[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXX, Issue 64

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXX, Issue 64
Nov.19,2023

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Table of Contents

1. SESSION: URSI AT-RASC 2024: Commission H Sessions

2. SESSION: Invitation to Participate in Mini-GEM RB FG Session

3. PUNCH Winter Telecon January 23 2024

4. Hiring for NASA Jack Eddy Postdoctoral Fellowships - Class of 2024

5. HAO Newkirk Graduate Research Fellowship

6. JOB OPENING: Research Scientist Position at the University of Texas at Dallas W. B. Hanson Center for Space Science 

7. JOB OPENING: Postdoc Positions at Queen Mary University of London

8. JOB OPENING: Moon-to-Mars Space Weather Analyst

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


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SESSION: URSI AT-RASC 2024: Commission H Sessions

From: Robert Marshall (roma8490 at colorado.edu)

URSI AT-RASC 2024 Commission H Session Announcement

The triennial URSI Atlantic Radio Science Conference (URSI AT-RASC) is one of the URSI flagship conferences, alongside the URSI General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (GASS) and the Asia-Pacific Radio Science Conference (AP-RASC).

The 4th URSI AT-RASC will be held May 19-24, 2024, in Gran Canaria, Spain, as a fully in-person conference with only on-site presentations. The conference will have a series of convened and open sessions within the domains covered by all ten Commissions of URSI. Abstract submissions are now open, and the submission deadline is January 20, 2024.

Below you will find a brief overview of the sessions led by Commission H; the complete list of sessions and their descriptions are available here: https://www.atrasc.com/papersubmission.php.

H01: Open Session
In one sentence: This session solicits papers on all aspects of waves in space and laboratory plasmas that do not easily fit into the other sessions within Commission H for this URSI meeting. 
Conveners: Craig Rodger, Robert Marshall

H02: Plasma waves, wave-particle interactions, and their multifold effects on the radiation belts
In one sentence: This session invites studies that advance our current understanding of wave-particle interactions and their role in radiation belt dynamics from observational, theoretical, and numerical points of view. 
Conveners: David Hartley, Ondrej Santolik, Vania Jordanova, Yoshizumi Miyoshi

H03: Machine learning techniques and applications to wave-particle interaction processes in space plasmas
In one sentence: This session will focus on applications of machine learning techniques to wave-particle interactions through the analysis of observational data, large-scale simulation data, or the fusion of observational and simulation data.
Conveners: Drew Turner, Savvas Raptis, David Malaspina

H04: Recent advances in geospace research from multi-point observations
In one sentence: This session solicits new findings and advances in geospace research combining the datasets from various satellites missions as well as ground-based networks and numerical simulations.
Conveners: Jyrki Manninen, Jean-Francois Ripoll, Yoshiya Kasahara

H05: Radio diagnostics of space weather plasma processes 
In one sentence: This session is open to contributions relevant to theoretical models, e.g. of solar radio bursts and ionospheric emissions, radio signatures’ interpretation, and observation techniques, in the framework of both Space Weather science and Space Weather operations. 
Conveners: Mauro Messerotti, Natchimuthuk Gopalswamy

H06: Computer simulations in space plasmas 
In one sentence: This session solicits state-of-the-art simulation advances and results related to space plasma physics. 
Conveners: Esa Kallio (Aalto University, Finland), Yohei Miyake (Kobe University) 

H07: Analysis of natural boundary layers in terrestrial and planetary environments: Macro/micro scale kinetic approaches
In one sentence: This session solicits contributions related to boundary layers in magnetospheric, ionospheric and space plasma physics, including (i) collisionless shocks and/or foreshocks, (ii) the magnetopause, (iii) plasma sheet currents, (iv) nearby/far magnetotail dynamics (including substorms), (v) plasmapause, (vi) potential drops in the ionosphere and cusp dynamics, (vii) basic particle acceleration processes, (viii) impact of transients carried by the solar wind on these interfaces and (ix) dynamics of interfaces in active space experiments. 
Conveners: Hui Zhang, Philippe Escoubet, Xóchitl Blanco Cano, David Sibeck

