[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXVI, Issue 52

Wed Sep 11 16:00:10 PDT 2019

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXVI, Issue 52
Sep.11,2019

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Table of Contents

1. Next Step Space Weather Benchmarks Town Hall

2. MEETING: Voyage 2050 Workshop, Madrid, October 29-31, 2019 - Registration Open until 30 September (12:00 CET)

3. MEETING: Radiation Belt Modelling in the Post Van Allen Probes Era, 10 January 2020

4. MEETING: 16th Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference, 30 March – 3 April 2020

5. Monday Science Telecon, September 16, 2019

6. JOB OPENING: University of Iowa Faculty Position in Space Research

7. JOB OPENING: Join NOAA’s Solar & Terrestrial Physics group as a Solar Scientist

8. JOB OPENING: Machine Learning Opportunity in Boulder Colorado

9. JOB OPENING: Research Associate Position at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida

10. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position at University of Alaska Fairbanks 

11. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Fellow Positions at the University of Helsinki, Space Physics Group, Finland

12. JOB OPENING: Research Fellow (Solar Orbiter SWA Operations Team at UCL/MSSL) 

13. Announcing Three New RHESSI Science Nuggets

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

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Next Step Space Weather Benchmarks Town Hall

From: Michael Wiltberger (mwiltber at nsf.gov)

NASA and NSF are hosting a Next Step Space Weather Benchmarks Town Hall on September 26, 2019 in Washington, D.C. The Town Hall provides an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed recommendations and priorities for studies, data acquisition, and long-term research that would improve the benchmarking of extreme space weather events.

The Next Step Benchmarks is an NSF and NASA funded task that has gathered 32 of the world’s leading space weather scientists to perform a peer review of the White House’s Space Weather Phase 1 Benchmarks report. The final output of the Next Step Benchmarks task will be a public facing report that provides recommendations for improving benchmarks for extreme space weather events. A draft version of this report will be provided to all Town Hall participants for their review.

The Town Hall is open to the public. To register for the Town Hall, or to find additional details, please visit the registration website: http://www.cvent.com/d/7yqpsj.

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MEETING: Voyage 2050 Workshop, Madrid, October 29-31, 2019 - Registration Open until 30 September (12:00 CET)

From: Karen O'Flaherty (koflaher at esa.int)

Registration is now open for the ESA Voyage 2050 workshop to be held at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Calle Serrano 117, Madrid, Spain, from Tuesday 29 October to Thursday 31 October, 2019.

The focus of this workshop will be presentations and discussions related to the White Paper proposals that have been submitted by the broad scientific community for Voyage 2050, the next planning cycle of the ESA Science Programme. The White Papers are available to download from: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/voyage-2050/white-papers

Since capacity at CSIC is limited, anyone wishing to attend must register to express interest in attending (all or part of) the workshop. Confirmation of assigned places at the workshop will be provided by 7 October.

The workshop will be streamed live but no recording will be made available after the event.

There is no workshop fee. Lunch will be provided to participants.

*Registration*
To register your interest in attending the workshop, please complete the online registration form at: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/voyage-2050-workshop/registration

*About Voyage 2050*
The European Space Agency (ESA) Science Programme relies on long-term planning of its scientific priorities. The current plan, Cosmic Vision, which comprises a variety of missions and extends up to 2035, defines the wide-ranging and ambitious scientific questions to be addressed by missions in the ESA Science Programme.

Details of the Voyage 2050 process can be found at: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/voyage-2050

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MEETING: Radiation Belt Modelling in the Post Van Allen Probes Era, 10 January 2020

From: Oliver Allanson, Sarah Bentley, Ravindra Desai, Johnathan Ross (o.allanson at reading.ac.uk)

Dear colleagues,

We would like to draw your attention to an upcoming Royal Astronomical Society Specialist Discussion Meeting: “Radiation belt modelling in the post Van Allen Probes era”, on Friday 10th January 2020 at the Royal Astronomical Society, Burlington House, Picadilly, London. We are pleased to announce that this meeting will include keynote talks from Lauren Blum (NASA GSFC), Ewan Haggerty (Airbus Space and Defense), and Yuri Shprits (UCLA & GFZ Potsdam).

For further details, including a meeting description, please see https://ras.ac.uk/events-and-meetings/ras-meetings/radiation-belt-modelling-post-van-allen-probes-era .

We invite you to submit an abstract via https://forms.gle/QSVR7PZYWSwwx8FS9 . The deadline for abstract submission is Friday 4th October 2019.

