Author: David Williams (UKSP DC)

The Astrophysical Journal: Changes in Article Submission Process

from Leon Golub, 22 Feb 2016

Starting in late February 2016, AJ and ApJ submissions have been consolidated into a single submission site. From the site authors will select an appropriate broad subject corridor. For the SPD community this will most often be the corridor named “The Sun and The Heliosphere.”

Details about the new submission process can be found at journals.aas.org and links from that page. The seven corridors are described in the links, which also include broad guidelines about which papers will go to AJ and which to ApJ. In the Solar and Helio corridor the baseline assumption is that accepted papers will appear in ApJ.

Note that until the ApJL is integrated into the new single submission site authors who wish to publish in the Letters must go to the ApJL submission site.… continue to the full article

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Associate Professor in Plasma and Space Physics, Oslo

Department of Physics
Associate Professor in Plasma- and Space Physics
Deadline for applications: 29th March 2016

The position as Associate Professor in Plasma- and Space Physics is available at the Department of Physics, under the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.

The announced position is associated with the Section for Plasma- and Space physics and the 4DSpace Strategic Research Initiative. 4DSpace is the interdisciplinary initiative at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo, involving Departments of Physics, Informatics, and Mathematics. 4DSpace works towards integrated multi-point, multi-scale studies of ionospheric turbulence with the new generation sounding rockets and satellites, and cutting edge numerical and analytical models. Activities within the research section and 4DSpace include in-situ measurements (such as the ICI-rocket series, QB50, NorSat-1, or European Space Agency projects), ground-based observations of the Polar ionosphere, and development of instruments, as well as miniaturized payloads and sub-payloads for rockets and satellites. The modeling of plasma instabilities and turbulence is carried out with fluid as well as particle-in-cell numerical codes. For more information, see http://www.mn.uio.no/fysikk/english/research/projects/4dspace/

Job description:

We are searching for a space plasma physicist, with a strong and broad experimental and data analysis background, that sees opportunities to take advantage of the 4DSpace collaboration.

4DSpace involves a leading instrumentation group, with specific expertise in instrumentation for kinetic scale physics (microphysics) observations. It is in charge of a sounding rocket program that takes advantage of the research infrastructure in the Norwegian Arctic to study plasma waves, instability processes and turbulence in the F-region cusp/polar cap ionosphere. 4DSpace also contributes to magnetospheric and planetary missions. The research group is participating in several ESA missions including Cluster, Cassini-Huygens, and Rosetta. The group has recently developed a miniaturized Langmuir probe system to be used in several satellite missions (e.g., CubeSTAR, NorSat, and QB50). In the coming years the group will commence 3D space plasma measurements by sounding rocket and miniaturized daughter payloads. On the theory side 4DSpace focuses on theoretical and numerical studies of basic wave phenomena, instabilities and turbulence in magnetized plasmas, with a particular emphasis on problems relevant for the satellite and rocket activities in the Polar ionosphere.

4DSpace aims to be in forefront in studying cross-scale plasma processes and the successful candidate should envisage how to strengthen, complement and further develop the research that is already carried out in the group. The candidate is expected to fund his/her own research by external grants.

Besides taking an active part in the research activities at the Department, the successful applicant is expected to supervise Ph.D. and master students. Both research and education within the research section and in 4DSpace include strong international collaboration.

Teaching duties will include undergraduate as well as graduate courses in physics. The teaching language of undergraduate courses is mainly Norwegian (Scandinavian) whereas for the graduate courses both Norwegian (Scandinavian) and English are used.

The person appointed to the position must be able to teach in Norwegian within a certain time limit after being hired.

The position will also involve administrative duties according to current regulations by the Department or Faculty.

Qualifications:

Required qualifications:

Ph.D. in physics, and after graduation at least two years of research experience in a relevant area with a solid publication record in the peer-reviewed literature.Documented experience within experimental space physics and data analysis in the context of the Earth magnetosphere-ionosphere system, including aurora and space weather problems.Good and broad experience in working with multi-instrumental data from plasma instruments on board spacecraft (satellites or sounding rockets), and ground-based instruments, such as radars and optical instruments. Ability to work with different scientific databases that can allow for cross-scale studies of the ionospheric and space plasma processes, ranging from macroscopic to microscopic (kinetic) scales, as well as potential of establishing new data products.Capability of external fund raising.