H08: Turbulence and Instabilities in Space Plasmas 
In one sentence: The session welcomes contributions on the use of radio observations to determine the nature of density and velocity fluctuations remotely in the solar wind, alongside work on the theory, numerical modeling, and in situ observations of turbulence and instabilities. 
Conveners: Alexander Pitňa, Owen Wyn Roberts, Julia Stawarz, Domenico Trotta, Gary Zank

H09: Tribute to Craig Kletzing - his fascination with plasma waves and the upcoming TRACERS mission 
In one sentence: This session involves a single invited presentation by Professor David Miles, given in tribute to Professor Craig Kletzing and his many contributions to experimental space plasma physics.
Conveners: Ondřej Santolík, David Hartley


Joint Sessions Led by Commission H: 

HG01: Active Experiments in Space and Laboratory Plasmas 
In one sentence: This session will cover recent advances in active experiments in space and in the laboratory that seek to advance and test theories or build diagnostic or predictive capabilities. 
Conveners: Robert Moore, Mark Golkowski

HG02: Observations of near- Earth space from Small Satellites and Suborbital Platforms 
In one sentence: This session solicits contributions describing recent or upcoming small satellite, sounding rocket, or high-altitude balloon missions aimed at addressing science goals in the near-Earth space environment through remote sensing and/or in-situ measurements. 
Conveners: Robert Marshall, Bruce Fritz, David Malaspina

HGE01: Atmospheric, ionospheric, magnetospheric, and high energy effects of lightning discharges 
In one sentence: This session solicits contributions that advance knowledge in the areas of the global atmospheric electric circuit, lightning physics, transient luminous events, energetic radiation, relativistic particles, and their impact on the Earth's atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere. 
Conveners: Ivana Kolmašová, Martin Fullekrug, Ningyu Liu

HGE02: Meet the HGE Experts - Presentations 
In one sentence: In this session, we invite a panel of renowned researchers to give their opinions on how the research field has evolved since they started their careers, and what are key questions for the future of space physics. 
Conveners: František Němec, Bruce Fritz, Riccardo Trinchero

HGE03: Meet the HGE Experts - Panel Discussion 
In one sentence: Following the panel session of ‘Meet the Experts’ for commissions HGE, this Q&A session will give the opportunity to early-career scientists to ask questions to our experts, either about their scientific research or their career paths and experience. 
Conveners: Ivana Kolmašová, Martin Fullekrug, Ningyu Liu

HJ01: Radio emission from the Sun, Heliosphere, and Planets 
In one sentence: This session solicits contributions that report on recent observations of solar, heliospheric and planetary radio emissions, including coordinated multi-point observations from ground radio telescopes and spacecraft plasma/wave experiments. 
Conveners: Pietro Zucca, Patrick Galopeau, Natchimuthuk Gopalswamy, Yihua Yan


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SESSION: Invitation to Participate in Mini-GEM RB FG Session

From: Hong Zhao (zzh0054 at auburn.edu)

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to participate in the mini-GEM session of our focus group, “System Understanding of Radiation Belt Particle Dynamics through Multi-Spacecraft and Ground-Based Observations and Modeling”. 

Our hybrid session will be at 3:30 – 5:00 pm PT on December 10, 2023. We are soliciting contributed talks, preferably on non-AGU, in-progress work. If you would like to present in our session, please send the title of your presentation to Hong Zhao (zzh0054 at auburn.edu) by December 8. Details of the session and Zoom info can be found at our GEM wiki page:  https://gem.epss.ucla.edu/mediawiki/index.php/FG:_System_Understanding_of_Radiation_Belt_Particle_Dynamics_through_Multi-spacecraft_and_Ground-based_Observations_and_Modeling#2023_mini-GEM.

Thank you very much for your contribution and participation in our FG activities. We look forward to seeing you in this mini-GEM!

Hong Zhao, Lauren Blum, Sasha Ukhorskiy, and Xiangrong Fu


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PUNCH Winter Telecon January 23 2024

From: Sarah Gibson (sgibson at ucar.edu)

Please join us for the third annual PUNCH winter telecon. This fully virtual meeting will explore synergies between in-situ/remote-sensing/modeling and PUNCH. Confirmed speakers include Sam Badman, Olivier Witasse, Maher Dayeh, Yeimy Rivera, Chris Moestl, and Samantha Wallace -- see https://punch.space.swri.edu/punchwintertelecon2024.php for updates on the agenda.

