Welcome to the NAI Newsletter! The Newsletter is a compendium of announcements, events, updates, and news items related to the NAI and its research. If you have news items or suggestions you can send them to the editor, Julie Fletcher at: Julie.K.Fletcher@nasa.gov.
Newsletter for November 14, 2012
- Library of Congress Astrobiology Chair - Applications Welcome
- Jim Lake and Gerry Joyce inducted into American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- The Present-Day Habitability of Mars "All Access Event"
- Opportunity for Early Career Scientists to Participate in the Astrobiology Grand Tour to Western Australia
- Graduate Student Opportunities in Microbial Paleobiology and Geochemistry, Departments of Geology and Chemistry, University of Cincinnati
- Harvard University Origins of Life Initiative 2013 Postdoctoral Fellows
- Accepting Applications for the NASA Ames Academy
- Student Opportunity: LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science
- NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) Program
- MSc, PhD, Post Doctoral Fellow Positions Available in 2013 with the Canadian Astrobiology Training Program
- Come Support Our Early Career Scientists at FameLab AGU!
- Year of the Solar System Science Series Webinar: Exoplanets, A Play in Four Parts
- Virginia Tech Department of Geosciences Faculty Position in Paleobiology and Geobiology
- ROSES-12 Amendment 21: New Opportunity in ROSES-12 via Appendix C.27, MAVEN Participating Scientist Program
- Announcement of Flight Opportunities #6 Now Open
- Call for Members of the Science Definition Team for the Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) Field Campaign
- SMD Seeks Volunteer Reviewers for OPR and MatISSE
- Assistant Astronomer (Tenure-Track) – University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy
- Assistant or Associate Astronomer in Instrumentation (Tenure-Track) – University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy
- Assistant Professor Opportunity in Space Systems Engineering at ASU
- Assistant Professor Opportunity in Isotope Geochemistry at ASU
Library of Congress Astrobiology Chair - Applications Welcome
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications and nominations for the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology.
Applications and nominations must be postmarked by Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. Guidelines and forms http://www.loc.gov/loc/kluge/fellowships/NASA-astrobiology.html are available online.
Established in the Fall of 2011, the Blumberg Astrobiology Chair is a distinguished senior position at the Library’s Kluge Center. The incumbent conducts research at the intersection between the science of astrobiology and its humanistic aspects, particularly its societal implications, using the collections and services of the Library. The incumbent is expected to be in residence at the Kluge Center for a period of up to 12 months. The stipend is $13,500 per month. This is an appointment made by the Librarian of Congress on the recommendation of a selection committee, which considers both applications and nominations. Here are the Library’s original announcement and selection of the chair.
The incumbent is also expected to give at least one public presentation in the Washington, D.C. area and to organize workshops, symposia, small conferences or other activities that engage the broader academic community and the public.
Jim Lake and Gerry Joyce inducted into American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Please join in congratulating Gerry Joyce and Jim Lake on their induction into the 232nd class of members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Founded in 1780, the American Academy is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious learned societies, and an independent research center that draws from its members’ expertise to conduct studies in science and technology policy, global security, the humanities and culture, social policy, and education.
Lake and Joyce, both long-time members of the astrobiology community, are among the one hundred-eighty influential artists, scientists, scholars, authors, and institutional leaders who were inducted into the Academy at a ceremony on Saturday, October 6th. They both join the Academy's Biological Science class - Lake is in the Evolutionary and Population Biology and Ecology section and Joyce is in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology section.
The Present-Day Habitability of Mars "All Access Event"
Abstract Submission Deadline: December 15, 2012
The UCLA Institute for Planets and Exoplanets, The UK Center for Astrobiology and the NASA Astrobiology Institute invite you to participate in a two-day conference in February 2013 that will examine the present-day habitability of Mars.
