[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXVIII, Issue 20

Newsletter Editor editor at igpp.ucla.edu
Wed Apr 7 11:35:56 PDT 2021 

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXVIII, Issue 20
Apr.07,2021

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

Table of Contents

1. Community Discussion Session on Space Weather Research Priorities ahead of the Up-coming Heliophysics 2050 Workshop

2. Outer Heliosphere and Local Interstellar Medium for Helio2050

3. Pre-Helio 2050 Meetings #2 and #3: Magnetosphere-Atmosphere Interactions

4. Interstellar Probe Study Webinar 08 April 2021 at 12PM EDT "Interstellar Probe Mission Concept: Finalized Science Goals and Example Payloads"

5. NSF Plasma Physics Program Semi-Annual Webinar, April 9

6. Frontiers Research Topic "Bringing Together Observations and Numerical Simulations of Collisionless Solar System Plasmas" Open for Submissions

7. JOB OPENING: Upcoming Position at Marshall Space Flight Center

8. JOB OPENING: Energetic Particle Instrumentation Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory

9. JOB OPENNING: Postdoctoral Research Position in Space Physics at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

10. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position in Moon-Plasma Interactions

11. JOB OPENING: Job Opportunity at the University of Colorado Boulder

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

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

Community Discussion Session on Space Weather Research Priorities ahead of the Up-coming Heliophysics 2050 Workshop

From: Jenn Gannon, Drew Turner, Bala Poduval, Tom Berger, Antti Pulkkinen (gannon at cpi.com)

Dear Colleagues,

Please join us for a community discussion session on space weather research priorities ahead of the up-coming Heliophysics 2050 workshop! 

These discussions are open to:

- Researchers or students in space weather or a related field
- Anyone involved in space weather operations
- End-users of space weather information, for example those involved in electric power transmission, airline operations, or commercial geospace
- Anyone else who is interested in discussing space weather research priorities and coordinating with others on white papers for the Heliophysics Decadal Survey

The sessions will be held on Tuesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 29, from 1-4ET.  You can register for either (or both) sessions here:  https://forms.gle/zRUNEHY3qDLg1hB89.

For more information on the Decadal Survey process, see here: https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/2024_decadal_survey

Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested. We hope that you can join us to make sure that the space weather community is well-represented in the discussion of research priorities!

Best,

Jenn Gannon, Drew Turner, Bala Poduval, Tom Berger, Antti Pulkkinen

Questions about the sessions can be directed to:

Jennifer Gannon
Computational Physics, Inc.
http://gmd.cpi.com

office: (720) 328-1097, ext. 11#
cell: (303) 666-6738
gannon at cpi.com


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

Outer Heliosphere and Local Interstellar Medium for Helio2050

From: Justyna M. Sokol, Elena Provornikova, Marc Kornbleuth (justyna.sokol at swri.org)

Dear Colleagues,

Ahead of the coming Heliophysics 2050 Workshop (May 3-7), we would like to invite you to pre-workshop discussions on the goals and next steps for the “Outer Heliosphere and Local Interstellar Medium” investigation over the next three decades.

The purpose of the online discussion group is to synthesize scientific priorities in this topic and discuss ways to highlight this field in the 2024 Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey, e.g., via White Papers. The results of the sessions are aimed to support the community for the Heliophysics 2050 Workshop session: Outer Heliosphere and Interstellar (May 5th). The sessions are open to all career stage researchers, students, engineers, and enthusiasts. We highly encourage students and early career researchers to participate in the discussions. 

The first discussion is Tuesday, April 13 at 12 PM EST. Pre-registration is requested at this link https://forms.gle/BKmw329bXp1BGnGe7. The discussion is online via the Zoom platform.

Please join in and share your vision for the exploration of the outer heliosphere and local interstellar medium. The future has already begun, let’s shape it together!

