[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXVII, Issue 16

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXVII, Issue 16
Mar.13,2020

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Table of Contents

1. ESA – IRIS Science Planners: 6th ESA AO

2. NSF-NASA Solicitation on NextGen Space Weather Model Development -- Due Date Delay to March 27, 2020

3. SCOSTEP/PRESTO Grant Proposals 

4. Advances in Space Research - Free Access

5. MEETING: Bill Feldman Science Symposium Postponed (Originally Scheduled for April 23 – 24, 2020)

6. MEETING: Space Weather Conference of the January 2021 AMS Meeting -- Call for Session Topics

7. Appointment of Alan Liu as Aeronomy Program Officer

8. JOB OPENING: Senior Scientist, Heliophysics at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

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

10. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral or Guest Researcher Position in Space Weather

11. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position in Mathematics/Space Physics at the University of Oulu, Finland

12. JOB OPENING: (Two Positions) Research Associate and PhD Position in Data Science and Scientific Programming, Application Deadline: 24 March 2020

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


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ESA – IRIS Science Planners: 6th ESA AO

From: Bernhard Fleck (bfleck at esa.nascom.nasa.gov)

ESA solicits proposals for participation in the NASA-led IRIS mission from scientists working in ESA Member States, under the form of Science Planners.

The Announcement of Opportunity (AO) and a Letter of Invitation by the ESA Director of Science can be found at https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/iris-2020/

Proposals shall be submitted electronically in PDF format at the above web site and must be received not later than 30 April 2020, 12:00 (noon) CEST. 


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NSF-NASA Solicitation on NextGen Space Weather Model Development -- Due Date Delay to March 27, 2020

From: Vyacheslav (Slava) Lukin (vlukin at nsf.gov)

NSF 20-519 solicitation: Next Generation Software for Data-driven Models of Space Weather with Quantified Uncertainties (SWQU)

DUE DATE DELAY: new due date -- MARCH 27th, 2020.

With the disruption in regular operations of universities, colleges and other research organizations due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, NSF and NASA have decided to delay the due date for proposals to be submitted to solicitation NSF 20-519 by a week, to March 27th, 2020.  

The solicitation webpage, https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20519/nsf20519.htm is being updated accordingly.

Proposals can be submitted, and already submitted proposals can be updated, at any time before 5pm local time of the submitting organization on March 27th, 2020.


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SCOSTEP/PRESTO Grant Proposals 

From: Ramon E. Lopez (relopez at uta.edu)

SCOSTEP-PRESTO is now accepting grant proposals for meetings and campaigns.  More information is available at https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/research/sites/institute-for-scientific-research/research/SCOSTEP.html


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Advances in Space Research - Free Access

From: Jan Lastovicka (jla at ufa.cas.cz)

The first issue of Advances in Space Research (ASR), 65/1, is 'Free Access' for the whole year 2020. It contains a couple of interesting ionospheric and magnetospheric papers. The impact factor of ASR for 2018 is 1.74, for 2019 is expected to be ~2.


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MEETING: Bill Feldman Science Symposium Postponed (Originally Scheduled for April 23 – 24, 2020)

From: David J. Lawrence (David.J.Lawrence at jhuapl.edu)

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Bill Feldman Science Symposium has unfortunately been postponed.  When enough information is known, the Symposium will be rescheduled and an announcement will be made.


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MEETING: Space Weather Conference of the January 2021 AMS Meeting -- Call for Session Topics

From: Richard Behnke, Barbara Thompson (behnke.richard at yahoo.com)

Call for Sessions:  18th Conference on Space Weather at the 101st Meeting of the American Meteorological Society

The 18th Conference on Space Weather of the American Meteorological Society will be held 10-14 January 2021 in New Orleans, LA.  The theme of the 2021 Annual AMS Meeting is “Strengthening engagement with communities through our science and service.”  

You are invited to submit a Session Topic Proposal for the Conference on Space Weather.  Proposals are due 1 April 2020.  Choose “18th Conference on Space Weather” from the Session Proposal Page: Call for Sessions

The Committee on Space Weather strives to create a balanced program each year, capitalizing on the unique position of the Conference on Space Weather within the much larger forecasting and research environment of the AMS.  Past session topics have spanned many areas of space weather research and operations, including focused research domains, modeling, space weather impacts, space weather history, national and international programs, forecasting methods, operational decisions, outreach activities, communications, and mission development.  We plan to continue our tradition of embracing a wide range of sessions relevant to all areas of space weather, so please consider submitting a topic idea by 1 April 2020. 