Desired qualifications:

Experience from interdisciplinary projects.Experience from international collaborative research and educational projects.

Applicants, who at the time of appointment cannot provide documentary evidence of basic teaching competence, must acquire such competence in the course of a period of two years.

Evaluation:

Interviews and trial lectures will be used as part of the appointment process. The basis for assessment will be the scholarly production of the applicant, other qualifications, pedagogical or educational, the applicant’s qualifications within leadership and administration as well as the general personal suitability. In ranking the competent applicants, the full range of qualifications will be considered and explicitly assessed.

Reference is otherwise made to rules regarding the procedures for appointment of persons to positions as professors and associate professors at the University of Oslo: https://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/personnel/academic/rules-appointment-professor.html
and
rules for the assessment and weighting of pedagogical competence for appointments to permanent academic posts which include teaching duties: https://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/personnel/academic/rules-assessment-weighting-pedagogical-competence.html

References will also be contacted.

Salary:

Position code 1011, pay grade: 61 – 71 (519 800 – 629 400 NOK) depending on qualifications.

The application must include:

The application should include information on education, former positions, research and teaching activities as well as administrative experience. The following information must be included:

  • Letter of application (1 page)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • List of publications (overview of all publications)
  • Research statement and a complete survey and a brief account of those works that shall be the particular object of qualitative assessment with these works enclosed (the total should not exceed 10)
  • A complete overview of education and previous posts with attested copies of examination and employment certificates
  • Three references and a list of relevant qualifications and experience (with documentation)

Application with CV, application letter, list of publications and any other attachments that one wishes to enclose, must be sent through the University of Oslo’s recruitment system, Easycruit.

The University of Oslo has a goal of recruiting more women in academic positions. Women are encouraged to apply.

In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results, see: http://www.uio.no/english/for-employees/employment/work-results/

Region: Oslo

Job type: Permanent

Working hours: Full-time

Working days: Day

Application deadline: 29 March, 2016

Location: Oslo

Reference number: 2016/2004

Home page: http://www.mn.uio.no/fysikk/

… continue to the full article

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Big Bear Solar Observatory: Observing Proposals Sought

from Haimin Wang

As a follow-up to our SolarNews announcement on November 15, 2015, the New Jersey Institute of Technology announces the availability of a limited amount of observing time for the solar community at its Big Bear Solar observatory (BBSO) 1.6-m, off-axis New Solar Telescope (NST). The BBSO telescope allocation committee (TAC) is accepting outside proposals for the session 1 (2016 May 1 – Jun 30) observing quarter. Proposals are due Sunday, March 20, 2016. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with BBSO/NJIT scientists to facilitate proposal preparation, observations, and data analysis. Descriptions of the NST and its instrumentation are available at www.bbso.njit.edu/NJIT_Ground-Based_Solar_Observatories.pdf

The observing proposal should be submitted via the following web link www.bbso.njit.edu/cgi-bin/NSTObsForm

Meanwhile, much of our existing data are already open to the community. The data availability with quick look movies can be found at: www.bbso.njit.edu/~vayur/NST_catalog/

Data can be requested via: www.bbso.njit.edu/~vayur/nst_requests/

There is also a list of joint NST–IRIS observations: www.bbso.njit.edu/NST-IRIS_Catalog.html

For additional information, contact: Prof. Haimin Wang (haimin.wang@njit.edu), Chair of TAC. After your submission, please send an e-mail to Prof. Wang to inform him the title and PI of the proposal.… continue to the full article

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Tenure Track Position in Solar Physics

Applications are invited for the position of an Experimental Astrophysicist with the Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik in Freiburg, Germany, to start after Dec. 1, 2016.

