[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXX, Issue 6

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXX, Issue 6
Jan.31,2023

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

Table of Contents

1. MEETING: Machine Learning and Computer Vision in Heliophysics Conference -- Abstract Deadline Approaching

2. MEETING: SWMF User Meeting, March 2-3, 2023

3. Outer Heliosphere/LISM Online Seminar, Wednesday, Feb 1st 11AM EST

4. NASA SHIELD DSC Summer School in Plasma Processes at the Edge of the Solar System

5. Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduates in Solar, Terrestrial, and Space Weather Sciences at New Jersey Institute of Technology

6. Undergraduate Research Opportunities at the University of Texas at Dallas

7. Announcement of Student Opportunity - PBASE Program in Japan

8. JOB OPENING: Solar Research Scientist at University of Colorado Boulder/NOAA

9. JOB OPENING: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader in Solar and/or Magnetospheric Theory (School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, UK)

10. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Space Plasma Physics at West Virginia University

11. JOB OPENING: Two Postdoc Positions in the Study of Space Science and Space Weather at KULeuven (Belgium)

12. JOB OPENING: Scientific Analyst and Programmer at the University of Colorado/NOAA in Boulder, CO

13. SCOSTEP/PRESTO Newsletter Vol.34 (JAN 2023)

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

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

MEETING: Machine Learning and Computer Vision in Heliophysics Conference -- Abstract Deadline Approaching

From: Kamen Kozarev (kkozarev at astro.bas.bg)

Abstract submission is still open for the International Workshop on Machine Learning and Computer Vision in Heliophysics – April 19-21, 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria and online.

Submit your abstract by February 1, 2023 at https://mch23.astro.bas.bg

The conference will focus on applications of Computer Vision and Machine / Deep Learning techniques to heliophysics research and forecasting frameworks, as well on the integration of these techniques into modeling efforts of solar and heliospheric phenomena.

Topics to be covered:
Computer Vision and Machine Learning applications in heliophysics, including: 
  - Solar magnetism 
  - Solar activity (flares, CMEs, particles) 
  - Solar wind 
  - Space weather and space climate
Heliospheric radio emissions 
Computer Vision and Machine Learning techniques 
Explainable Machine Learning 
Physics-informed networks 
Open source tools for CV and ML

Scientific Organising Committee:
Kamen Kozarev (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences)
Manolis Georgoulis (Academy of Athens)
Astrid Veronig (Graz University)
Shane Maloney (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies)
Long Xu (Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Pietro Zucca (ASTRON, The Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy)

For more information, visit the conference website: https://mch23.astro.bas.bg


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

MEETING: SWMF User Meeting, March 2-3, 2023

From: Gabor Toth, Dan Welling (gtoth at umich.edu)

We are excited to announce the return of the Space Weather Modeling Framework User Meeting, taking place in Ann Arbor, Michigan on March 2nd and 3rd, 2023. This is our opportunity to share new SWMF developments, listen to feedback from users, and see what exciting research is being done. This year’s meeting will be a hybrid format: while we hope you’ll be able to join us in person, presentations will be broadcast online via Zoom. 

Registration is free and open to all. We will send out further information, including schedules, travel recommendations, and Zoom links to registrants. If you are interested in presenting exciting SWMF-related developments, please reach out to us directly (contact emails on the registration page).

Please use this link to register for either in-person or virtual participation:
https://forms.gle/NFBdR6zjFRqi5jTF8

We look forward to seeing you in Ann Arbor!

Dan Welling, Gabor Toth, and the full SWMF Team at Michigan


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

Outer Heliosphere/LISM Online Seminar, Wednesday, Feb 1st 11AM EST

From: Elena Provornikova, Justyna Sokol, Marc Kornbleuth (Elena.Provornikova at jhuapl.edu)

Dear Colleagues,

We are resuming virtual bi-weekly seminars to discuss science of the outer heliosphere and local interstellar medium.
Please join us on Wednesday, Feb 1st 11:00 am EST for a presentation by Dr. Jeffrey Linsky (JILA) "Is there total pressure balance in the heliosphere, pristine VLISM, and beyond?".
A link to join the meeting via Zoom will be posted on the website https://outer.helio.zone/ shortly before the meeting.


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

NASA SHIELD DSC Summer School in Plasma Processes at the Edge of the Solar System

From: Nicholas Gross (gross at bu.edu)

Dates: May 22nd - May 26th, 2023
Location: Boston University, Boston Massachusetts
Applications Due March 15th
https://shielddrivecenter.com/shield-summer-school/ 

Applications are invited for the 2023 Inaugural SHIELD Summer School in Plasma Processes at the Edge of the Solar System, to be held at the Boston University during May 22-26, 2023. The summer school will offer an intensive one-week course in the most challenging plasma processes that drive the structure and dynamics at the Edge of the Solar System. 