RAS discussion meetings can provide a slightly different forum to that of a standard scientific meeting. It may be beneficial to particularly consider the "discussion" aspect of the meeting when submitting an abstract, i.e. open questions and future challenges, hypotheses, possible collaborations, negative results etc. Therefore, in addition to "standard" abstracts, we particularly welcome talk, poster and lightning talk abstracts that are specifically aimed at generating discussion.

Admission to Specialist Discussion Meetings is free for RAS Fellows, £15 for non-fellows (£5 for students), cash or cheque only, collected at the registration desk.  Admission to the subsequent Open (Monthly A&G) Meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society is open to all, at no charge.

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MEETING: 16th Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference, 30 March – 3 April 2020

From: Joseph Minow (joseph.minow at nasa.gov)

We are pleased to announce the 16th Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference (SCTC) will be held at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel in Cocoa Beach, Florida USA the week of 30 March – 3 April 2020.  The SCTC is an international conference series focusing on the science and technology of electrical charging of spacecraft by the space environment. Contributions are sought on a broad range of topics concerning the interaction of spacecraft with the charged particle environment, environmental impacts on spacecraft due to charging, and laboratory testing and design work required to investigate and mitigate charging threats.  

Information regarding abstract submission and registration will be announced in the coming months.

Conference information:                           https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/sctc2020/

Abstract submission and registration:    https://sctc2020.exordo.com/

Conveners:  Linda Neergaard Parker/USRA and Joseph Minow/NASA

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Monday Science Telecon, September 16, 2019

From: David Sibeck (david.g.sibeck at nasa.gov)

At 12:00 noon EST on Monday (Sep. 16), we plan to hold the next in our ongoing series of science telecons. The speaker this Monday will be Longzhi Gan from Boston University. The topic will be "Quantifying Non-linear Effects of Realistic Chorus Waves on the High Energy Electrons in the Earth's Radiation Belt".

Please check out our new website! 
https://sites.google.com/view/mondaysciencetelecon/home

The telecom will be broadcast live via webex. If you would like to join, please go to http://uclaigpp.webex.com/ and enter the Meeting number: 280 328 066 (‘Dayside Science meeting). Please type your name and contact information, and then the meeting password, which is Substorm1!

To hear the audio, do not dial the number that pops up on the webex website. Instead, please dial the following toll-free (in the United States) number:
1-844-467-6272
with passcode 901533#

Please remember to mute your telephone if you are not speaking.

Looking forward to speaking with you.

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JOB OPENING: University of Iowa Faculty Position in Space Research

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 astronomy or space physics to fill a tenure-track position at Assistant Professor or Associate Professor beginning Fall 2020. Duties of the position will consist of teaching courses at all levels and establishment of an active research program including the development of space-based instrumentation and the pursuit of external funding. The Department has a long history in building space-based instrumentation with instruments currently operating on HaloSat, Juno, Mars Express, and the Van Allen Probes and currently under construction for the TRACERS Small Explorer mission. Further details can be found at https://jobs.uiowa.edu/faculty/view/73714. 

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JOB OPENING: Join NOAA’s Solar & Terrestrial Physics group as a Solar Scientist

From: Rob Redmon (rob.redmon at noaa.gov)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) welcomes your application for a new solar scientist federal hire in the Solar & Terrestrial Physics group in Boulder, Colorado. The successful applicant will work with new and advanced solar observations such as those from the GOES-R series Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI), Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS) and future Space Weather Follow On (SWFO), and extremely valuable archives of solar irradiance and imagery observed by satellites and solar radio observations from ground stations. Your efforts will help ensure NOAA continues to create high value products and services that are used in critical space weather forecasting applications to protect life and property, and are widely leveraged by the international research community inspiring Research to Operations and Operations to Research. This position has significant potential for efficient advancement from a ZP3 to a ZP4 level position. All interested persons are welcome to apply using the usa.gov URLs below. If you have any questions please contact Gretchen Imahori at Gretchen.Imahori at NOAA.gov.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/544761300
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/544760600

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JOB OPENING: Machine Learning Opportunity in Boulder Colorado

From: Dr Paul Loto'aniu (paul.lotoaniu at noaa.gov)

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an immediate opening for a Space Physicist specializing in Machine Learning (ML). This position supports NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in work related to the magnetometers (MAG) on the GOES-R mission satellites. The physicist will develop ML techniques for satellite data correction algorithms and for space weather research. The position is for three years, with extension beyond this dependent on performance and availability of funding. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series-R (GOES-R) is NOAA’s next generation of geostationary weather satellites, which include a complement of space weather sensors to monitor the local space environment and the Sun. Two of the GOES-R satellites have been launched and are now called GOES-16 and GOES-17.

