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

Newsletter Editor editor at igpp.ucla.edu
Wed Jan 8 09:06:40 PST 2020 

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXVII, Issue 2
Jan.08,2020

***********************************************************************

Table of Contents

1. Editor Positions for JGR: Space Physics

2. JGR-Space Physics Editor Blog Monthly Highlights

3. JOB OPENING: The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Is Hiring!

4. JOB OPENING: Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Theoretical Solar Physics at New Jersey Institute of Technology

5. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position in Space Physics at Princeton University

6. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position at Big Bear Solar Observatory

7. JOB OPENING: Research Associate in Computational Space Physics at New Mexico Consortium

8. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Associate Position in Modeling Exoplanets Plasma Environment and Star-Planet Interaction

9. PhD Studentships in Space Plasma Physics at Queen Mary University of London

10. RHESSI Nuggets in December 2019

***********************************************************************

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


1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1

Editor Positions for JGR: Space Physics

From: Michael Balikhin (m.balikhin at sheffield.ac.uk)

We are looking for new Editors to join the board of the Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics. Applicants should be dynamic, well-organized, independent-minded, and even-handed scientists with robust knowledge of space physics.

The term would be 4 years with a flexible start date soon after selection. AGU's guidelines for Editors can be found here: https://publications.agu.org/journals/editors/publication-guidelines/.

If you would like to be considered for one of these Editor positions with JGR-Space Physics, please send your curriculum vitae with a letter of interest via email to pubmatters at agu.org with "JGR: Space Physics" in the subject line.

The review of applications will start January 15 , 2020 and will continue until  positions are filled.


2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2

JGR-Space Physics Editor Blog Monthly Highlights

From: Mike Lemohn (liemohn at umich.edu)

My last blog post is posted. The site will remain online, of course. The biggest news since my last SPA newsletter update is that there is an open search for new editors of JGR Space Physics, as the new EiC, Dr. Balikhin, expects to appoint two to four new editors very soon. Applications are due by mid-January, send letter and CV to pubmatters at agu.org.

December 8: details on the new editor search
     https://liemohnjgrspace.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/new-editor-search-for-jgr-space-physics/ 

More news items:

December 31: AGU is dropping page numbering from its journals
     https://liemohnjgrspace.wordpress.com/2019/12/31/agu-is-changing-to-elocators/

December 18: our pilot project of GEMS-to-ESSOAr transfers was a success
     https://liemohnjgrspace.wordpress.com/2019/12/18/essoar-transfer-for-all-agu-journals/

December 10: it’s always a good time to give extra to AGU’s special programs
     https://liemohnjgrspace.wordpress.com/2019/12/10/giving-to-agu-one-last-pitch/

December 9: 2020 membership gets you access to older journal volumes
     https://liemohnjgrspace.wordpress.com/2019/12/09/membership-gets-you-access-to-the-digital-archive-of-agu-journals/

Main Website:   http://liemohnjgrspace.wordpress.com/


3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3

JOB OPENING: The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Is Hiring!

From: Sarah Gibson (sgibson at ucar.edu)

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is hiring a Lab Director for our High Altitude Observatory (HAO) Laboratory. HAO research focuses on the impact of Solar variability on Earth’s atmosphere across temporal scales, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the key physical processes that can both improve and inform next-generation forecasts of space weather, associated hazards, and space climate.

The Director’s primary responsibilities will be to strategically lead the lab’s scientific and administrative direction, in alignment with NCAR’s strategic goals and missions. As a member of the NCAR Executive Committee, the Director shares in NCAR management deliberations and decisions, offering on the behalf of NCAR and HAO advice on matters such as scientific goals, initiatives and standards, budgets, priorities, policies, programs, and other matters. Join the NCAR team where our focus is on science for the betterment of society and where we support our staff with excellent benefits.  

To apply for the HAO Lab Director position, please visit our website: 
https://ucar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UCAR_Careers/job/Center-Green-1/NCAR-Associate-Director---HAO_REQ-2019-105-1


4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4

JOB OPENING: Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Theoretical Solar Physics at New Jersey Institute of Technology

From: Wenda Cao (wcao at bbso.njit.edu)

The Physics Department at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is seeking candidates for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant or associate professor level in Theoretical Solar Physics with an anticipated start date in Fall 2020.

We are recruiting a modeler who can develop an independent research program and collaborate with the other faculty members in the department and the Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research. The preference will be given to candidates who will carry out MHD or other modeling involving the data from the 1.6-meter Goode Solar Telescope (GST) at Big Bear Solar Observatory, as well as achieve discovery science in understanding solar activity in high resolution. NJIT has built and now operates the largest aperture and highest-resolution GST in the world. The research can further be advanced in anticipation of the operation of 4-meter DKIST. The successful candidate is expected to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as develop new courses in areas of solar-terrestrial physics, space weather, and plasma physics.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, Space Physics, or closely related areas, with excellent oral and written communication skills, and successful research experience as demonstrated by accomplishments, publications, and research grants. 

