January 2016
The Department of Planetary Sciences/Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona seeks to fill two tenure-track faculty positions, one in General Planetary Science (any sub-discipline) and one in Solar and Heliospheric Physics. Theorists, modelers, observers, data analysts, and instrumentalists are all encouraged to apply.
Detailed descriptions of each position and application instructions can be found at: https://lpl.arizona.edu/faculty-jobs and at the AAS job register (postings 53467 and 53470).
Review of applications for the position in Planetary Science will begin on February 1. Review of applications for the Solar and Heliospheric Physics position began on January 11, but applications will continue to be accepted after this date until the job is filled. The anticipated start date for each position is August 2016. Direct inquiries to: Professor Timothy D. Swindle, (520) 621-4128, tswindle@lpl.arizona.edu.
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An opening is available for a post-doctoral position in stable isotope studies (Mg, Si, Fe) in experimental systems and the Archean rock record, in the ICP-TIMS group. Initial appointment is for one year, renewable in subsequent years. The qualified candidate will have a Ph.D. and prior experience in MC-ICP-MS analysis. Prior work in “non-traditional” stable isotopes is advantageous, as is experience in experimental studies, but not required. Information on the research program of the ICP-TIMS group can be found here: http://geoscience.wisc.edu/ICP-TIMS/.
For additional information, contact Prof. Clark Johnson: clarkj@geology.wisc.edu.
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NASA has released a community announcement as advance notice of its plan to release a Draft Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for New Frontiers Program mission investigations with a target release date of July 2016. The New Frontiers Program conducts Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations in SMD’s planetary programs under a not-to-exceed cost cap for the PI-Managed Mission Cost (PMMC). At the conclusion of Phase A concept studies, it is planned that one New Frontiers investigation will be selected to continue into subsequent mission phases. The full text of the announcement, including important anticipated AO parameters and schedule, is available on at the New Frontiers Program Acquisition website: http://newfrontiers.larc.nasa.gov/announcements.html
Questions may also be addressed to the New Frontiers Program Scientist, Dr. Curt Niebur, at curt.niebur@nasa.gov.
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Application Deadline: January 31, 2016
The Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (C-DEBI) invites proposals for 1-year research projects, education and outreach projects, and 1-2 year graduate student and postdoctoral fellowships. Phase 2 of C-DEBI comprises a transition from dominantly exploration-based investigations to projects that balance discovery with hypothesis testing, data integration and synthesis, and ecosystem modeling. The C-DEBI Education & Outreach Grants Program will fund the development of educational opportunities and materials that are pertinent to deep biosphere research. Funding is only available to individuals sponsored in US institutions.
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Application Deadline: February 1, 2016
NASA has initiated a community-based process to identify Mission Concepts for candidate large missions to follow the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST). For details on the process, please refer to “Planning for the 2020 Decadal Survey: An Astrophysics Division White Paper,” available at http://science.nasa.gov/media/medialibrary/2015/08/10/White_Paper-Planning_for_the_2020_Decadal_Survey-signed.pdf. As a result of this process, the community identified four candidate missions for prioritization by the 2020 Decadal Survey:
- The Far Infrared (IR) Surveyor
- The Habitable-Exoplanet Imaging Mission
- The Large Ultraviolet (UV), Optical, and Infrared Surveyor
- The X-ray Surveyor
These are the mission concepts that NASA will study as candidates for the missions to follow JWST and WFIRST in preparation for the 2020 Decadal Survey.
NASA is soliciting applications from interested individuals in the community for participation as members of Science and Technology Definition Teams (STDTs) for the four mission concepts. The STDTs will provide science parameters, investigation approaches, key mission parameters, and any other scientific studies needed to support the definition of a space mission concept (Design Reference Mission). The STDTs will document their findings in final reports (one for each of the four STDTs), which will be used by NASA as input to the 2020 Decadal Survey. The Charter for the STDTs and related documents are available at http://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/2020-decadal-survey-planning/.
Only email applications of a single PDF file will be accepted. Please submit your application to the NASA contact for the mission concept of choice listed:
Far IR Surveyor – Dr. Kartik Sheth, kartik.sheth@nasa.gov, 202-358-4805
Habitable-Exoplanet Imaging Mission – Dr. Martin Still, martin.still@nasa.gov, 202-358-4462
Large UV, Optical, IR Surveyor – Dr. Mario Perez, mario.perez@nasa.gov, 202-358-1535
X-ray Surveyor – Dr. Daniel Evans, daniel.a.evans@nasa.gov, 202-358-3882
The application material should consist of:
- A two-page cover letter including (1) identification of the STDT of choice, (2) the reasons for the applicant’s interest in the STDT, and (3) the capabilities and experience that the applicant brings to the STDT
- A short statement of commitment to perform the tasks assigned to the STDT within the allocated timeframe
- A one or two-page resume, including relevant activities and publications
Applications are solicited from individuals at U.S.-based research and academic institutions, Government laboratories, and industry, and from private individuals.