Applications are invited for the position of an
Experimental Astrophysicist
with the Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik in Freiburg, Germany, to start after Dec. 1, 2016.
KIS is a foundation of public law of the State of Baden-Württemberg and a member of the Leibniz Association. Its mission is to perform fundamental astrophysical research with an emphasis on solar physics. Current research foci include the magnetized solar atmosphere, global magnetic activity in the sun and stars, and high resolution techniques. KIS operates the German solar facilities at the Teide Observatory on Tenerife, including the new 1.5m Gregor solar telescope, to carry out observations at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, and pursues a forefront instrument development program including solar adaptive optics and high-precision polarimetry. Further information can be obtained via the web page of the Institute.
Applicants should have a PhD in physics or astrophysics and a record of several years of post-doctoral research in astrophysics, preferentially in the area of solar physics. We expect the successful candidate to take over the responsibility for the instrument development of the German facilities in Tenerife, to participate in research programs with the German facilities and other solar observatories, to cooperate with a team of scientists, to acquire third-party funding, and to contribute to the education of students and young scientists. KIS is committed to increasing the number of female scientists and therefore encourages qualified women to apply.
The initial appointment will be for a term of up to 5 years according to German legislation and depending on the expertise and scientific standing of the successful applicant. A decision about promotion to an indefinite appointment will be made based on an evaluation. The salary and benefits are according to the rules for government employees of the State of Baden-Württemberg (TV-L).
The application should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, copies of three relevant publications, a list of three potential referees, and a description of the research planned at KIS.
The selection of candidates will start after April 30, 2016. Please send your application to
Prof. O. von der Lühe
Kiepenheuer-Institut für Sonnenphysik
Schöneckstrasse 6
D-79104 Freiburg
Germany
Tel.: +49-(0)761-3198-0
E-mail: vorstand@kis.uni-freiburg.de… continue to the full article

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The “Heliophysics” Series: A New Volume

from Karel Schrijver

A fourth volume in the “Heliophysics” series will be released by Cambridge University Press (CUP) on March 17, 2016, entitled “Heliophysics: Active stars, their astrospheres, and impacts on planetary environments”. This volume, edited by C. Schrijver, F. Bagenal, and J. Sojka, expands the topics related to the Sun-Earth connections presented in the preceding three volumes to other bodies in the solar system and to extrasolar planetary systems.

CUP (at cambridge.org) offers a 20% discount (on pre-orders, and throughout 2016 after the book becomes available) with discount code “heliophy”: www.cambridge.org/9781107090477

The same discount (with the same code) applies to the hardcover and paperback editions of the preceding three “Heliophysics” volumes, subtitled “Plasma physics of the local cosmos”, “Space storms and radiation: causes and effects”, and “Evolving solar activity and the climates of space and Earth”.

A provisional 5th volume on “Space Weather and Society” can be freely downloaded from: www.vsp.ucar.edu/Heliophysics/science-resources-textbooks.shtml

The Heliophysics books aim at the advanced undergraduate and at graduate-level students, taking the perspective of heliophysics as a single intellectual discipline. The books touch on most branches of heliophysics, with particular emphasis on universal processes and on the multi-disciplinary character of many of its diverse range of specialties. The list of topics includes the formation of planetary systems, astrophysical dynamos, heliospheric perturbations, particle acceleration, cosmic-ray modulation, interactions of the solar wind with planetary magnetospheres, impulstive and explosive events, irradiance and the tropospheric climate system, ionospheric processes, and impacts of space weather on satellites and for manned space flight, among many more.

The Heliophysics book series has its origins in the Summer School series of the same name. Many of the recorded lectures, problem sets, lab manuals, and other online supporting materials can be accessed at the School’s site at www.vsp.ucar.edu/Heliophysics/… continue to the full article

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University of Minnesota: Post-Doctoral Associate – Space Physics

from Julie Murphy

The Space Physics group at the University of Minnesota has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral researcher to work on analysis and instrumentation for high-energy solar astrophysics. This researcher will play an integral role in hardware and analysis for CubeSat and sounding rocket instruments, including the FOXSI-3 experiment, which is a rocket experiment planned to fly in 2018.