For all the meeting details visit: http://planets.ucla.edu/meetings/mars-habitability-2013/
For Students and Young Investigators
Opportunity for Early Career Scientists to Participate in the Astrobiology Grand Tour to Western Australia
Application Deadline: December 1, 2012
The NAI is accepting applications from early career astrobiologists (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows or others within 5 years of their Ph.D) to participate in an 11-day tour of astrobiology-relevant field sites in Western Australia in June 2013. Included will be the extant stromatolites of Shark Bay, the banded iron formations and iron ore mines of the Hamersley Basin, the putatively cyanobacterial stromatolites of the 2.7 Ga Fortescue Group, and the 3.35-3.49 Ga fossiliferous and other units of the Pilbara Craton with what is arguably the oldest convincing evidence of life on Earth.
The tour, from June 18 to June 28, 2013, will be led by Professor Malcolm Walter of the University of New South Wales, the founding director of the Australian Centre for Astrobiology (ACA). The trip is designed for scientists interested in the earliest life on Earth and early Earth environments. Additional information is available at http://aca.unsw.edu.au/node/78
The NAI will provide partial support for up to five individuals, including 1/2 of the tour cost, plus airfare from the US to Perth and from Port Hedland to the US, as well as up to 2 additional days lodging and per diem. Participants will be responsible for reserving a place on the tour, including a $400 deposit and the remaining 1/2 of the tour cost.
Applicants should provide:
* a short description of how participation in this trip will contribute to your research or training in astrobiology
* a letter of support from your advisor/principal investigator Applications are due by December 1, 2012 to Dr. Edward Goolish, Deputy Director of the NAI, edward.goolish@nasa.gov.
Graduate Student Opportunities in Microbial Paleobiology and Geochemistry, Departments of Geology and Chemistry, University of Cincinnati
I am looking for M.S. or Ph.D. students to join my lab at the University of Cincinnati in the Department of Geology. Overall, I am interested in the early history of life on Earth, evidence for which can come from morphological and geochemical studies of microfossils as well as chemical and isotopic signatures in ancient sediments. I am also interested in the Phanerozoic record of microbes. I have an affiliation with the NASA Astrobiology Institute and there will be opportunities for students to get involved.
Possible topics that students could pursue include:
*Precambrian record of deep-water microbiotas
*Metabolisms of ancient microbes
*Taphonomy and fossilization of microorganisms
*Phanerozoic record of microbial life
*Microbial endoliths in Phanerozoic skeletal fossils
My lab is designed to study both the morphology and chemistry of fossil microorganisms via standard transmitted light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Additionally, I have collaborations and associations with researchers at many institutions, including UCLA, UW-Madison, JPL, and the Carnegie Institution of Washington, where students can access facilities not available in my lab, such as multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometers, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, and organic geochemical and carbon isotope facilities.
The University of Cincinnati is home to the #6 ranked paleontology program in the country and students would have access to expertise of world-class paleontologist and geochemists, as well as the courses offered, such as Marine Paleoenvironments and Paleoecology, Biodiversity Through Geological Time, and Organic Geochemistry.
Students should have a background (B.S./B.A. or M.S.) in geology, biology, microbiology, chemistry, or other related field. Note: my joint appointment in the departments of Geology and Chemistry means students can be enrolled in either department. For more information, please contact Andy Czaja at: 513-556-3574 (office) 310-720-5601 (cell) andrew.czaja@uc.edu (website: http://homepages.uc.edu/~czajaaw/)
Harvard University Origins of Life Initiative 2013 Postdoctoral Fellows
Application Deadline: December 14, 2012
The Harvard Origins of Life Initiative is a multi-disciplinary research program at the intersection of biochemistry and planetary astronomy. Our goal is to discover how the initial conditions on planets, including our Earth, determined their biochemistry and life forms. This knowledge will eventually allow targeted studies of planets that might harbor life, including Earth twins. The Initiative is an active, vibrant community of students, faculty and researchers in this exciting new field.