Requirements:

A Masters or Ph.D. in a hard science, mathematics, or statistics with an emphasis on machine learning, statistics, space physics, astrophysics, geophysics, or, similar scientific discipline

Extensive experience in time-series analysis. Knowledge of Python, IDL, Matlab or other high-level programming languages.

Desired:

Experience using TensorFlow, Torch, Theano, Caffe, Neon, the IBM Machine Learning Stack or similar frameworks.

Research or course work in ML.

Research or course work in space physics.

Understanding of magnetospheric physics and/or the geomagnetic field.

Experience working with spacecraft science data.

Experience using cloud services such as Amazon Web Services.

Apply at:
https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NCEI-Space-Physicist-in-Machine-Learning-and-Space-Weather/20093

For further information contact Dr. Paul Loto’aniu (paul.lotoaniu at noaa.gov)

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JOB OPENING: Research Associate Position at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida

From: Aroh Barjatya (barjatya at erau.edu)

The Center for Space and Atmospheric Research at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL campus invites applications for a postdoctoral Research Associate position in the area of space plasma physics and in-situ instrumentation. The primary function of this position is to support the multiple ongoing projects in Space and Atmospheric Instrumentation Laboratory (erausail.weebly.com).

Duties & Responsibilities:
• Oversee the construction, testing, and calibration of Langmuir probes, electric field probes, ionization gauges, magnetometers, etc slated to fly on multiple upcoming sounding rocket missions and small satellites to study the electrodynamics of Earth’s upper atmosphere;
• Analyze and interpret data collected from in-situ observations and collaborate with Co-Investigators who will provide ground based remote sensing data;
• Present results at relevant conferences and in peer-reviewed literature;
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, as well as collaborate with other researchers in the Center for Space and Atmospheric Research;

This position requires a Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, or a related field. The successful candidate should possess experience in the design and use of in-situ instruments (preferably electric probes), as well as programming skills in C and Matlab/IDL/Python.

This is a 2 year 100%-time appointment with all applicable University benefits, and a possibility of renewal for the third year contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued availability of funds. The position allows (and expects!) the candidate to increase his or her independence by developing key questions and pursue proposals to appropriate agencies. 

Interested applicants should submit the following materials online at http://careers.erau.edu , requisition #190569:

1. A cover letter describing background, qualifications, and experience relevant to the position
2. A full curriculum vitae (CV) - detailing education, awards, publications, research experience, etc.
3. Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Start date is also expected to be as soon as a selection is made, and preferably no later than Jan 2020. For questions or additional information, contact Dr. Aroh Barjatya at barjatya at erau.edu.  

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals. 

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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position at University of Alaska Fairbanks 

From: Hyunju Connor (hkconnor at alaska.edu)

Dear Colleagues,

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position at University of Alaska Fairbanks. This postdoc will apply big data techniques to several decades of ground and space observations to improve our understanding and predictions of geomagnetically induced currents. The postdoctoral research is part of a 4-year, 4-million-dolloar project situated at both UAF and the University of New Hampshire to enhance their expertise in space science with machine-learning techniques. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to be involved in the space weather underground program (SWUG) that works with local high school students to build, deploy, and analyze ground magnetometers.

The appointment is for 3 years with the potential for renewal. PhD in physics, space physics, computer science, or related discipline is required. Candidates with experience in machine learning are highly desirable. Interested applicants should submit the following materials by email to Prof. Hyunju Connor (hkconnor at alaska.edu):
1. A cover letter describing background, qualifications, and experience relevant to the position
2. A full curriculum vitae (CV) - detailing education, awards, publications, research experience, etc.
3. Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin Oct 1, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. Start date in Jan – Mar 2020 is desirable. For questions or additional information, contact Prof. Hyunju Connor at hkconnor at alaska.edu.  Details of the Space Physics and Aeronomy research group at Geophysical Institute can be found at https://www.gi.alaska.edu/research/space-physics-and-aeronomy.  A second postdoctoral position will also be available at UNH; contact Prof. Connor for details.

University of Alaska are equal opportunity employers.