If you have any questions, please contact the organizers:  Richard Behnke behnke.richard at yahoo.com or Barbara J. Thompson <barbara.j.thompson at nasa.gov>


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Appointment of Alan Liu as Aeronomy Program Officer

From: Michael Wiltberger (mwiltber at nsf.gov)

The Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences is pleased to welcome Dr. Alan Liu as the new Program Director for Aeronomy as an IPA rotator from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU).  His email address is zhualiu at nsf.gov and he can be reached by phone at 703-292-8519.

Dr. Liu earned his Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).  After completing his Ph.D. he worked at UIUC as a research scientist before becoming a professor at ERAU.  He designed and oversaw the construction of the Andes Lidar Observatory (ALO).  Most recently lead efforts to deploy an advanced meteor radar at ALO. 

Please join us in welcoming Alan to his new position and thank him for his willingness to serve the geospace community.


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JOB OPENING: Senior Scientist, Heliophysics at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

From: Nour E. Raouafi (Nour.Raouafi at jhuapl.edu)

The Space Physics Group (SRP) in the Space Exploration Sector of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is conducting a Senior Scientist to conduct basic scientific research in heliophysics, develop space instrumentation, manage and design planetary and heliophysics missions, including the role of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Deputy Project Scientist (DPS).       

The APL Space Physics Group has a broad and active basic research program that includes data analysis, theory and modeling studies of the Sun and the heliosphere, Sun-Earth connections, and Earth and planetary magnetospheres. It has significant development programs in space instrumentation in active and future space missions including Parker Solar Probe, STEREO, ACE, Voyager 1 and 2, IMAP, New Horizons, Geotail, Juno, MMS, JUICE, Europa Clipper and Solar Orbiter. In addition, the group fosters high-end numerical simulation and modeling efforts to enable rigorous comparisons of observations with theory. The Space Physics Group seeks to apply advances in modeling and simulation capabilities afforded by increased computational power to maximize the advance in scientific understanding obtained from new and existing space physics data sets.

For further details please contact Nour E. Raouafi (Nour.Raouafi at jhuapl.edu). Interested applicants can submit their applications online at the following link: https://tas-jhuapl.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=23040

Job Summary: Your primary responsibility will be to lead and participate in basic space plasma physics research, space instrumentation development, and mission management and design. In particular, the successful candidate will join the leadership of the Parker Solar Probe Project Science team in the capacity of the Deputy Project Scientist. 

Expected Duties: 
As the PSP Deputy Project Scientist, you will
1.	Engage with the broad national and international scientific communities regarding the Mission to advocate for the science and develop the community support.
2.	Oversee the development of measurement and science requirements of multiple investigations.
3.	Participate in Mission engineering meetings, discussions, and reviews regarding any issues that can affect the science performance of the mission and/or affect the measurement performance of any instruments.
4.	Develop tools and models for the analysis of scientific performance of the combined instrument suite. Perform various science, measurement, and mission capability trade studies to optimize the achievement of the science and measurement objectives.
5.	Represent mission science at key meetings and reviews. Develop and give presentations at some of these meetings.
6.	Participate in Education and Public Outreach activities.

Required Qualifications:  
1.	A PhD in physics or a related field.
2.	Expertise in modeling, data analysis, and scientific interpretation space plasma physics data.
3.	Expertise in the development and writing of proposals for spaceflight instruments and missions.
4.	Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding for space-based instrumentation and data analysis projects.
5.	Demonstrated and effective communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:
1.	Experience in the design, building, modeling, and laboratory testing of space instrumentation.
2.	Demonstrated and effective leadership and management skills. 

Special Working Conditions: Travel to mission project meetings and to scientific meetings is required.

Benefits:
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. With a wide selection of challenging, impactful work and a robust education assistance program, APL promotes a culture of life-long learning. Our employees enjoy generous benefits and healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

Equal Employment Opportunity: APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position at University of Alaska Fairbanks

From: Hyunju Connor (hkconnor at alaska.edu)

Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in the area of magnetopause reconnection, coupling between the magnetosphere and high-latitude ionosphere, and exosphere. The successful candidate would have experience in MHD modeling and data analysis on the space/ground observatories like THEMIS, MMS, SuperDARN, SuperMAG, etc. This position supports the upcoming spacecraft mission, Solar Wind – Magnetosphere – Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE), that visualizes the dayside magnetosphere in soft X-rays after its launch in 2023.