We invite applications for Origins Postdoctoral Fellows who will pursue independent research on topics related to origins of life in collaboration with one or more Harvard faculty members in biochemistry, chemistry, geobiology, planetary science, and astrophysics. For a complete list of Origins team members, labs, and projects: http://origins.harvard.edu/AssocFaculty.html
Application Requirements: Candidates should have received their terminal degree within the 5 years prior to the application date. They should secure the commitment of at least one Harvard faculty member to host their work (a letter of support is required). A CV, a research proposal (3 pages), and a letter of recommendation from a current or former advisor should be sent to Carol Knell cknell@cfa.harvard.edu by December 14, 2012. Offers will be made by the end of January, 2013. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The appointment will be for 1 year initially, with opportunity for renewal for up to 2 additional years, contingent upon performance. We offer a competitive compensation and allowance package. For more information on the fellowships, send questions to: cknell@cfa.harvard.edu.
Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women and minorities are strongly encouraged.
Accepting Applications for the NASA Ames Academy
Application Deadline: January 7, 2013
Are you looking to do something special with your summer? The NASA Ames Academy is a unique summer institute of higher learning whose goal is to help guide future leaders of the U.S. Space Program by giving them a glimpse of how the whole system works. It’s an immersive and integrated multidisciplinary exposure and training, for students with various backgrounds and career aspirations of critical importance to the national aerospace program.
Apply online at: https//academyapp.com
The academic curriculum balances opportunities for direct contact with advanced science and engineering R&D and an awareness of the complex managerial, political, financial, social, and human issues faced by the current and future aerospace programs.
Co-sponsorship of the Academy assures recruitment of meritorious students from previously under-represented areas of the country, into leadership positions for the aerospace programs of the future.
Student Opportunity: LPI Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science
Application Deadline: January 18, 2013
Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2012 Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) Summer Intern Program in Planetary Science. The LPI invites undergraduates with at least 50 semester hours of credit to experience research in the planetary sciences. As a summer intern, you will work one-on-one with a scientist either at the LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center on a research project of current interest in planetary science. Furthermore, you will participate in peer-reviewed research, learn from top-notch planetary scientists, and preview various careers in science.
The 10-week program begins June 3, 2013, and ends on August 9, 2013. Selected students will receive a $5000.00 stipend plus a travel stipend of $1000.00 (U.S. students) (foreign nationals will receive a $1500.00 foreign travel reimbursement).
Applications are only accepted via the electronic application form found at the LPI’s Summer Intern Program website: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpiintern Faculty members: Please pass this information on to any of your students who might be interested. Contact: Claudia Quintana Phone: 281-486-2159 E-mail: internprogram@lpi.usra.edu
NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) Program
The deadline for NEW applications is February 1, 2013, and the deadline for RENEWAL applications is March 15, 2013.
NASA announces a call for graduate fellowship proposals to the NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) program for the 2013-2014 academic year. This call for fellowship proposals solicits applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space sciences, or related disciplines. The purpose of NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA’s scientific goals. Awards resulting from the competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to the respective universities.
The NESSF call for proposals and submission instructions are located at the NESSF 13 solicitation index page at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ - click on "Solicitations" then click on "Open Solicitations" then select the "NESSF 13" announcement. Also refer to “Proposal Submission Instructions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” listed under “Other Documents” on the NESSF 13 solicitation index page.
All proposals must be submitted in electronic format only through the NASA NSPIRES system. The advisor has an active role in the submission of the fellowship proposal. To use the NSPIRES system, the advisor, the student, and the university must all register. Extended instructions on how to submit an electronic proposal package are posted on the NESSF 13 solicitation index page listed above. You can register in NSPIRES at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/.
For further information contact Claire Macaulay, Program Administrator for NESSF Earth Science Research, Telephone: (202) 358-0151, E-mail: claire.i.macaulay@nasa.gov or Dolores Holland, Program Administrator for NESSF Heliophysics Research, Planetary Science Research, and Astrophysics Research, Telephone: (202) 358-0734, E-mail: hq-nessf-Space@nasa.gov.
