWeD 2019
Towards Future Research on Space Weather Drivers
July 2-7 2019, San Juan, Argentina

The goal of this meeting is to promote the exchange of information in the area of space weather from the point of view of the phenomena that drive it from its origin in the solar atmosphere, through its evolution in the interplanetary medium, to its arrival in geospace.

The Meeting will be accompanied by a School geared towards students and young researchers who seek to gain a broad overview of space weather domains, concepts, tools and resources.

These events are being organized on the occasion of the total solar eclipse of 2019, whose totality path will cross five provinces of Argentina extending for more than 1200 km.

Because of the large affluence of tourists during 30 June – 2 July (around 8000 people are expected), we urge those interested in attending to make their travel and lodging arrangements as soon as possible. Please check the “Travel and Lodging” section in our website (http://www.iafe.uba.ar/freswed2019/travel.html) where we have recently updated relevant information in this respect.

Students and young researchers planning to attend the school, please notice the information at: http://www.iafe.uba.ar/freswed2019/school.html  

Important dates on registration and abstract submission have also been updated, please see www.iafe.uba.ar/freswed2019/dates.html.

Apologies for duplicate emails.

Hebe Cremades, Cristina Mandrini, and Carlos Francile
On behalf of FReSWeD SOC and LOC


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Graduate Studies in Physics and Astronomy at the Dartmouth College

From: Yi-Hsin Liu (Yi-Hsin.Liu at dartmouth.edu)

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Dartmouth College seeks prospective graduate students interested in pursuing research in space physics, plasma physics, and plasma astrophysics. Successful candidates will enter the program in Fall 2019. The deadline for application is January 15, 2019; Fellowships and Research assistantships are available. Prospective students should apply at https://physics.dartmouth.edu/graduate/apply.

The plasma and space physics research group at Dartmouth (https://physics.dartmouth.edu/research/plasma-and-space-physics) covers broad research interests including the theory and modeling of fundamental plasma physics (e.g., magnetic reconnection, turbulence, instabilities, particle acceleration) in laboratory, space and astrophysical systems; sounding rocket, balloon, CubeSat missions and ground-based experiments that study the aurora, Earth’s radiation belts and the ionosphere; and global modeling of Earth’s magnetosphere and the Sun’s heliosphere. We are involved in existing NASA spacecraft missions, including Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS), Van Allen Probes, and many sounding rocket and balloon studies.

Questions about the program and application process should be directed to Prof. Yi-Hsin Liu (Yi-Hsin.Liu at Dartmouth.edu). We encourage students to consider joining our small, close-knit department. Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We kindly request educators and researchers to distribute this announcement to possible candidates.


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JOB OPENING: Faculty Position in Space-Based Instrumentation at the University of Iowa

From: Jasper Halekas (jasper-halekas at uiowa.edu)

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa is seeking an outstanding researcher active in experimental space-based research to fill a tenure-track faculty position beginning Fall 2019. Candidates in all areas of space-based astronomy, heliophysics, and planetary science are encouraged to apply. The position may be filled at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. To apply, please go to the Jobs at UIowa website (https://jobs.uiowa.edu/faculty/view/73018). Applications should arrive prior to October 15, 2018 to receive full consideration.


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JOB OPENING: NSF AGS Science Analyst

From: Michael Wiltberger (mwiltber at nsf.gov)

The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidate for a Science Analyst in the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Science (AGS) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.

AGS supports fundamental research into the physical, chemical, and biological processes that impact the composition and physical phenomena and behavior of matter between the sun and the surface of the Earth. This includes a wide variety of important processes that impact humans and society, such as space weather, tropospheric weather, climate, and air quality. Specific programs include studies of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of earth's upper and lower atmosphere and its space environment, and research on climate processes and variations.

The AGS Science Analyst will primarily provide support for activities and programs within the Division. In particular, the position holder will develop and produce data analyses, reports and presentations that describe the research and facilities supported by AGS and the outcomes of that investment. This will aid in program and portfolio evaluation, inform decisions made by Division management, and help engage AGS's many stakeholders more effectively. The incumbent will also assist program officers in the solicitation and merit review of proposals for NSF funding, and the oversight of NSF awards. These tasks will involve frequent interactions with staff throughout the Division and in other parts of NSF.

Major duties for the AGS Science Analyst include, but are not limited to, the following:

As required by the Division Director, Sections Heads or Program Directors, develop reports, studies, and analyses of research funded by the Division and its outcomes.

Develop data-driven measures to aid in the evaluation of the impact (scientific and technical, economic, or societal) of the AGS portfolio, in the form of complex data and text analyses, performance metrics, and other analytics, as needed. 

Identify, retrieve and examine pertinent textual content and data. Validate results and analyses to ensure consistency and quality control.
Create presentations, graphics, and other media highlighting AGS programs and outcomes for a variety of internal and external audiences.

Work with AGS management and Program Directors to compile and present information on program portfolios, metrics and outcomes that inform expert assessment of the Division's program investments. Results of findings may be used at meetings of Advisory Committees, Committees of Visitors, and other internal and external forums.