Hardware experience with one or more of the following systems will be considered a plus: X-ray, gamma-ray, or particle detectors; grazing-incidence optics; and rocket, balloon, or CubeSat payloads. Experience in analyzing solar flare data will be considered a plus, though candidates with interests in other space physics topics or other X-ray astrophysical topics are also encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in single-event detectors for particle or nuclear physics may also be considered.

The Space Physics group at UMN includes faculty and researchers with diverse research interests in the physics of space and plasmas, including topics in the ionosphere, magnetosphere, solar wind, and the high-energy Sun. The group also has expertise in electric field and wave instrumentation. The Space Physics group is part of the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics and the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Job duties will include the following:

  • to development of the FOXSI-3 payload, including science planning, detector upgrades, and participation in the 2018 launch campaign.
  • with a faculty member, supervise and mentor students on a hard X-ray solar CubeSat project.
  • solar and space physics data, including but not limited to multi-wavelength analysis of solar flares.
  • the development, commissioning and operation of experimental equipment and data analysis software for X-ray detectors.
  • science results at conferences and in publications, including national and international conferences and collaboration meetings.
  • Contribute to proposals for submission to funding agencies, including NASA and the NSF.

Required qualifications:

  • Applicants with a Ph.D. in physics or space physics by beginning date of appointment.
  • Experience with astronomical instrumentation or semiconductor detectors.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with X-ray, gamma-ray, or particle detectors; grazing-incidence optics; and rocket, balloon, or CubeSat payloads.
  • Experience in analyzing solar flare data will be considered a plus, though candidates with interests in other space physics topics or other X-ray astrophysical topics are also encouraged to apply.

How to apply: www.myu.umn.edu/employment , Search for Job ID: 307475

Please provide:

  • A cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Names and complete contact information for three references
  • A research experience statement
  • Arrange to have three letters of reference sent to jjmurphy@physics.umn.edu

Julie Murphy
School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Minnesota
116 Church Street SE
148 Tate Laboratory of Physics
Minneapolis MN 55455
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Background Check:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.… continue to the full article

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Potsdam Astrophysical Summer School: “Quantitative Spectroscopy in Astrophysics”

from Adriane Liermann

Spectroscopy is a universal tool used in modern Astrophysics, from solar physics to the high-redshift Universe. Essential for the study of most astrophysical phenomena, uses of spectroscopy are manifold:

  • Solar physics: probing solar activity
  • Stellar physics: characterizing stellar parameters, the ambient medium, stellar activity and evolution
  • Interstellar and intergalactic medium: understanding the composition by emission and absorption processes
  • Galaxies and their kinematics: studying the evolution of the Milky Way and the Universe on cosmological scales
  • Exoplanets: unveiling their atmospheres
  • … and many more

Date & Place:
The Leibniz Graduate School for Quantitative Spectroscopy in Astrophysics will host the Potsdam Astrophysical Summer School at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) from June 20th to 24th, 2016.

Participation:
Invited are interested graduate students in Physics or Astrophysics to join a week of lectures and hands-on exercises given by experienced scientists in their fields from the AIP and the University of Potsdam. Participants will get an insight into state-of-the-art research via the recent progress in quantitative spectroscopy both in theoretical methods and observational techniques. No matter which field you are interested in, learning the techniques to extract information from spectra and couple this information with dedicated models to gain quantitative insights is vital to start a scientific career in modern Astrophysics.

Registration & Contact:
For more information please see the website: meetings.aip.de/pass/

Registration is open now till March 31st, 2016.

For inquiries please send an email to pass2016@aip.de .

The Leibniz Graduate School for Quantitative Spectroscopy in Astrophysics is a collaborative project of the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) and the Institute of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Potsdam (UP).… continue to the full article

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New Jersey Institute of Technology: Postdoctoral Position in Solar Radio Physics

from Bin Chen

The Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR) of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in solar physics. NJIT/CSTR houses the 1.6-m New Solar Telescope (NST) of the Big Bear Solar Observatory and a newly expanded solar radio telescope: the Owens Valley Solar Array (OVSA). The postdoctoral researcher will participate in the OVSA expansion project, conducting flare and space weather research using data from OVSA, NST, Jansky Very Large Array, and other observatories including ALMA, SDO, RHESSI, Hinode, and IRIS.