The deadline for applications has been extended to January 31st, 2020. Please submit all documents online at https://njit.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?site=1&id=1801 including: (1) a cover letter, (2) a current version of your curriculum vitae, (3) five-year research plan, (4) documentation of teaching experience and teaching philosophy, and (5) names of three references. Inquiries should be addressed to Chair of the Search Committee, Prof. Wenda Cao, NJIT Physics Department (wcao at bbso.njit.edu).

New Jersey Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.


5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5

JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position in Space Physics at Princeton University

From: Dan White (danieljw at princeton.edu)

The Space Physics Group in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, is expanding and anticipates offering one or more postdoctoral or more senior research positions in experimental/observational space physics.
Space Physics Group website:  https://spacephysics.princeton.edu/

The Space Physics Group carries out research in many aspects of space physics (aka heliophysics), and currently leads NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISOIS) instrument suite, and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission. The successful candidate(s) can play a major role in 1) the development of the experimental capability of the group and development of space flight instrumentation for IMAP, 2) the analysis and publication of SEP observations from ISOIS, and 3) the analysis and publication of ENA observations from IBEX, and/or other funded space physics research. Preferred qualifications include having prior experience in the development of space flight instrumentation, analyzing these type(s) of particle data, the proven ability to lead/participate in the rapid development and publication of numerous excellent research articles.

For more information about this position, please visit
https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/14383


6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6

JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position at Big Bear Solar Observatory

From: Wenda Cao (wcao at bbso.njit.edu)

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO). The postdoc will be responsible for managing data pipeline of the Goode Solar Telescope (GST) in support of NASA Parker Solar Prober (PSP) mission. The details tasks would include: (1) acquisition, processing, and archiving of high-resolution imaging spectroscopy and polarimetry data with GST; (2) optimize the existing BBSO Data Processing/Pipeline System to generate requisite dataset in compliance with the NASA Solar Data Analysis Center (SDAC)’s requirement; (3) deliver every processed set of observations and requisite documentation to SDAC after the respective perihelion; (4) make the data and metadata available to the public via the Virtual Solar Observatory; (5) participate in research using GST and PSP data.

NJIT operates the 1.6-meter off-axis GST at BBSO that is a world class facility for high spatial and temporal resolution solar astronomy in the optical/infrared. The BBSO is operated as a remote laboratory of NJIT's Center for Solar Terrestrial Research. The position is anticipated to start in Spring 2020. 

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, Space Physics, or closely related areas, with an ability to work and live at an elevation of 2000 meters. The ideal candidate will have experience of observations with ground-based telescopes, coordination with NASA solar space missions, as well as high-resolution data processing, analysis and archiving. 

The deadline for applications is February 15th, 2020. Please submit all documents online at https://njit.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?site=1&id=1909 including: (1) a cover letter, (2) a current version of your curriculum vitae, and (3) names of two references. Inquiries should be addressed to BBSO Director, Prof. Wenda Cao (wcao at bbso.njit.edu).

New Jersey Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.


7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7

JOB OPENING: Research Associate in Computational Space Physics at New Mexico Consortium

From: Xiangrong Fu (sfu at newmexicoconsortium.org)

The New Mexico Consortium has an opening for a computational space physics research associate to work on a project funded by NASA. The goal of the project is to understand compressible turbulence in the solar wind and associated ion energization processes. Duties will include running and developing MHD and hybrid simulations for compressible turbulence, and comparing simulations with observations from the Parker Solar Probe. The researcher will also have a great opportunity to interact with scientists from the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Parker Solar Probe team.

We are looking for a researcher at the post-doctoral level, but exceptional candidates at other levels (post-master or research scientist) would also receive full consideration. Experiences with high performance computing, excellent programming skills in Fortran/C++/Python and a strong history of publications are desired. A Ph.D. or M.S. in space physics, plasma physics, astrophysics, or a related field is preferred.

This is a two-year position with competitive salary and benefits. The position level and salary are commensurate with educational level and experience. A possible third year extension is contingent on performance and continued availability of funds. The appointment is expected to start in Mar 2020, although the exact start date is flexible. The application deadline is Jan 18, 2020. The position is located at Los Alamos, New Mexico. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Xiangrong Fu (sfu at newmexicoconsortium.org) with any questions.