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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Fellow Positions at the University of Helsinki, Space Physics Group, Finland

From: Minna Palmroth (minna.palmroth at helsinki.fi)

JOB OPENINGS: Postdoctoral Fellow Positions at the University of Helsinki, Space Physics Group, Finland

The Space Physics Group at the University of Helsinki, Department of Physics, is a leading research group specialised both in observations and modelling of space plasmas. We develop the unique global hybrid-Vlasov simulation Vlasiator to investigate the near-Earth space in ion kinetic scales utilising hybrid-Vlasov methods.

We are now opening several postdoctoral fellow positions funded through a European Research Council Consolidator grant, and the Academy of Finland. The positions are focussed on both developing Vlasiator as well as utilising it in investigating kinetic plasma processes (magnetic reconnection and shocks), and coupling with the ionosphere; both from electron and ion perspectives. The applicant should have a PhD in space physics or other relevant field. Other useful skills include: using/developing numerical simulations, Python, C++, data analysis, supercomputer environments.

We are a highly dynamic and international research group, working together as a team in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. The selected fellows will have excellent opportunities to network and to develop as a researcher. The 2-year positions are available immediately. The deadline for applications is 18.10.2019. 

For more information, please visit:
http://helsinki.fi/vlasiator
http://blogs.helsinki.fi/spacephysics/
https://www.helsinki.fi/sustainable-space

For specifics about the positions, contact Professor Minna Palmroth (minna.palmroth(at)helsinki.fi). Interested candidates should send their informal application, CV, list of publications, and a maximum of three names to act as references to Mila.Hyytinen(at)helsinki.fi, and cc: Minna.Palmroth(at)helsinki.fi.

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JOB OPENING: Research Fellow (Solar Orbiter SWA Operations Team at UCL/MSSL) 

From: Christoper J Owen (c.owen at ucl.ac.uk)

We seek to appoint an individual to join the Operations team for the Solar Wind Analyser (SWA) Investigation on the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter Mission.  SWA is a suite of 3 scientific sensors, serviced by a central DPU, to detect charged particles in the solar wind close to the Sun. The post-holder will assume a central role in the SWA Operations team based in the Department of Space and Climate Physics (Mullard Space Science Laboratory, MSSL) at University College London (UCL).  The team is responsible for all SWA commanding, data handling, calibration and archiving, and instrument health monitoring activities during the ~10yr lifetime of the mission, currently scheduled for launch in February 2020.  This will involve close collaboration with existing team members, the ESA Science Operations Centre in Madrid, Mission Operations Centre teams in Germany and SWA partners in Rome, Toulouse, Texas and Michigan.

In the first instance (prior to launch), the post-holder should become centrally involved in completing the development of the full software and hardware capability for the SWA operations facility.  Post-launch the team will be involved in planning and executing all aspects of SWA instrument operations, health-checking, and data processing from raw telemetry values to scientific data products and populating ESA and NASA archives as well as maintenance and updating of the SWA operations facility.  Monitoring and adjusting instrument performance on behalf of the international SWA team is also a central responsibility of the MSSL Operations team.

HOW TO APPLY

Enquiries: Informal enquiries should be made to Chris Owen (c.owen at ucl.ac.uk).

Applications should be completed on line http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/jobs/. However if you are having difficulty accessing the on-line recruitment system please contact Suzanne Winter (s.winter at ucl.ac.uk) for advice.

To apply please use this link: https://atsv7.wcn.co.uk/search_engine/jobs.cgi?SID=amNvZGU9MTgyMDgzMiZ2dF90ZW1wbGF0ZT05NjUmb3duZXI9NTA0MTE3OCZvd25lcnR5cGU9ZmFpciZicmFuZF9pZD0wJnZhY2Zpcm0udmFjdGl0bGU9cmVzZWFyY2ggZmVsbG93JnBvc3RpbmdfY29kZT0yMjQ=

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Announcing Three New RHESSI Science Nuggets

From: Hugh Hudson (hugh.hudson at glasgow.ac.uk)

No. 354 “Do Kepler Superflare Stars Really Include Slowly Rotating Sun-like Stars?”, by Y. Notsu: Kepler superflares hint at solar superflares.

No. 355 “Stealth Coronal Mass Ejections from Active Regions”, by J. O’Kane: Perhaps just feeble versions of the same magnetic disease….

No. 356 “EVE-RHESSI DEM Models and the Low-energy Cutoff for Nonthermal Electrons”, by Jim McTiernan: Characterizing flare temperature distributions helps to define the non-thermal energy release.

Please see 

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

for links to these and earlier entries. We welcome new contributions, normally published on alternate Mondays, which need not deal only with RHESSI observations or related theory.

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