The school is appropriate to graduate, advanced undergraduate students, and new postdoctoral researchers interested in solar and space physics. We also encourage applications from those working in adjacent fields such as stellar and astrophysics, exoplanets, or geophysics who want to deepen their understanding of the processes of the solar wind and its interaction with the interstellar medium.  SHIELD is committed to improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and encourages applicants from members of historically excluded communities. 

Leading research scientists working in the outer heliosphere will give lectures on plasma processes and phenomena in play at the edge of the solar system. Topics to be covered include reconnection, turbulence, neutral-plasma interactions; overview of the structure of the heliosphere; and theory and practice of interpreting spacecraft data from missions such as Voyager, New Horizons, and IBEX. 

Summer School participants will not only engage in stimulating lectures from both senior and early career researchers who are leading the field into the future, but will also engage in activities around interpreting data and evaluating model results. There will also be opportunities for networking with the lecturers and peers.  On the last day participants will engage in discussions around the DEI issues in the Heliophysics community.  

The summer school is supported by NASA under the SHIELD DRIVE Center. Travel and lodging will be arranged and paid for by SHIELD and participants will be provided a small stipend for other expenses.

To apply, complete this form which includes the submission of a CV and a short personal statement (1-2 pages). 


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

Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduates in Solar, Terrestrial, and Space Weather Sciences at New Jersey Institute of Technology

From: Hyomin Kim, Bin Chen, Elena Moise (hmkim at njit.edu)

Dear Colleagues,

The Institute of Space Weather Sciences (ISWS) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology will host a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in the summer of 2023 (May 22 to July 28, 2023), funded by the National Science Foundation.

Undergraduate students in STEM fields will be invited to Newark, New Jersey for 10 weeks to engage in cutting-edge solar physics, terrestrial physics, space weather, and big data research with space physicists, astronomers, and computer scientists. A list of research projects offered can be viewed at https://spaceweather.njit.edu/reu-research-projects. 

Students will be provided a stipend of $6,000 for the 10-week program. Additionally, travel, meal allowance, and accommodation are provided to each student. We will accept applications until February 15, 2023. Applications by members of under-represented groups are encouraged. For more information about the program and online application, please visit the ISWS REU website at https://spaceweather.njit.edu/reu.

We kindly ask our colleagues to spread the word to any prospective undergraduate students who may be interested in this opportunity. A flyer can be downloaded at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1utop7-fCpe2dihngUzaWqCgr0UO7j1q6/view.

Kind regards,
Hyomin Kim, Bin Chen, Elena Moise
New Jersey Institute of Technology


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

Undergraduate Research Opportunities at the University of Texas at Dallas

From: Xiao-Jia Zhang (xjzhang at utdallas.edu)

Dear Colleagues,

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the University of Texas at Dallas will host its 2023 Physics Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program from May 24 to July 28, 2023. Undergraduate students in STEM fields at any US institutions are welcome to apply. The application deadline is February 15, 2023.

The selected undergraduate students (REU Fellows) will be immersed in an exciting ten-week summer research program, carefully mentored by UTD Physics faculty. The key objectives of the program are to instill in the REU Fellows the excitement of research and careers in science, and to build their research skills both independently and in research teams. 

This program includes a $6,000 stipend, housing, a meal allowance, access to the gym, and multiple social events. Available REU project areas include: Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, Biophysics, Cosmology and Gravitation, Plasma Physics, and Space Physics. More details about this program (including the application link) can be found at: https://sites.utdallas.edu/reuphysics/

We would highly appreciate if you can help pass this program to the prospective undergraduate students in your group and your institute. The flyer can be downloaded at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-VrO1qc556R_-ZU2Q1M4PZEn-tVQ8EWg/view?usp=sharing

Best,
Xiaojia Zhang, on behalf of Lindsay King
The University of Texas at Dallas


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

Announcement of Student Opportunity - PBASE Program in Japan

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

The JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (International Leading Research) "International joint research of geospace variability by combining multi-point ground and satellite observations and modeling” (PBASE Program), which has started in January 2023, 
invites applications for doctoral degree program in Japan. The participating students will be employed or appointed as research assistants or research fellows by the PBASE-participating institutions (Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Kyushu University, or National Institute of Polar Research) and will be paid approximately 200,000 yen per month (before tax) for up to three years during the doctoral program, with 500,000 yen available annually for research expenses. 