The successful candidate is expected to be a recent PhD in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field. The position is initially for one year but can be extended to two years or more contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Interested applicants should submit a CV, a list of publications, a letter of interest, and contact information of three references to the NJIT recruitment system at http://njit.jobs (search for position number 0603192).

For more information about this position please contact Dr. Bin Chen (bin.chen at njit.edu).… continue to the full article

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Senior Scientist at Arctic Slope Technical Services: supporting NASA Heliophysics Division

from Jared Leisner

Arctic Slope Technical Services is seeking a Senior Support Scientist in Arlington, VA. One role of the Senior Scientist/Support Scientist (Sr. Support Scientist) will be the conduct of day-to-day management and/or support of Research and Analysis (R&A) programs in the Heliophysics Division (HPD) of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. Programs of potential interest would include Research Opportunities for Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) solicitations covering Supporting Research, Guest Investigator, Technology and Instrument Development for Science, Grand Challenge Research and Living With a Star Science. The ideal candidate will have Heliophysics Science-related advanced degrees and a minimum of 10 years relevant experience. This experience should include but not be limited to principal and/or co-investigative research, publications, progress reporting, familiarity with the Heliophysics Science proposal submission process; and the aforementioned scientific community. A role of the Sr. Support Scientist will be to increase efficiency in the running of R&A programs. Other than duties determined by law or by policy to be restricted to NASA civil servants (e.g., final decisions on reviewer assignments will be made by Program Scientist and final decisions on what will be funded will be made by the HPD Division Director), the Sr. Support Scientist would have the many of the responsibilities of a Program Officer.

Requirements: 1. The Sr. Support Scientist must have a minimum of a Master of Science Degree in an area related to Heliophysics Science, OR a relevant Advanced Degree in an area related to Heliophysics Science. 2. Must have at least 10 years of relevant scientific research work experience. 3. The candidate must have demonstrated professional experience in Heliophysics. 4. Knowledge of and experience in, NASA practices and procedures. 5. The candidate must be able to pass a basic background screening for admission into a Federal facility. 6. Other procedural requirements as stated within the full job description.

For the full job description and details on how to apply, see https://asrcfederal.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=16000268 .… continue to the full article

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SDO 2016: Unraveling the Sun’s Complexity – Second Meeting Announcement

from W. Dean Pesnell

October 17 – 21 2016 | Burlington, Vermont

Living With a Star’s Solar Dynamics Observatory invites you to its 2016 Science Workshop “SDO 2016: Unraveling the Sun’s Complexity,” to be held October 17-21, 2016, at the Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center in Burlington, VT. All members of the science community are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Invited speakers will introduce eight broad areas of solar research:

  • Motions Inside the Sun
  • The Evolution of Active Regions
  • Studies of Solar Eruptive Events (SEEs)
  • Motions Near and Above the Solar Surface
  • Atmospheric Dynamics and Sources of the Solar Wind
  • Solar Magnetic Variability and the Solar Cycle
  • The Sun as a Star
  • Space Weather at the Earth and other Planets

Abstracts are solicited for presentations describing research in those areas.

Important dates:

The abstract and registration websites at SDO2016.lws-sdo-workshops.org will open March 1, 2016.
Abstract submission closes July 15, 2016 (all late submissions will be assigned to poster sessions.)
Early registration and hotel reservation deadline is September 16, 2016.

The Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center can be explored at sheratonburlington.com

We are looking forward to seeing you at the workshop.

Sincerely,
The Scientific Organizing Committee for SDO 2016
Charles Baldner, Mark Cheung, Frank Eparvier, Meng Jin, Aimee Norton, W. Dean Pesnell (chair), and Barbara Thompson.… continue to the full article

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