MSc, PhD, Post Doctoral Fellow Positions Available in 2013 with the Canadian Astrobiology Training Program
Application Deadline: January 18, 2013
Astrobiology is broadly defined as the scientific study of the origin, evolution, distribution, conditions and destiny of life in the universe. This new, transdisciplinary science is based on two scientific revolutions - the recent realization that microbial life is extremely hardy and can thrive in very harsh environments previously thought uninhabitable on Earth and the explosion of space technologies that are driving the robotic exploration of Mars and other planets in the search for life in our solar system. The Canadian Astrobiology Training Program (CATP) is the first Canadian cross-disciplinary, multi-institutional undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral training program in Astrobiology and is a NSERC–funded Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program (CREATE) (2009-2015) located at McGill University, McMaster University, University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto, and the University of Winnipeg. CATP by its very nature will be accomplished through collaborative and integrative research approaches containing elements of geology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, microbiology, and robotics. CATP trainees (~70 graduate & undergraduate students, PDFs over the next 5 years) will be exposed to innovative research and training approaches, combining fieldwork at unique Canadian analogue sites, including those in the high Arctic, with laboratory work at cutting edge analytical facilities at participating university, government, and industry partners. Shared expertise within and among institutions will be provided by means of course and seminar videoconferencing, and interdisciplinary supervision. Professional training will be enhanced by training rotations with our collaborators at CSA, MDA Space Missions, and our international partners, including NASA Ames. CATP HQP trained in various aspects of astrobiology will be at the forefront of the search for life beyond the Earth. Indeed, CATP will address the recognized lack of HQP in space science and lead to new scientific opportunities and promote Canadian participation in future missions to Mars. The skills acquired through this program will be directly transferable to various other disciplines, such as Earth and environmental sciences, robotics, medicine, and astronomy.
We are presently seeking applicants for Graduate Student Fellowship (MSc and PhD) and Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF) positions available in 2013.
Successful applicants will have a strong interest in astrobiology and have an excellent background in microbiology/ molecular biology, geology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and/or robotics or other related disciplines. There are no restrictions on the nationality of the applicant. Applications will be received until January 18, 2013.
For detailed information on the CATP and how to apply, please visit the CATP website http://create-astrobiology.mcgill.ca/ or please directly contact:
Ms Yella Jovich-Zahirovich,NSERC CREATE CATP Project Coordinator
McGill University, Telephone: 514-398-7824, Email: catp.create@mcgill.ca
Come Support Our Early Career Scientists at FameLab AGU!
Season two of the science communication sensation FameLab kicks off at the AGU Fall meeting on December 7th. This year we've expanded our astrobiology theme to "Exploring Earth and Beyond" and competitors will be talking on a wide range of topics, from the climate impacts of energy extraction to Earth's dark matter halo to black holes! If you'll be in the San Francisco Bay Area, please plan to join us at 7pm in the Marriott Marquis' Salon 1 on Friday, December 7th...you don't need to be registered for the AGU meeting to attend. Please contact Daniella Scalice with any questions at daniella.m.scalice@nasa.gov.
Year of the Solar System Science Series Webinar: Exoplanets, A Play in Four Parts
Topic: Exoplanets, a play in four parts
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Time: 12:30pm PT / 1:30pm MT / 2:30pm CT / 3:30pm ET
Meeting Number: 992 711 567
Meeting Password: iges*123
Part I: How do we find Exoplanets? What have we found?
Part II: How do we know what individual exoplanets are like?
Part III: What have we learned about individual exoplanets so far?
Part IV: What are the future plans for studying exoplanets?
Eliza Kempton is an assistant professor of physics at Grinnell College. She graduated from Middlebury College in 2003 with a B.A. in physics, and in 2009 she received her Ph.D. from Harvard University in astronomy. Eliza's research focuses on small extrasolar planets known as super-Earths. These planets are 1 to 10 times more massive than the Earth, and they are currently offering astronomers the first glimpse into "exo"-worlds that may be similar to our own. Eliza models the atmospheres of extrasolar super-Earths to study their unique properties -- Understanding the atmospheres of extrasolar super-Earths is an important early step on the road toward finding other habitable Earth-like planets.