Looking forward,
Justyna M. Sokol, Elena Provornikova, and Marc Kornbleuth


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

Pre-Helio 2050 Meetings #2 and #3: Magnetosphere-Atmosphere Interactions

From: Allison Jaynes (allison-n-jaynes at uiowa.edu)

Pre-Helio 2050 Meetings #2 and #3: Magnetosphere-Atmosphere Interactions

Dear Colleagues,
As part of our preparation for the Heliophysics 2050 workshop (May 3-7), we are continuing the series of sessions to discuss the cross-cutting theme of magnetosphere-atmosphere interactions through particle precipitation. The schedule and registration links for meetings #2 and #3 are listed below. These last two meetings are open to ALL career levels. To engage prior to, during, and after the meetings, please review and/or contribute to the Google Doc for this topic (using your name to indicate your contribution): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a53J-LwoiRMHkEpcO5m1_hqHTcC5YVSeT9ZSgB0xyPQ/edit?usp=sharing

Our hope is to bring together magnetospheric researchers with atmospheric researchers to develop the compelling science questions that should be answered by 2050. The goal of these sessions will be to synthesize the scientific priorities in this field and discuss ways in which transformational research can come about from inter-disciplinary study across Helio and Earth sciences. The results of these sessions will be available to the community for possible use during the Heliophysics 2050 session: Expanding the Frontiers (May 6th). This activity will hopefully facilitate connections for White Papers to be written as input to the upcoming Heliophysics Division Decadal Survey.  

Meeting #2: Tuesday, April 13th from 1:30-3pm Eastern Time
To register: https://uiowa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElfuCvrzsjHtMUrZznXVkeVTgveryZypEL 

Meeting #3: Friday, April 23rd from 2:30-4pm Eastern Time
To register: https://uiowa.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIuduqhqzgpHNWY_aDDuM8Q-LOV4T9IuA-v 

-Allison Jaynes


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

Interstellar Probe Study Webinar 08 April 2021 at 12PM EDT "Interstellar Probe Mission Concept: Finalized Science Goals and Example Payloads"

From: Andrea S. Harman (ams573 at alumni.psu.edu)

Please join the Interstellar Probe Study team for the opening of our second season of webinars! The first episode is scheduled for Thursday, 08 April at 12:00PM EDT. The title of the presentation is "Interstellar Probe Mission Concept: Finalized Science Goals and Example Payloads."

As the Interstellar Probe mission concept study enters its final year, a community with more than 445 scientists and engineers led by the APL team has made extraordinary efforts outlining science goals, questions and requirements for the mission. In this webinar we will present the finalized science goals and discuss specific science questions for which an Interstellar Probe is uniquely posed to answer during its journey into the unknown local galaxy. We will summarize the Science Traceability Matrix and report on the example payloads that have driven the mission designs of the baseline Heliophysics mission and its cross-divisional augmentation.

For more information and to find the link to join, please visit the event page here: http://interstellarprobe.jhuapl.edu/Resources/Meetings/agenda.php?id=144

Speakers:
Elena Provornikova, Lead Scientist for Heliophysics, Interstellar Probe Study, JHUAPL
Pontus Brandt, Project Scientist, Interstellar Probe Study, JHUAPL


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

NSF Plasma Physics Program Semi-Annual Webinar, April 9

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

When: Apr 9, 2021 03:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Agenda:
1)      NSF and plasma physics program news and updates
2)      New funding opportunities (see below) with particular focus on broadening participation and engaging the next generation of scientists from underrepresented groups
3)      Extensive Q&A

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://nsf.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_kiqlAz1CRt-Z6T337NDhzQ

Or an H.323/SIP room system:
    H.323: 161.199.138.10 (US West) or 161.199.136.10 (US East)
    Meeting ID: 160 021 8922
    Passcode: 533795
    SIP: 1600218922 at sip.zoomgov.com
    Passcode: 533795

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

------------
NSF 21-570, Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS)

Proposal Deadline:    June 14, 2021
------------
NSF 21-573, Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellowships  (MPS-Ascend)

