[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXXI, Issue 15

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXXI, Issue 15
Mar.01,2024

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Table of Contents

1. Funding Opportunity: FY25 MURI

2. Call for Nominations - SCOSTEP Distinguished Scientist and Young Scientist Awards 2024 - Deadline: May 15

3. Second Announcement Course on “Operational Space Weather Fundamentals”

4. JOB OPENING: Professor in Space Sciences - Berkeley

5. JOB OPENING: Magnetospheric Scientist at Air Force Research Laboratory

6. JOB OPENING: 3 Year Post-Doctoral Position at Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK

7. PhD Opportunity in Magnetospheric Physics at CUA

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


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Funding Opportunity: FY25 MURI

From: Bruce Fritz, Daniel Eleuterio, Josh Cossuth, Julie Moses (bruce.a.fritz4.civ at us.navy.mil)

Funding Opportunity: Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research
Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI)

Topic 19: (ONR) Ionosphere Impacts from Tropospheric Gravity Wave Generation

Objective: Develop a quantitative numerical representation of lower atmosphere gravity wave coupling through mesospheric-ionospheric fate modeling that is underpinned by the theoretical models while matching the current observationally based empirical models from generation, propagation, and dissipation in the thermosphere-ionosphere, leading to improved numerical representation and prediction of ionospheric structure beyond diurnal solar forcing. A team of atmospheric scientists, physicists, observational and numerical experts are needed to collaborate to address the multidisciplinary aspects of this problem, including impacts on target disciplines and how each discipline will interact within the MURI.

Research Concentration Areas: The suggested approach would leverage a diverse team comprised of theoreticians, numerical modelers, and observational experts in neutral atmosphere dynamics, charged atmosphere physics, remote sensing, and numerical modeling. Science should focus on: (1) Identification and characterization of sources, occurrences, and climatology of non-orographic tropospheric gravity wave generation, 2) Mechanics of neutral atmosphere gravity wave propagation, coupling into the mesosphere and evolution, and 3) Sensible effects of gravity waves on charged particle distribution and evolution in the ionosphere.

Anticipated Resources: Awards under this topic will be no more than $1.5M per year for 5 years, supporting no more than five funded faculty researchers. Exceptions warranted by specific proposal approaches may be discussed during the white paper phase of the solicitation.

White Paper Inquiries and Questions 03 May 2024
White Papers must be received no later than 17 May 2024 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Application Inquiries and Questions 23 August 2024
Applications must be received no later than 06 September 2024 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

For questions, contact any of the Research Topic Chiefs:
Daniel Eleuterio, ONR 332, 703-696-4303, daniel.p.eleuterio.civ at us.navy.mil
Josh Cossuth ONR 332, 703-696-0703, joshua.h.cossuth.civ at us.navy.mil
Bruce Fritz, ONR 332, 202-404-1102, bruce.a.fritz4.civ at us.navy.mil
Julie Moses, AFOSR, 703-696-9586, julie.moses at us.af.mil

Full details about the MURI announcement can be found here:
https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities/fiscal-year-fy-2025-department-defense-multidisciplinary

Details about ONR Space Weather research interests can be found here:
https://www.nre.navy.mil/organization/departments/code-32/division-322/marine-meteorology-space


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Call for Nominations - SCOSTEP Distinguished Scientist and Young Scientist Awards 2024 - Deadline: May 15

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

The Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics (SCOSTEP) is seeking nominations for the 2024 Distinguished Scientist and Distinguished Young Scientist Awards. 

The Distinguished Science Award is given to recognize outstanding contributions of a scientist to solar-terrestrial physics. The Distinguished Young Scientist Award is given to young scientists who have achieved considerable success in solar-terrestrial physics and have taken an active part in SCOSTEP-related activities.

All relevant information with award statutes and procedures are available on the SCOSTEP website at: https://scostep.org/awards.


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Second Announcement Course on “Operational Space Weather Fundamentals”

From: School Secretariat (info at astrogeofisica.it)

A Course on “Operational Space Weather Fundamentals”, directed by proff. Domenico Di Mauro (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Italy), Stefania Lepidi (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Italy), Mauro Messerotti (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy), Tamitha Skov (Millersville University, USA) will be held in L’Aquila, Italy, 13-17 May, 2024. The course is organized in cooperation with the  Consorzio “Area di Ricerca in Astrogeofisica”.

The school will serve as a comprehensive introduction to the multi-faceted field of Space Weather, covering solar-heliospheric, magnetospheric, and ionospheric weather, with a specialized focus on operations and forecasting. By establishing the links from research to operations (R2O) and from operations to research (O2R) and by highlighting the effects of space weather on technological systems and society, this curriculum aims at stimulating the involvement of the next-generation researchers in this rapidly growing discipline.

Lectures on phenomenology will be complemented by laboratory activities and applications with the direct and active involvement of the attendees. Another practical aspect will be covered by the "career section" aimed at illustrating which skills are desirable for a job in the frame of space weather research and surveillance centres, and how good strategies should be used for educational and communication purposes.

This school is addressed to PhD students and young scientists in space physics, planetary sciences, aerospace engineering, or related fields. Early-career stage professionals from monitoring agencies and industries related to space weather are invited to apply as well.
Applications are due before March 23, 2024.