Shawn Domagal-Goldman is currently a Research Space Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. He received his Ph.D. In Geosciences and Astrobiology at The Pennsylvania State University, after getting a M.S. In geology and a B.S. In Physics at the University of Rochester. His research is on exoplanet characterization lessons from the "pale orange dot" that was the Archean Earth.
Dial-in information: To join the online meeting (Now from iPhones and other Smartphones too!)
1. Go to https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?ED=190471002&UID=0&PW=NODQzZmVjYjY3&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: iges*123
4. Click "Join Now". For the audio portion of the meeting, please dial: 877-633-9743 And use passcode: 8226297
For the Astrobiology Community
Virginia Tech Department of Geosciences Faculty Position in Paleobiology and Geobiology
Application Deadline: December 21, 2012
The College of Science at Virginia Tech, in support of the university’s strategic plan, is expanding its research presence in Energy and the Environment through interdisciplinary faculty hires across departments (for further information, visit www.science.vt.edu under faculty openings). As part of this initiative, the Department of Geosciences (www.geos.vt.edu) anticipates a tenure-track opening in Paleobiology and Geobiology, to start in Fall 2013 at our Blacksburg, VA Campus. The department is an international leader in many areas of Geosciences research, with six new members added to its faculty in the last two years. For the new position, the successful candidate needs to have outstanding research/teaching experience that explores the paleontological record using observational, experimental, and quantitative methods to reconstruct the co-evolutionary history of the biosphere and Earth’s surface environment at various spatial and temporal scales. Appointment at the assistant professor level is anticipated.
The successful candidate will be expected to establish a vigorous research program, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, continue development of scholarly activities and professional capabilities, and participate in department, college, and university governance. Occasional travel to attend professional conferences is required. Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree in Geosciences or a related discipline at the time of appointment, have demonstrated capability/promise to develop an active research program, and pass a criminal background check. Preference will be given to candidates whose research areas complement existing strengths in the department.
Questions regarding the new position can be directed to Search Committee chair Dr. Shuhai Xiao (xiao@vt.edu). To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted online (http://www.jobs.vt.edu; reference posting #0122338) by December 21, 2012, and should include a cover letter, resume, research statement, teaching statement, and contact information of at least four referees. Salary will be commensurate with rank and experience. Virginia Tech is an EO/AA university, and offers a wide range of networking and development opportunities to women and minorities in science and engineering. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify Mrs. Ellen Mathena at 540-231-6894, or call TTY 1-800-828-1120.
ROSES-12 Amendment 21: New Opportunity in ROSES-12 via Appendix C.27, MAVEN Participating Scientist Program
Notices of Intent are requested by January 11, 2013, and proposals are due by March 1, 2013
This solicitation is for investigations in the Participating Scientist program to enhance the scientific return from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/maven/ by broadening participation in the mission, augmenting the existing science team to include new investigations that broaden and/or complement the funded investigations, thus maximizing the contribution of the mission to the scientific understanding and future exploration of Mars. The second and equally important goal of this opportunity is to increase the number of scientists supporting mission planning and execution. While a large fraction of the planned observations will be planned in advance, real-time response to a brand-new set of observations is expected to result in an ongoing requirement for significant replanning. Additional investigators will contribute substantially to enhanced understanding of the data and to improved planning stimulated by the observations. Participating Scientist proposals can include investigations that are instrument specific or involve multiple instruments and, in all cases, must include both science analysis and a commitment to participate in operations planning in order to be considered.
On or about November 7, 2012, this Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2012" (NNH12ZDA001N) will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and will appear on the RSS feed at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2012.
Questions concerning this program may be addressed to Kelly Fast, Planetary Science Division, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001.