Proposal Deadline:    June 15, 2021
------------


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

Frontiers Research Topic "Bringing Together Observations and Numerical Simulations of Collisionless Solar System Plasmas" Open for Submissions

From: Markus Battarbee, Xochitl Blanco-Cano, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Terry Zixu Liu (markus.battarbee(at)helsinki.fi)

Dear colleagues,

The Research Topic "Bringing together observations and numerical simulations of collisionless solar system plasmas" is open for submissions to the Space Physics sections of the journals Frontiers in Physics and Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences. The scope is inclusive of a wide variety of plasma environments and we hope that many of you will consider submitting a manuscript!

Space sciences include the investigation of solar-terrestrial dynamics and phenomena which are crucial for the understanding of space weather. New discoveries in space physics throughout the decades have resulted mostly from innovative and groundbreaking spacecraft missions, capable of making remote and in-situ measurements of collisionless space plasmas and energetic charged particles. Numerical simulations on the other hand have facilitated better understanding of plasma dynamics related to these phenomena and even attempts at forecasting or nowcasting the events. A crucial step in applying both spacecraft measurements and simulation data to furthering our understanding of space plasmas is the validation of said measurements and data against each other and analytical predictions.

In this Research Topic, we invite publications discussing, for example:
- Calibration and post-processing of spacecraft measurements
- Numerical advancements in simulations and comparison with spacecraft capabilities
- Case studies of comparing spacecraft measurements and simulation results
- Successful space weather forecasting events
- Novel techniques for performing event modelling
- Opinion pieces on past, current or future scope of spacecraft missions or simulation development

Research Topic Editors:
Markus Battarbee, University of Helsinki, Finland
Xochitl Blanco-Cano, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
Yann Pfau-Kempf, University of Helsinki, Finland
Terry Zixu Liu, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), Boulder, United States

https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/20381/bringing-together-observations-and-numerical-simulations-of-collisionless-solar-system-plasmas 


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: Upcoming Position at Marshall Space Flight Center

From: Sabrina Savage (sabrina.savage at nasa.gov)

The Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, plans to offer a term civil service position to serve as the US Deputy Project Scientist for the Hinode mission and research scientist within the MSFC solar physics group with a focus on flare and coronal investigations.  The position will include assisting the Hinode Project Office with mission management activities, reviews, and science support as well as coordinating mission and research activities with both domestic and international partners. Prior familiarity with the Hinode mission and published use of Hinode data for scientific research are strongly preferred, but not exclusive.

The position is expected to be announced in spring 2021 (April/May) with a very brief window for applications.  The formal announcement of the opportunity and related requirements will be posted in the near future at USAJobs (https://usajobs.gov) and can be found by searching with keyword NASA and location of Huntsville, Alabama. Applications are only accepted through the USAJobs portal. Candidates are encouraged to create a USAJobs profile well in advance to populate their resume, and may also subscribe to USAJobs email alerts.

Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. David McKenzie, david.e.mckenzie at nasa.gov, 256-961-7896.


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: Energetic Particle Instrumentation Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory

From: Dan Reisenfeld (dreisenfeld at lanl.gov)

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks candidates for a research scientist position in energetic particle instrumentation and observational data analysis with the Space Science and Applications Group (ISR-1). ISR Division supports a dynamic space research program and leads instruments on current and past NASA missions such as IMAP, IBEX, TWINS, SWIFT, ACE, and Van Allen Probes, as well as the Mars Curiosity and Perseverance rovers. We also build, fly, operate, and analyze data from measurement systems deployed to space for verification of international nuclear treaties, and develop innovative sensors for basic scientific missions, nuclear nonproliferation, space situational awareness and remote sensing.

The successful applicant will participate in the design and development of energetic particle sensors for the next generation of Los Alamos treaty verification payloads, and will perform scientific analysis of energetic particle populations in space to gain new understanding of the space environment, anomalies and damage to payloads and host spacecraft, and to inform instrument development. They will also be expected to participate in proposal efforts for future NASA missions and data analysis efforts.