If you are interested in attending and not already on the PUNCH-science mailing list, please email Sarah Gibson (sgibson at ucar.edu) and you will be put on that mailing list. Joining information will be sent to it in the days leading up to the meeting.


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Hiring for NASA Jack Eddy Postdoctoral Fellowships - Class of 2024

From: Mullally (mullally at ucar.edu)

The UCAR Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS) is pleased to announce that the NASA Jack Eddy Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is seeking applications for its 2024 appointments. The fellowship program attracts the best and the brightest PhDs in the interdisciplinary science of heliophysics.

Sponsored by the NASA Living With a Star (LWS) program, this fellowship is designed to train the next generation of researchers in the emerging interdisciplinary field of Heliophysics.

Heliophysics embraces all science aspects of the Sun-Solar System, and includes many of the basic physical processes found in our solar system, the laboratory, and throughout the universe. These processes generally involve the interactions of ionized gases (plasmas) with electromagnetic and gravitational fields, and to some extent with neutral matter. The physical domain of interest ranges from deep inside the Sun to the beginning of interstellar medium as well as planetary atmospheres including Earth's upper atmosphere. Within this broad science discipline, LWS is a program designed to develop the scientific understanding required for the nation to address effectively those aspects of the Sun-Earth system that affect life and society.

Two major topics of focus for LWS are the science of space weather and of the Sun-climate connection. Preference will be given to applicants whose proposed research addresses one of these two foci; but any research program - especially interdisciplinary research - relevant to LWS will be considered.

Since the goal of this postdoctoral program is to train Sun-Earth system researchers, preference is also given to research projects that cross the traditional Heliophysics subdomains of the Sun, heliosphere, magnetosphere, and ionosphere/upper atmosphere, as well as Sun-climate investigations. Therefore, proposals addressing the LWS program that are interdisciplinary in nature will be given preference.

In order to succeed at such cross-disciplinary research, the host mentoring scientist plays a critical role. Consequently, applicants must select a host scientist, who is different from the candidate’s PhD advisor (preferably at a different institution), and coordinate a joint application with the potential host scientist and institution. 

Please go here for more information on the fellowship and how to apply: https://heliophysics.ucar.edu/jack-eddy/recruitment-announcement

Deadline for submissions: January 26, 2024


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HAO Newkirk Graduate Research Fellowship

From: Roberto Casini (casini at ucar.edu)

The High Altitude Observatory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research announces the availability of 1 Newkirk Fellowship. The Newkirk Fellowship provides financial support to graduate students for research visits to HAO, allowing for 3 to 6 months per year in a single visit. The total supported length is 9 months, which can be spread out over up to 3 years. Newkirk Fellows will work with guidance from HAO scientists and engineers on projects related to their thesis, qualifying exams, or other research projects within the scope of HAO research including study of the Earth's upper atmosphere, solar physics and solar terrestrial physics through observation, theory and instrumentation.

To be eligible for the fellowship, the student must be enrolled full-time in a university graduate program having common interest with HAO research goals. HAO Newkirk Fellowships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, scientific potential, and compatibility of student interest in current HAO research pursuits.

The application window for fellowships starting after Fall 2024 is December 1, 2023 to March 1, 2024. 

Please see https://www2.hao.ucar.edu/partnerships/visitor-program/newkirk-fellowship for details on eligibility, financial support, and the application process.  For further information please send an email to hao-newkirk at ucar.edu.


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JOB OPENING: Research Scientist Position at the University of Texas at Dallas W. B. Hanson Center for Space Science 

From: Phillip Anderson (phillip.anderson1 at utdallas.edu)

The link for the job posting in the previous Newsletter was incorrect. It was supposed to be https://jobs.utdallas.edu/postings/24801. 