Assist in the solicitation, merit review and award oversight processes. This will include handling or re-directing questions from the scientific community concerning AGS programs, identifying expert reviewers and assisting with the management of proposal review panels.

Learn more and apply for this position at  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/512412900  


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Positions in Hidden Symmetries and Fusion Energy

From: Kristie Lindsey (plasmast at astro.princeton.edu)

Princeton University is seeking postdoctoral or more senior researcher(s) as part of a new multi-institution initiative ‘Hidden Symmetries and Fusion Energy’ funded by the Simons Foundation. The goal of the initiative is to build a mathematical and computational foundation for the design of stellarators for magnetic plasma confinement. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in physics, mathematics, and computer science, specializing in areas such as magnetic field line flow, particle confinement, magnetohydrodynamics, multi-objective stochastic optimization, and scientific computing. The role of the Princeton researcher(s) in this project will be to develop computational tools for optimizing magnetic field and coil shaping to achieve particle confinement, maximizing integrability and quasisymmetry.

Applicants should have a PhD in physics or a related area. Candidates will be expected to be proficient with analytic methods as well as able to program in Fortran and/or C. Previous experience with stellarators is not essential. The initial appointment is for one year, with the expectation of renewal for a second year. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience. The start date is negotiable. Note this position would be based at Princeton University; for opportunities with the Simons team at other institutions, please refer to the information below. Applicants must apply online and submit a cv, cover letter and contact information for three references at: https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/8881. Letters of recommendation will also be handled through this site.

Application materials: 
• 1-3 page cover letter, describing your previous research, future research goals and career plans, and interest in the Simons project. Please comment on your experience with both analytic methods and scientific computing.
• CV, including complete list of publications.

We are seeking to recruit from as diverse a pool of talent as possible, and endeavor to preserve the Department of Astrophysical Sciences’ reputation as a pleasant workplace with a lively and friendly scientific atmosphere which recognizes that technical innovations are an important intellectual contribution to the science produced.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are received. Applications should be submitted by October 21, 2018 for full consideration, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Further information about the ‘Hidden Symmetries and Fusion Energy’ project can be found here: https://hiddensymmetries.princeton.edu/. This position is subject to Princeton University’s background check policy. 

Other institutions in our Simons team (University of Maryland, Warwick, Cornell, University of Texas, Max Planck Institute and NYU-Courant) are seeking postdoctoral researchers to work on other elements of this initiative. Different responsibilities, requirements, and deadlines apply for these positions; consult the relevant institution for details.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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JOB OPENING: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato, New Zealand

From: Sean Oughton (sean.oughton at waikato.ac.nz)

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Waikato (Hamilton, New Zealand) is seeking to appoint a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer who will contribute to teaching, postgraduate supervision, administration and research within the Department and Faculty. Applicants must have the ability to teach several areas of graduate level applied mathematics and preference will be given to applicants who also have research strengths in applied mathematics.

A research record of sustained excellence and a recognised contribution to the academic field appropriate to the level of position applied for are essential. You will also have demonstrated success in undergraduate teaching including the ability to lecture to large numbers and conduct small group tutorials effectively, along with the ability to contribute to the graduate and postgraduate teaching programmes and to maintain an active research programme. A PhD in Mathematics or a relevant discipline is required.

Further information about the Department of Mathematics & Statistics is available at       www.math.waikato.ac.nz

Current salary range for Lecturers is NZ$74,034 to $89,163 per year, and for
Senior Lecturers is NZ$91,710 to $120,752 per year, depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

Enquiries of an academic nature should be directed to the Department Chairperson, Associate Professor Sean Oughton: 
email: sean.oughton at waikato.ac.nz

Closing date: 19 October 2018 (NZ time).    Vacancy number: 380371

For more information and TO APPLY,  visit     www.jobs.waikato.ac.nz


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SCOSTEP/VarSITI Newsletter Vol.19

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

>From Kazuo Shiokawa (shiokawa at nagoya-u.jp)

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

VarSITI Newsletter volume 19 has now been published.  The PDF file is available at 
http://newserver.stil.bas.bg/varsiti/newsL/VarSITI_Newsletter_Vol19.pdf
Below are the contents of this volume.  

Contents of VarSITI Newsletter Volume 19

Articles
1. Project for Solar-Terrestrial Environment Prediction (PSTEP)
2. VarSITI Discussion on "Solar Variability and Sunspot Indices"

Highlights on Young Scientists
1. Thai Trinh/ Germany
2. Deepak K. Karan/ India
3. Chenglong Shen/ China

Meeting Reports
1. HEPPA-SOLARIS Workshop 2018
2. 7th IAGA/ICMA/SCOSTEP Workshop on Vertical Coupling in the Atmosphere-Ionosphere System
3. 45th Annual European Meeting on Atmospheric Studies by Optical Methods

Upcoming Meetings


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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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