For details of the application process, please go to NMC careers website: https://newmexicoconsortium.org/careers/


8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Associate Position in Modeling Exoplanets Plasma Environment and Star-Planet Interaction

From: Ofer Cohen (ofer_cohen at uml.edu)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Center for Space Science and Technology, to work on modeling radio emissions from exoplanets and star-planet interaction, with Dr. Ofer Cohen. The successful applicant will develop MHD codes to simulate modulation of stellar radio emission by transiting exoplanets, star-planet interaction, and will perform coupled simulations of the plasma environment around short-orbit exoplanets. The applicant will also develop code coupling between stellar coronae and planetary magnetospheres models.

Minimum Qualifications for the position include:

1. Ph.D. in Space Physics, Astrophysics, computational physics or related field.
2. Computational, coding, and model development experience, plasma physics modeling experience, strong background in space plasma physics or astrophysical plasmas.

Other preferred qualifications:
1. Experience with parallel coding (MPI), Fortran 90 (preferred, but not a requirement).
2. Good communication and writing skills.

The postdoc will be expected to demonstrate ability to submit research proposals on her/his own, to be independent in the science work, and to work with undergraduate/graduate students in the center.  Opportunities to gain teaching experience may also be available.

To apply, go to the UMass Lowell position announcement at:
https://explorejobs.uml.edu/lowell/en-us/job/503644/postdoctoral-research-associate-modeling-exoplanets-plasmas
or go to the UMass Lowell job listing and search for position number 503644:
https://explorejobs.uml.edu/lowell/en-us/listing/

Please include a CV, cover letter and research summary with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.


9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9

PhD Studentships in Space Plasma Physics at Queen Mary University of London

From: Christopher Chen (christopher.chen at qmul.ac.uk)

The Space and Astrophysical Plasma Physics group at Queen Mary University of London is currently accepting applications for PhD studentships to begin in October 2020. Projects are available across the range of research areas covered by the group, including the solar wind, heliospheric physics, plasma turbulence, shocks, magnetic reconnection, solar physics, particle acceleration, kinetic plasma physics, and plasma radio emission. Our research approach includes spacecraft observations (from missions such as Cluster, THEMIS, MMS, Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter), large scale kinetic simulations, and fundamental plasma theory to understand plasma phenomena throughout the universe. Training will be provided in the form of specialised courses, as well as professional development support from the Queen Mary Doctoral College.

The group is part of the Astronomy Unit, which has 17 academic staff and a dynamic postdoc/student community, with around 15-20 students at any one time. The Astronomy Unit is one of the four research divisions of the School of Physics and Astronomy, which has a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree options; PhD students have the option to contribute to undergraduate teaching if they wish.

The normal minimum requirement is an upper second class honours degree in Physics, Astronomy, Maths, or a sufficiently similar subject, although comparable alternative experience will also be considered. However, most important is an enthusiasm and motivation for undertaking an extended research project in space and astrophysical plasma physics.

The deadline for applications is 31st January 2020. See http://www.space-plasma.qmul.ac.uk for more details about the group, available projects, and the application process.


10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10

RHESSI Nuggets in December 2019

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

Farewell to 2019! There were 25 new Nuggets in all during the year, thanks to as many contributors. The new ones in December were:

No. 365, “Spectropolarimetric Insight into Plasma-Sheet Dynamics of a Solar Flare,” by Ryan French. The CoMP polarization patterns in SOL2017-09-10 are extremely promising.

No. 366, “Cosmic Rays over the Rainbow Bridge,” by Hugh Hudson and Alec MacKinnon. Galactic (and solar) cosmic rays plummet erratically into the Sun.

No. 367, “A Global Survey of EUV Coronal Power Spectra,” by Karl Battams. Time-series maps of imaged power spectra from an AIA pipeline.

Please see http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/RHESSI_Science_Nuggets for access to the full list, with search capability. We publish these at roughly two-week intervals and welcome contributions, which should be related, at least loosely, to RHESSI science.

At the time of writing another new-cycle region is on the disk, although it has lost its spots already. So… Happy New Year to all!


***** SUBSCRIPTION AND ANNOUNCEMENT REQUESTS *****

The AGU Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) Section Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. Back issues are available at:
http://lists.igpp.ucla.edu/pipermail/spa/

To request announcements for distribution by the newsletter, please use the online submission form at:
http://goo.gl/forms/qjcm4dDr4g

To subscribe to the newsletter, please go to the web page at:
http://lists.igpp.ucla.edu/mailman/listinfo/spa
(Do not use this web page to post announcements.)

NOTE: Due to the large number of SPA-related sessions at major conferences, the SPA Newsletter can no longer accept announcement requests for individual sessions at AGU, AOGS, COSPAR, EGU, or IAGA Meetings. Titles and web links (if available) of these sessions will be distributed in a special issue of the Newsletter before the abstract deadline.

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

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

*************** END OF NEWSLETTER ****************

More information about the SPA mailing list