For details of the applications, please visit the provisional website of the PBASE program at 
https://www.isee.nagoya-u.ac.jp/dimr/PBASE/index-e.html
The deadline of application is February 20, 2023. 


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: Solar Research Scientist at University of Colorado Boulder/NOAA

From: Janet Machol (janet.machol at noaa.gov)

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an immediate opening for a Research Scientist in solar physics working with NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). The position focuses on work related to the solar irradiance monitors (Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors; EXIS) on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites Series-R (GOES-R) which measure X-ray and extreme ultraviolet solar irradiance for space weather forecasting and research. The selected candidate will work with the NCEI solar irradiance instrument team to improve the in-flight calibration and validation of EXIS data, develop data tools and products for X-ray and ultraviolet time series datasets hosted at NCEI, and apply EXIS data to scientific research, all in support of NOAA’s space weather forecasting operations and the scientific community.   

Applicants for this position must have a PhD in physics, astrophysics, or equivalent. The successful applicant will receive competitive compensation and the University’s excellent benefits package. For further information or to apply, go to  https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=45547. This position is located at the NOAA David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, CO. For questions about the position, please contact Janet Machol (janet.machol at noaa.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 OPENING: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Reader in Solar and/or Magnetospheric Theory (School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, UK)

From: Thomas Neukirch (tn3 at st-andrews.ac.uk)

The University of St Andrews is seeking to enhance its teaching and research strengths in Solar and Magnetospheric Theory by appointing to Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Reader level, within our Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group (SMTG), in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.  The successful candidate will be a scholar with a growing international research reputation and commitment to delivering high quality teaching.

We welcome applications from candidates who hold a PhD in Applied Mathematics or a cognate discipline, and have a track record of high quality research and publications in Solar or Magnetospheric Theory, or a related area compatible with the group’s research interests.   

For applicants to be considered for a Senior Lecturer or Reader level appointment, we would expect in addition that they can demonstrate a suitable combination of success in attracting external funding, research leadership at national and international level, and experience with successfully carrying out administrative duties.   

Although all areas of solar and magnetospheric theory will be considered, we are particularly interested in applications that would enhance or complement the research group’s current areas of expertise, for example in the theory of “space weather”.   

Candidates should also have teaching experience at undergraduate or postgraduate level, have experience applying relevant analytical skills and teaching techniques to a wide range of learners, and have good communication skills and share our desire to educate and inform students. Experience in curriculum development in applied mathematics or in similar disciplines will be an advantage, as will demonstrable ability to work in a team.   

The SMTG conducts cutting-edge research on a wide variety of solar and magnetospheric phenomena, ranging from magnetic flux emergence through the solar surface, over the dynamic interaction between the coronal plasma and magnetic field leading to coronal heating and solar activity processes, to the effect these activity processes have on the magnetosphere of the Earth (“space weather”). Many of our theoretical models of solar and magnetospheric plasma systems are data-driven, but we are also interested in fundamental plasma processes underpinning these models, for example MHD and kinetic plasma equilibria, MHD waves and instabilities, magnetic reconnection, magnetic topology and helicity, and particle acceleration. Due to the highly nonlinear nature of the mathematical problems we study, a large part of our research work is based on computational methods, and we are particularly interested in applications that would complement and enhance our expertise in numerical and computational methods relevant for the research area of our group. 

As a research and teaching position, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of teaching modules in applied mathematics that may be at a range of levels from first year undergraduate to specialised Honours level modules in Applied Mathematics.  They will also supervise final-year undergraduate projects, and will have the opportunity to supervise PhD students.   

For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to contact either the Head of the Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group, Professor Thomas Neukirch (tn3 at st-andrews.ac.uk), Head of School, Professor Mark Chaplain (mathshos at st-andrews.ac.uk), or the AVP Dean of Science and Professor in Applied Mathematics, Professor Ineke De Moortel (ineke.demoortel at st-andrews.ac.uk).    

We are fully committed to equality and diversity in our recruitment and employment policies. We operate family-friendly hours for core meetings and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for staff.    

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in Academic posts at the University.   

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that supports equality of opportunity and fair and equal representation for all https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/mathematics-statistics/about/equality-diversity/.   

For full details and to apply please visit https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6659/0/374685/889/lecturer-senior-lecturer-reader-in-solar-and-or-magnetospheric-theory-ac2326rnb

Closing Date: 28 February 2023 (23:59 GMT)    


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 Fellow Position in Space Plasma Physics at West Virginia University

From: Weichao Tu ( wetu at mail.wvu.edu)

The West Virginia University Research Corporation (WVURC) seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Plasma Physics in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at West Virginia University. This position supports the research in Prof. Weichao Tu’s group, with an emphasis on studying and modeling the dynamics of energetic particles in Earth's inner magnetosphere. Incumbent will have the opportunity to work on research projects involving numerical modeling and data analysis.