E-mail: kelly.e.fast@nasa.gov; Telephone: (202) 358- 0768.
Announcement of Flight Opportunities #6 Now Open
Application Deadline: December 21, 2012
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center has released a solicitation entitled "NASA Announcement of Flight Opportunities (AFO) for Payloads Maturing Crosscutting Technologies that Advance Multiple Future Space Missions to Flight Readiness Status." The current solicitation cycle, AFO #6, provides access to flights on parabolic flights, suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicles (sRLV), and high-altitude balloons.
Applications are due on or before 11:59 PM Eastern Time December 21, 2012, and selections will be announced in February 2013 (target). The solicitation is available by opening the NASA Research Opportunities home page at http://nspires.nasaprs.com , selecting "Solicitations," then selecting "Open Solicitations," and, selecting "NOCT110 Announcement of Flight Opportunities."
NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) seeks to mature towards flight readiness status crosscutting technologies that perform relevant environment testing and advance multiple future space missions. To facilitate this goal, NASA is providing access to certain flight opportunities available to the Agency, on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, to entities that have technology payloads meeting specified criteria. The payloads may be exposed to a near-zero or reduced gravity environment by flying on aircraft that provide parabolic flight trajectories and on sRLVs that are potentially capable of flying to altitudes above 100 km. For flight tests that do not require microgravity, but do require the temperature, pressure and atmospheric conditions of high altitudes, balloon flights are available. Refer to https://flightopportunities.nasa.gov/platforms/ for specific information on vehicle and flight characteristics.
This call is open to all individuals and organizations, U.S. and non-U.S. Such organizations may include educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, NASA Centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), other Government agencies, and partnerships between such entities.
Science payloads will not be evaluated under this announcement. Prospective responders with science payloads are encouraged to respond to open solicitations for science from the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and Human Exploration and Operations Research Mission Directorate (HEOMD).
All applications must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES by an authorized organizational representative (AOR). Potential applicants and proposing organizations are urged to access the electronic proposal system well in advance of the application due date to familiarize themselves with its structure and to enter the requested information. Note that it may require several weeks for non-U.S. organizations to obtain the registrations needed to submit a proposal.
Call for Members of the Science Definition Team for the Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) Field Campaign
Letter of Application Deadline: December 14, 2012
NASA is soliciting applications and nominations for members of the Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) field campaign Science Definition Team (SDT). Response will take the form of a Letter of Application submitted to the Terrestrial Ecology Program Manager at NASA Headquarters.
Response to this Call is in the form of a Letter of Application. In the letter, the applicant should provide evidence of expertise and knowledge in areas highly relevant to the ABoVE primary scientific goals and related research activities. All applicants must explain the knowledge and skills they have to offer and why they are important for SDT activities. Letters of application should provide a brief statement regarding which aspects of the ABoVE study the applicant would be able to help develop, as well as their overall vision regarding the scientific direction and scope of the field campaign. Applicants may express an interest in serving as SDT Chair (or co-Chair), but NASA will not limit selection of the SDT Chair to those applicants who express interest.
The Letter may contain a brief list of references to scientific or technical papers the applicant has published and/or positions held and work conductedthat establish her/him as a leader in their area(s) of expertise. The Letter should also contain a statement of how much time the applicant will commit over the next twelve to fifteen months for activities related to the ABoVE SDT, particularly if there are any major constraints that may restrict full engagement in the significant amount of work that will be required to define the scientific approach and study design for the ABoVE field campaign.
Letter applications are invited from individuals, not groups. Collaborations and teams are not solicited. Each Letter is to be limited to three pages, with 11-point (or larger) font and one-inch margins. The subject line of a responsive application must read "NASA ABoVE SDT Application." Letter applications submitted by E-mail are preferred, but may also be submitted by regular mail or fax. Responses to this invitation must be received no later than 4:30 PM EST on December 14, 2012.