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is seeking to fill a Research Scientist position in the W. B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences. The Center has a vigorous research program associated with fundamental and applied studies of the Earth’s ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere (ITM) system using space and ground-based experimental resources as well as numerical modeling. We seek candidates capable of complementing the research capabilities of the Center, in particular in the area of ionosphere-thermosphere coupling. The candidate will be especially involved in the development of analysis tools and research associated with the thermal plasma instruments that are a major part of the Center’s historical and ongoing efforts. There are currently nine Earth-orbiting platforms with CSS thermal plasma instruments on board. The Center has recently been selected to provide the Thermal Plasma Sensor (TPS) instruments for NASA’s Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC). GDC is a six-satellite mission designed to investigate the coupling between the ionosphere and thermosphere and their response to external energy inputs. It will dramatically improve our understanding of the near-Earth environment and how disturbances (space weather) there impact human technology and society. The candidate will be expected to be a major part of this exciting mission (launch currently scheduled for 2031 - 2032). 

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in space physics or a closely related field and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in research. All candidates are expected to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals of diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. 

Applications can be submitted to the UTD jobs website. If you would send out a correction. Perhaps just repost it:

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is seeking to fill a Research Scientist position in the W. B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences. The Center has a vigorous research program associated with fundamental and applied studies of the Earth’s ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere (ITM) system using space and ground-based experimental resources as well as numerical modeling. We seek candidates capable of complementing the research capabilities of the Center, in particular in the area of ionosphere-thermosphere coupling. The candidate will be especially involved in the development of analysis tools and research associated with the thermal plasma instruments that are a major part of the Center’s historical and ongoing efforts. There are currently nine Earth-orbiting platforms with CSS thermal plasma instruments on board. The Center has recently been selected to provide the Thermal Plasma Sensor (TPS) instruments for NASA’s Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC). GDC is a six-satellite mission designed to investigate the coupling between the ionosphere and thermosphere and their response to external energy inputs. It will dramatically improve our understanding of the near-Earth environment and how disturbances (space weather) there impact human technology and society. The candidate will be expected to be a major part of this exciting mission (launch currently scheduled for 2031 - 2032). 

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in space physics or a closely related field and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in research. All candidates are expected to work effectively in a highly collaborative, engaging, and dynamic environment comprised of individuals of diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. 

Applications can be submitted to the UTD jobs website at https://jobs.utdallas.edu/postings/24801. Applications will be evaluated starting Nov 20, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience. 

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. 

Phillip C. Anderson 
The University of Texas at Dallas 
Director, W. B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences 
800 W. Campbell Rd MS/WT15
Richardson, TX, USA - 75080-302-
Phone: +1 972 883 2875
Fax: +1 972 883 2761 

Website: https://spacesciences.utdallas.edu/ 
Applications will be evaluated starting Nov 20, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience. 

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. 


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JOB OPENING: Postdoc Positions at Queen Mary University of London

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

We are advertising three new postdoc positions to join our growing Space & Astrophysical Plasmas group at QMUL. The available positions cover spacecraft observations, numerical simulations, plasma theory, and laboratory experiments in areas of heliospheric physics, magnetospheric physics, fundamental plasma processes, and space weather. Further detail on the positions, along with application information is given below.

Role of fundamental plasma processes in shaping the near-Earth space environment
Application deadline: 31st December 2023
Contact: Dr Christopher Chen (christopher.chen at qmul.ac.uk)
Application link and more information: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies/items/9054.html
Description: One position is available to work in Dr Christopher Chen’s research team on the STFC Consolidated Grant project “Plasma physics of the Earth's magnetosheath”. The research involves primarily space data analysis, with supporting theory & simulation, to study a range of fundamental plasma processes, such as turbulence / waves / instabilities / reconnection / kinetic physics / wave-particle interactions, to reveal how they operate and shape near-Earth space. The work will involve both single and multi-spacecraft analysis, e.g. using MMS, and develop techniques in preparation for future missions such as NASA Helioswarm and ESA Plasma Observatory. This will be a collaborative effort, together with Dr Chen's broader research team, the group at QMUL, and multiple leading international collaborators. The research programme also offers extensive dedicated career support for all team members