Requirements: (1) A PhD in physics, space physics, plasma physics, or a related discipline; (2) previous research experience in space plasma physics; (3) expertise in scientific programming, preferably in C and/or FORTRAN. Preference will be given to applicants who possess previous research experience in inner magnetospheric physics, data assimilation, or machine learning.

Competitive salary and benefits package are offered. For a complete job description and to apply for this position, please visit https://wvu.taleo.net/careersection/wvu_research/jobdetail.ftl?job=19842&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York and click on the “Apply Online” link. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references as part of the application process. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. The preferred start date is immediate.

Please refer to http://tuweichao.wixsite.com/home for additional information about the research in Prof. Tu's group. The WVU plasma/space group is described at https://physics.wvu.edu/research/plasma-and-space-physics. The department energetically supports diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as described at https://physics.wvu.edu/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusivity. WVU is a comprehensive land grant university enrolling nearly 27,000 students on the main Morgantown campus. WVU’s Carnegie Classification is R1 (“Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity”). Morgantown is centrally located and regularly makes “Best Place to Live” lists because of its good schools, excellent health care, low unemployment rate, low crime rate, and abundant recreational opportunities. The WVU Research Corporation is an AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/E-Verify Compliant Employer. Please contact Prof. Weichao Tu at wetu at mail.wvu.edu with any questions.


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: Two Postdoc Positions in the Study of Space Science and Space Weather at KULeuven (Belgium)

From: Giovanni Lapenta (giovanni.lapenta at kuleuven.be)

The Centre for mathematical Plasma Astrophysics of KULeuven has two openings for postdoc positions in the field of space science and space weather.  

The first position is for developing machine learning methods to analyse observational data to make nowcasting and forecasting of space weather events. This position is funded by the new Belgian DEFRA project AIDefSpace.
Link: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60187045

 The second position is for the development and use of physics-based methods of computer simulation of processes in space (reconnection, shocks, turbulence and more).  This position is funded by the new Horizon 2020 HPCEuropa project SPACE. Link: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60174384

Please follow the links above for more information and to apply.


12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12

JOB OPENING: Scientific Analyst and Programmer at the University of Colorado/NOAA in Boulder, CO

From: Don Schmit (donald.schmit at colorado.edu)

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an immediate opening for a Scientific Analyst and Programmer for work supporting the suite of space weather instruments onboard the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Series-R (GOES-R) and Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) missions. The position is located at the David Skaggs Research Center in Boulder, CO.

The successful candidate will work with the space weather team in NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Members of this team support NOAA’s space weather mission and ensure the operational and scientific utility of NOAA’s space environment data. The candidate will develop and run software to analyze instrument performance and build space weather data products that contribute to the overall success of the GOES-R and SWFO missions. They may also assist with software development for real-time or retrospective data processing, as well as with the development of machine learning solutions to space weather data analysis challenges.

Applicants for this position must have at least an undergraduate degree in computer science, physics, applied math, astronomy, or equivalent; as well as demonstrable scientific software development and scientific data analysis experience. The successful applicant will receive competitive compensation and the University’s excellent benefits package. We encourage those who are interested in joining our team to apply at https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=45646


13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13

SCOSTEP/PRESTO Newsletter Vol.34 (JAN 2023)

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

SCOSTEP/PRESTO Newsletter volume 34 (JAN 2023) has now been published.  The PDF file is available at 
https://scostep.org/newsletter-archive/
Below are the contents of this volume.  

Contents of SCOSTEP/PRESTO Newsletter JAN.2023 (Vol.34)
<Articles>
    1. Interoperable Database for Citizen Science Observations of STEVE
    2. Development of ionosonde and magnetic data based in Cote d’Ivoire
    3. The Argentinian-Chilean Validated Ionospheric Database (ACVID)
    4. Improvement of GLE database - providing verified records for systematic analysis of strong SEP events and assessment of their terrestrial effects
<Highlight on Young Scientists>
    1. Kevin Pham / USA
<Meeting Report>
    1. The 10th VERSIM workshop
    2. European Space Weather Week 2022
    3. International Workshop on Machine Learning for Space Weather: Fundamentals, Tools and Future Prospects
    4. 5th edition of the IMAO school in Côte d'Ivoire
<Upcoming Meetings>
<Announcement >
    1. SCOSTEP Bureau meeting on 18 November 2022


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

AGU SPA Web Site: https://connect.agu.org/spa/home

SPA Leadership Team E-mail: spa.leadership.team at gmail.com

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