The duration is two years with a potential for renewal. PhD in physics, space physics, or related discipline is required. 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 on Apr 1, 2020 and continue until the position is filled. Start date in summer 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. 

University of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral or Guest Researcher Position in Space Weather

From: Emiliya Yordanova, Andrew Dimmock  (emiliya.yordanova at irfu.se)

Swedish Institute of Space Physics is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow or Guest Researcher in Space Weather

The position is related to space weather research in the field of space plasma physics.

The research is based on the investigation of the space weather link between the dynamics of the terrestrial magnetosheath during coronal mass ejection passages using multi-spacecraft observations (solar wind monitors, Solar Orbiter, Parker Solar Probe, MMS, THEMIS, Cluster, Geotail), and the resulting geomagnetic responses measured by ground observations (IMAGE, MIRACLE, SuperMAG and SuperDARN) at high latitudes.

The position is available at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Uppsala, Sweden, for two (2) years.

Last Application Date: 2020-04-17

Contact: Emiliya Yordanova, Andrew Dimmock (emiliya.yordanova at irfu.se)

More information can be found here:

http://www.irf.se/jobb

Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF) is a government agency that conducts research and postgraduate education in space physics, atmospheric physics and space technology. Many of IRF’s projects are run as large international projects in collaboration with other research institutes and space agencies. IRF has about one hundred employees and offices in Kiruna (headquarters), Umeå, Uppsala and Lund. For more information about IRF: www.irf.se


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position in Mathematics/Space Physics at the University of Oulu, Finland

From: Heikki Vanhamaki (heikki.vanhamaki at oulu.fi)

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in a project "Data-Driven Identification of Dynamical Systems with Applications in Space Physics". The position is in the Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences, but the work will be carried out in close collaboration with scientist in the Research Unit of Space Physics and Astronomy.

We combine classical and numerical methods from the theory of differential equations and inverse problems with new emerging tools in computational data science including Approximative Bayesian Computation to obtain interpretable learning systems capable of predicting complex physical processes. The research will concentrate on developing and applying methodologies of data science and artificial intelligence to tackle research problems related to space climate and space weather. The postdoctoral position is for 3 years, starting in May 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. The candidate should have PhD in Computational or Applied Mathematics, Statistics or Physics or a related field.

We offer an interesting and versatile position in a novel, multi-disciplinary project combining cutting edge mathematical research with solar-terrestrial science, as well as the possibility to develop professionally in a supportive and enthusiastic environment. University of Oulu offers the working benefits typical of a large organization with flexible working hours, excellent work-life balance and occupational healthcare services.

To apply, please see the full job description and use the electronic application form at https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?did=5600&jc=1&id=00008915&lang=en. Further information can be obtained from Professor Mikko Sillanpää (mikko.sillanpaa(at)oulu.fi). Application deadline is March 31, 2020.  


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JOB OPENING: (Two Positions) Research Associate and PhD Position in Data Science and Scientific Programming, Application Deadline: 24 March 2020

From: Dominika Soergel  (boneberg at gfz-potsdam.de)

The department of Geophysics of GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences invites applications for 1 PhD position and 1 position of Research Associate in Data Science and Scientific Programming in the group "Magnetospheric Physics”. 

Candidates for the Research Associate position should have a PhD in space physics, plasma physics, or related field – for the PhD position a master’s degree in mathematics, physics, computer science or related field is required. Experience in programming (in particular in code development), as well as a strong knowledge of programming languages and operating systems is also required. Experience in machine learning, data mining, and data assimilation is a plus.

The PhD student will furthermore conduct research in the field of space physics, apply machine learning tools, modify and develop new physics-based computer models and compare them with observations. 

Deadline: 24 March 2020

For more details please see:

PhD position: https://tinyurl.com/PhDGFZ-2020

Research Associate position: https://tinyurl.com/PDGFZ-2020

The work will be performed in the context of the EU Horizon 2020-funded consortium PAGER led by GFZ Potsdam. The other members involved are the University of Warwick, University of Michigan, Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Artenum SARL. The primary aim of PAGER is to provide space weather predictions initiated from observations on the Sun and to predict radiation in space and its effects on satellite infrastructure. The PAGER team will combine state-of-the-art models covering all the way from the Solar surface to the Earth’s inner magnetosphere. We will also run ensembles of physics-based and machine-learning models to make probabilistic predictions of the space weather conditions 1-2 days in advance. 

For questions please contact Prof. Yuri Shprits: yshprits at gfz-potsdam.de


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

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