NASA expects to select approximately 8-20 individuals for membership on theABoVE SDT and plans to announce its selection in January 2013. NASA will select the ABoVE SDT members and the SDT Chair from the pool of respondents after reviewing the letters received in response to this call.
Application letters should be submitted to:
Dr. Diane E. Wickland Terrestrial Ecology Program Earth Science Division - Science Mission Directorate Mail Suite 3B74 NASA Headquarters 300 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20546 Tel: 202-358-0245 E-mail: Diane.E.Wickland@nasa.gov Fax: 202-358-3172
SMD Seeks Volunteer Reviewers for OPR and MatISSE
The Planetary Science Division is currently seeking volunteer mail-in reviewers for the Outer Planets Research (OPR) and Maturation of Instruments for Solar System Exploration (MatiSSE) Programs. A web form for volunteers can be found at http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/ where volunteers can indicate their interest and areas of expertise.
Assistant Astronomer (Tenure-Track) – University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy
Closing Date: November 30, 2012
The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the University of Hawaii invites applications for one faculty position at the Assistant Astronomer (tenure-track) level, to begin Fall 2013. We seek applicants in any field of astrophysics or solar physics, including observation, theory, and instrumentation. Applicants should have an outstanding research record, an ability to lead and support a research program involving students and postdocs, and an ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The IfA has strong research groups in nearly all areas of astrophysics and has guaranteed access to the entire suite of observational facilities on the summits of Mauna Kea and Haleakala. The IfA is also the lead institution in the Pan-STARRS wide-field optical telescope system, which is carrying out a multiyear synoptic survey mission, and is a participating institution in the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS). More information about the institute is available at http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu.
Duties include undertaking a program of independent research in astronomy, teaching at least one graduate or undergraduate course per year, and participating in the academic and scientific life of the IfA. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or closely related areas and successful experience as a researcher as demonstrated by publications and letters of recommendation. At least two years of post-doctoral research are desirable but not essential. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
TO APPLY: Please upload a curriculum vitae (including bibliography) and a statement of research interests and plans using the online form at the web address https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/apply/2012-Sep/Faculty-junior-apply.html. Arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded at https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/apply/2012-Sep/Faculty-junior-recommend.html. All application materials must be received by November 30, 2012.
INQUIRIES: Dr. Fabio Bresolin (bresolin@ifa.hawaii.edu, ph: 808 956 8306), chair of the search committee.
For information on how to apply, please see http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/position-vacancies/.
Assistant or Associate Astronomer in Instrumentation (Tenure-Track) – University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy
Closing date: November 21, 2012
The Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the University of Hawaii invites applications for a tenure-track assistant or associate-level faculty position in instrumentation relating to the telescopes on Mauna Kea and Haleakala. This faculty position will be located at the IfA’s facility in Hilo on the island of Hawaii (the Big Island). The anticipated start date is Fall 2013.
We especially encourage applicants that complement or build upon existing IfA-Hilo efforts in adaptive optics and infrared array detectors, but all relevant fields of astronomical instrumentation will be considered. Applicants should have an outstanding research record, an ability to lead and support a research program involving students and postdocs, and an ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Duties will consist primarily of undertaking a program of astronomical research with a strong focus on instrumentation development, teaching at least one graduate or undergraduate course per year, and participating in the academic and scientific life of the IfA. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or closely related areas and successful instrumentation experience as demonstrated by accomplishments, publications and letters of recommendation. At least two years of post-doctoral research are desirable but not essential. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The IfA has strong research groups in nearly all areas of astrophysics and has guaranteed access to the entire suite of observational facilities on the summits of Mauna Kea and Haleakala. The IfA-Hilo facility is well-equipped for instrumentation programs, including active development related to the UH 2.2-meter Telescope, the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and future plans related to large (>8-meter) ground-based telescopes on Mauna Kea. More information about the IfA is available at http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu [1].