Role of plasma turbulence in heliophysics, space weather, and lab experiments
Application deadline: 31st December 2023
Contact: Dr Christopher Chen (christopher.chen at qmul.ac.uk)
Application link and more information: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies/items/9056.html
Description: One position is available to work in Dr Christopher Chen’s UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) team on the research programme “Exploring New Regions of Space: Fundamentals and Impacts of Astrophysical Plasma Turbulence”. The research involves space data analysis, lab plasma experiments, theory & simulation, so applicants with expertise in any of these areas (and interest in getting involved in the others) are encouraged. The research aims are to understand turbulence as a fundamental process in space/lab/astrophysics, the role it plays in controlling the dynamics of these systems, and modelling its effects, including space weather, in the heliosphere and more distant astrophysical plasmas. This is a highly collaborative team effort, involving interlinking (and flexible) sub-projects, and multiple leading international project partners. The FLF programme also offers extensive dedicated career support for all team members.

Turbulence as a controlling agent in the inner heliosphere
Application deadline: 31st December 2023
Contact: Prof David Burgess (D.Burgess at qmul.ac.uk)
Application link and more information: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies/items/9108.html
Description: A postdoctoral researcher position is available to work on a project exploring the controlling role that turbulence plays in the inner heliosphere primarily using plasma simulations. The post is funded by STFC as part of a Consolidated Grant. The project will use plasma simulations to study how turbulence can control the key plasma processes of particle energization, shock dynamics, and turbulence-driven reconnection. The simulations will be motivated and tested against results from Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Solar Orbiter and Magnetospheric Multiscale MMS. The project will build on collaborations within the Space Plasma group and there will be opportunities for collaborations across the data/simulation boundary.

The Research Group
The Space & Astrophysical Plasmas group at QMUL has a strong track record, going back to the pioneering work of Vincenzo Ferraro in the 1950s, and is part of the Astronomy Unit, which also hosts other leading research groups in Cosmology & Relativity and Extrasolar Planets & Planet Formation, with its members taking key roles in major international projects. The Astronomy Unit is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, within the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences. In the UK’s most recent national research assessment (2021 REF), 98% of the Department's research was rated internationally excellent and world leading (3*/4*). The School runs comprehensive undergraduate and masters taught programmes in Physics and Astrophysics, maintains a successful PhD research training programme, and undertakes an extensive range of outreach activities.


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JOB OPENING: Moon-to-Mars Space Weather Analyst

From: Robert Robinson (robinsonr at cua.edu)

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Heliophysics Science Division is seeking a space weather analyst for its Moon-to-Mars (M2M) Space Weather Analysis Office (https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/674/m2m/index.html), which provides space weather information to NASA exploration missions utilizing models and software transitioned from the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC). The M2M Office supports NASA’s Space Radiation Analysis Group (SRAG) at Johnson Space Center by providing novel capabilities to characterize the space radiation environment. The team provides coverage 7 days a week for 8 hours/day.  During critical phases of human exploration activities (average of 30 days per year), the selected individual may work evenings or overnight shifts.  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a field of physical sciences      
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to work quickly and accurately on time sensitive tasks
• Experience with scientific data analysis

The selected candidate will work at NASA GSFC in Greenbelt, Maryland.  This position is funded by NASA through the Partnership for Heliophysics and Space Environment Research (PHaSER, https://physics.catholic.edu/faculty-and-research/phaser/).  Employment will be through one of the six PHaSER partner institutions.  All PHaSER institutions are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Please be aware that applicants need not have all the desired skills and experience to be considered for this position.  We support on-the-job training for skills and knowledge required for the position.  
The position is full-time for a probationary period of one year with possibility of renewal for subsequent years. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  U. S. citizenship or permanent residency status is required.  
Specific questions about these positions may be addressed to Dr Yaireska Collado-Vega at yaireska.m.colladovega at nasa.gov. 

To apply, submit the following by January 15, 2024:
•	A cover letter describing background, qualifications, scientific interests, and experience relevant to the Space Weather Analyst position (no more than two pages);
•	A full curriculum vitae (CV) - detailing education, research experience, publications, awards, software experience and other skills/accomplishments.
Email all documents, preferably in a single pdf file, to cua-physics at cua.edu, with the subject line ‘Space Weather Analyst Job Application’.


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