For more information visit https://www.astrogeofisica.it/oswf/ or send an e-mail to info at astrogeofisica.it


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JOB OPENING: Professor in Space Sciences - Berkeley

From: Mari Royer (mroyer at berkeley.edu)

The University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a senior faculty position in any domain related to space science, with the possibility of appointment to the Directorship of the Space Sciences Laboratory. The faculty affiliation may be with any of three academic departments (Astronomy, Physics, Earth and Planetary Science).

For more information and to apply, please go to: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04218 

Applications must be received by April 1, 2024. 


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JOB OPENING: Magnetospheric Scientist at Air Force Research Laboratory

From: Shawn Young (Shawn.Young.2 at spaceforce.mil)

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate is seeking a highly motivated and experienced S&E professional to conduct geospace radiation environment data analysis and applied research for the Geospace Environment Impacts and Applications Branch.

Complete details/requirements and application are here: https://airforcestem.recsolu.com/jobs/2sfwp2iTTZW8ozmE-cbIKw?job_board_id=g193rQ-SUdupijEbTiPUvw

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 15 March 2024. 

Job Overview  

The Geospace Environment Impacts and Applications Branch is seeking a geospace radiation environment researcher for basic to applied space weather research.  

Position duties include, but are not limited to:  

* Planning and execution of complex basic and applied research investigations and analytical studies related to the structure and dynamics of the natural or perturbed space radiation environment with the goal of understanding its effects on space systems. 
* Applying observational data to advance models and prediction capability for the geospace environment with a focus on characterizing, mitigating, or exploiting the impacts of these environments on DoD systems and communications. 
* Working with the broader scientific community to leverage current investments in space weather and magnetospheric research to develop products for DoD and DoD contractor use.
* Contributing as a team member to complex space environment data analysis and modeling projects. 
* Developing and maintaining collaborations within and outside of AFRL to further advance DoD space environment modeling capabilities. 
* Documenting results of research in journal articles, technical reports, and conference presentations. 
* Supporting transition of environment specifications and models to DoD and DoD contractor users. 
* Preparing technical reports, evaluating technical proposals, and/or managing research contracts, if needed. 

Required Qualifications  

* US Citizenship 
* Must possess a professional science or engineering (S&E) degree from an accredited academic institution 
* Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience. 
* Experience in space environment research, observations, model development, or operations 
* Applicants must currently hold or have the ability to obtain a DOD TS/SCI clearance. 

Desired Qualifications  

* Advanced Degree in relevant science or engineering field. 
* Experience with analysis of data from space-borne particle instruments 
* Experience in space environment research, especially energetic particles and their impacts on space assets 
* Strong and effective communication skills, critical thinking skills and practical problem-solving 
* Ability to recognize significant research opportunities and engage multiple parties in exploring these opportunities 
* Agile and enthusiastic to embrace new missions, improve processes, and self-educate. 


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JOB OPENING: 3 Year Post-Doctoral Position at Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK

From: Jonny Rae (jonathan.rae at northumbria.ac.uk)

3 year post-doctoral position at Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK
Deadline: 9th March 2024

We are excited to advertise a 3-year opportunity to join a large and vibrant research environment as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in magnetospheric physics at Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK. We have wide-ranging interests in data science and machine learning, and in modelling, theory and observations of key magnetospheric phenomena to make breakthroughs in our understanding of the near-Earth environment. Scientific topics include, but are not limited to:
• the energisation and decay of the Van Allen radiation belts, 
• large-scale electromagnetic waves, 
• sources, physics and consequences of wave-particle interactions, and 
• how magnetospheric substorms provide energy input into the near-Earth space.

We welcome applications that cover any of these subjects and related topics. We will work with the successful candidate to develop mutually-agreed science goals and encourage all researchers to bring their own unique skillset to address these scientific aims. You will be supported to explore new methods beyond your current experience and develop your expertise in new techniques in space physics research.

This position is funded by STFC, and you will work with Professor Jonathan Rae. Other magnetospheric experts at Northumbria University include Professor Clare Watt, and Drs. Sarah Bentley, Suman Chakraborty, John Coxon, and Andy Smith, who provide a collegiate environment in which to conduct your research. The position is funded initially for three years, and there is potential for this post to be extended subject to further grant funding.  

For more information please see:
https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/#en/sites/CX_1001/job/2228

If you have any questions, and/or if you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact jonathan.rae at northumbria.ac.uk.


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PhD Opportunity in Magnetospheric Physics at CUA

From: Vadim Uritsky (uritsky at cua.edu)

CUA's Physics Department is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to study space plasma physics primarily using data from NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, a constellation of four satellites outfitted with high resolution particle and electromagnetic field instrumentation. This research will be performed in close collaboration with the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and this position offers an opportunity to work on site with other NASA researchers and to travel and present findings at conferences and workshops. The successful candidate should have proven experience with time series analysis, statistical methods, and programming in Python, IDL, and/or MATLAB. Participation in previous space research projects is preferred but not required. The student will be enrolled in the Ph.D program at the CUA Physics Department advised by Dr. Vadim Uritsky, and conduct research as a Research Assistant at NASA Goddard in collaboration with Dr. Daniel Gershman.


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