Applicants should have experience designing and building energetic particle sensors, and for carrying out original research addressing the nature of the magnetospheric and/or solar energetic particle environment. It is also desirable if the applicant has experience in energetic particle damage and anomaly effects. Applicants should have a doctoral degree in Space Physics, Physics, Astrophysics, or a closely related Engineering field.  The ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance is required.

Interested persons should apply online to position posting IRC82445 or IRC82464 (depending on the level of experience) at lanl.jobs.  For further inquiries, contact Dan Reisenfeld (dreisenfeld at lanl.gov).


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

JOB OPENNING: Postdoctoral Research Position in Space Physics at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

From: Jacob Bortnik, Jinxing Li (jbortnik at gmail.com)

From: Jacob Bortnik (jbortnik at gmail.com), Jinxing Li (jinxing.li.87 at gmail.com)

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in space physics at the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at UCLA. The selected candidate should have interests that align with one of the following research topics:
1) Magnetopause dynamics, interaction of the solar wind and the magnetosphere.
2) Wave-particle interactions in space plasmas
3) Application of machine learning to model the space environment, e.g., ring current ions / radiation belts / various waves. 
4) Ring current structure and dynamics

The candidates must hold a Ph.D. in space plasma physics, data science, or closely related discipline. Depending on the scientific topic, demonstration of the candidate’s experience and skills in satellite data analysis (MMS, RBSP, THEMIS, etc.), MHD / PIC / Wave-Particle-Interaction simulations, or machine learning will be advantageous.

The duration is two years with the potential for renewal. Salary will follow the UCLA standard for post-doctoral scholars and will scale with the applicant’s experience.

How to Apply: 
Applicants must submit the following materials by email to Professor Jacob Bortnik 
1. A cover letter describing background, experiences and interested topics (one page max)
2. A curriculum vitae (CV) - detailing education, awards, publications, research experience, etc.
3. Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin April 23, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. 

For questions please contact Jacob Bortnik (jbortnik at gmail.com) or Jinxing Li (jinxing.li.87 at gmail.com)


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

JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Position in Moon-Plasma Interactions

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

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa is searching for a postdoctoral research scientist to work with THEMIS-ARTEMIS data to study the interaction of plasma with the Earth's Moon in the solar wind and terrestrial magnetosphere. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with Prof. Jasper Halekas and other group members at the University of Iowa, as well as other researchers from the THEMIS-ARTEMIS team. More details and application instructions are available at (http://physics.uiowa.edu/~jhalekas/Moon-Plasma-Postdoc.html). Please contact Prof. Halekas (jasper-halekas at uiowa.edu) with any questions about the position.   


11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11

JOB OPENING: Job Opportunity at the University of Colorado Boulder

From: Jan Deca (jan.deca at lasp.colorado.edu)

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder encourages applications for a postdoctoral position with the IMPACT group (impact.colorado.edu). 

Through a combination of modeling, theoretical and laboratory experiments, IMPACT investigates the physical processes governing dusty plasmas, which have critical roles in
1.	shaping the surface and near-surface properties of airless bodies, and 
2.	ensuring human safety and long-term usability of mechanical and optical devices on airless bodies. 
The successful candidate will further develop a state-of-the-art innovative numerical framework that couples the micro-physics of grain-scaled processes with the self-consistent solution of the near-surface plasma environment. The goal of the project is to merge the qualitative understanding of the microscopic processes to the macroscopic behavior of the lunar regolith, providing a much-needed tool to advance the efficiency of dust mitigation techniques.

We require a Ph.D. in (computational) Space/Plasma Physics or a closely related field.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Details can be found on https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=29553

For questions, please email:
Dr. Jan Deca (jan.deca at lasp.colorado.edu)
Prof. Mihály Horányi (Mihaly.horanyi at lasp.colorado.edu)


***** 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