TO APPLY: Please upload a curriculum vitae and a statement of research interests and plans using the online form at the web address https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/apply/2012-Sep/Faculty-instrumentation-apply.html [2]. Please also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded at https://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/apply/2012-Sep/Faculty-instrumentation-recommend.html. [3] All application materials must be received by November 21, 2012.
INQUIRIES: Dr. Michael Liu (mliu@ifa.hawaii.edu [4]), chair of the search committee. Note that letters of recommendation should be uploaded to the aforementioned web address, not emailed to the committee chair
Closing date: November 21, 2012
The University of Hawaii is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. The Institute for Astronomy actively supports gender equity and nondiscrimination in the workplace.
Applications from women and minorities are strongly encouraged.
Assistant Professor Opportunity in Space Systems Engineering at ASU
Application deadline is 1 December 2012
The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with desired expertise in space systems and technology, to begin August 2013. The School is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in: instrument design and assembly, small satellite development including cubesats and nanosatellites, highly reliable software and systems development for space applications, sensor development for extreme environments including space qualification of sensors, hazard detection and avoidance, autonomous systems and technologies for robotic/human exploration. Spaceflight hardware and/or mission operations experience is strongly desired. The successful candidate will connect science drivers and engineering solutions - a competent familiarity with both sides of the development endeavor is preferred.
Established in 2006, SESE is the focal point for earth and space science at Arizona State University, one of the largest and fastest growing institutions of higher learning in the United States. An essential part of the SESE mission is to design, develop, and deploy new technologies to enable scientific exploration in space. SESE faculty also benefit from a variety of state-of-the-art facilities on the Tempe AZ campus, including high-bay assembly clean rooms, in the new ISTB 4 building. An earned doctorate in engineering or science is required. The requirements for this position include: (1) a Ph.D. in Space Systems Engineering or a closely related discipline, (2) evidence of scholarly contributions in space systems and technology, and (3) a commitment to quality teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant’s research and teaching interests and experience; 2) a current CV; and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. All materials should be submitted electronically, in PDF format, to sesenewfac@asu.edu
Application deadline is 1 December 2012; if not filled, reviews will continue weekly until search is closed. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Assistant Professor Opportunity in Isotope Geochemistry at ASU
Application deadline is 1 December 2012
The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in isotope geochemistry with a specialization in igneous or metamorphic processes and the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in both fields to begin August 2013.
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in geological sciences. Additional required qualifications include: 1) a record of research and published scholarship in isotope geochemistry and/or geochronology, 2) capability for quality undergraduate and graduate teaching, 3) research interests complementary to existing strengths in cosmochemistry, low-temperature isotope geochemistry, and noble gas geochemistry and geochronology, and 4) expertise in radiogenic isotope geochemistry. Desired qualifications include: 1) a research focus on terrestrial materials and 2) a deep understanding of the connection between isotopic data and the nature of the samples analyzed.
ASU contains an extensive geochemical infrastructure, including multi-collector ICPMS, isotope ratio-MS, He- & Ar-MS, and secondary ion-MS as well as a new FEG electron probe. Diamond cell, multi-anvil cell, and piston cylinder high-pressure devices, state of the art high-resolution transmission electron microscopes, and tandem accelerator analytical capabilities are also available at ASU. Cleanroom laboratory space in a state-of-the-art research building is also available to support new analytical equipment. In addition to isotope geochemistry, related current research at SESE and its collaborating departments includes studies in cosmochemistry, astrobiology and geobiology, metamorphic, igneous, and mantle petrology, volcanology, surface processes, tectonics, and high-pressure mineral physics. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, conduct publishable research, and participate in unit, university, and professional service as appropriate with rank.
Applications should include: 1) a letter outlining research program, teaching philosophy, and how the applicant's experience fits the area(s) of expertise listed above; 2) a current CV; and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. All materials should be submitted electronically, in PDF format, to sesenewfac@asu.edu
Application deadline is 1 December 2012; if not filled, reviews will continue weekly until search is closed. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