STDT members will be selected so that the STDT has members with expertise in relevant science areas, relevant hardware and technology, optics, detectors, and both ground- and space-based approaches to the implementation of the science priorities. NASA will accept additional suggestions for STDT membership from the community at large, including NASA Centers. The NASA Astrophysics Division Director will appoint the members of the STDTs after consulting with the Headquarters, program, and study scientists involved. The STDT Chairs will be appointed from the STDT membership.
Applicants are allowed to apply for simultaneous membership on more than one STDT, provided that a compelling rationale is provided in the application.
NASA reserves the right to cancel this Dear Colleague Letter at any time should programmatic and/or other reasons warrant it.
Questions about the specific STDT may be addressed to the corresponding Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters.
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Application Deadline: February 1, 2016
Life in the Universe – Astronomy and Planetary Science at the SETI Institute
What is it? Students will work with scientists at the SETI Institute and at the nearby NASA Ames Research Center on projects spanning the field of astrobiology from microbiology to planetary geology to observational astronomy.
Who should apply: Current sophomore and junior undergraduate students who are United States Citizens or Permanent Residents
Program dates: June 12 – August 19, 2016
Financial support: $5000 ($500/week for the 10 weeks of the program). In addition, participants will be provided with dorm housing. Travel reimbursement is up to $600 for travel from home or campus to the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Program:The SETI Institute, a non-profit private scientific research institution located in California’s Silicon Valley, invites you to apply for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program for highly motivated students interested in astrobiology research. You will work with scientists at the SETI Institute and at the nearby NASA Ames Research Center on projects spanning the field of astrobiology from microbiology to observational astronomy.
The program includes a week-long field trip to the SETI Institute’s Allen Telescope Array, located at the Hat Creek Radio Astronomy Observatory in Northern California, as well as a field experience at hydrothermal systems at nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park. Students will also participate in local field trips to places like the California Academy of Sciences and other nearby locations of scientific interest, and attend seminars, lectures, and discussions on astrobiology. You will live in dormitory housing near the campus of the NASA Ames Research Center and the observatory facilities at Hat Creek. At the end of the summer you will give presentations on your research projects. The best projects will be selected for submission to a national scientific conference, that the selected students will be funded to attend.
Two main research areas will be emphasized, with projects including:
Astronomy and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)
- Meteor showers and their parent comets
- SETI and radio astronomy
- Extrasolar planets
Planetary Science and the Search for Life in the Solar System
- Asteroid dynamics
- Mars geomorphology and spectroscopy
- Survival of microbes under extreme conditions
Be sure to read the 2016 Application Instructions and review the 2016 Mentors list before you apply.
For more information contact:
Dr. Jean Chiar
jchiar@seti.org
650-810-0233
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Application Deadline: February 2, 2016
The GEM Course is an all-expenses paid four-week intensive introductory course in Global Environmental Microbiology (GEM) geared for early career undergraduates from 2 and 4 year institutions. The course focuses on microbes found in aquatic environments investigated through authentic research experiences (students collect, process and interpret data). This residential course includes lectures, labs and fieldwork at USC, the Eastern Sierra Mountains, and on Santa Catalina Island.
For all the information, visit: http://www.darkenergybiosphere.org/education/undergrads/GEMcourse.html
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Application Deadline: February 5, 2016
Atmospheric oxygen is fundamental to life as we know it, but its concentration has changed dramatically over Earth’s 4.5 billion year history. An amazing qualitative story has emerged, in which Earth’s atmosphere was devoid of free oxygen for the first 2 billion years of planetary history with two significant increases in concentration at ~2.4 and ~0.55 billion years ago. Both oxygenation events were accompanied by extreme climatic effects the “snowball earth” episodes and paved the way for massive reorganization of biogeochemical cycles such as the Cambrian radiation of macroscopic life. Despite these profound influences on the Earth system, we currently lack fundamental quantitative constraints on Earth’s atmospheric evolution.
The three available projects (starting Fall 2016) span a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds:
1) Experimental constraints on oxygen-free atmospheres
2) Geochemical measurements of triple oxygen isotopes across key intervals in Earth history
3) Numerical modelling of oxygen isotopes in the atmosphere over key intervals in Earth history
For more information, visit: http://earthsci.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/oxygen/
Questions can be emailed to Mark Claire at mc229@st-andrews.ac.uk.
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Application Deadline: February 5, 2016
The goal of the Lloyd V. Berkner Space Policy Internship is to provide promising students with the opportunity to work in the area of civil space research policy in the nation’s capital, under the aegis of the Space Science Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The summer 2016 program is only open to undergraduates.
Additional information about the program, including application procedure, can be found at: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/ssb_052239
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New application deadline: February 8, 2016
Renewal application deadline: March 15, 2016
The Planetary Research Program seeks proposals for their graduate fellowship program. The applications should be solicited by accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing Masters or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space sciences, or related disciplines.
The program invites a wide range of investigations into the nature and origin of the celestial bodies in our Solar System and whether life exists beyond Earth. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- the formation and evolution of the Solar System and planetary systems in general
- planetary bodies, satellites, and small bodies within planetary systems
- extraterrestrial materials which enhance the scientific return of missions through the analysis of data collected during those missions
More information is available at the NSPIRES website.
For further information contact for NESSF Earth Science Research:
Claire Macaulay
202-358-0151
claire.i.macaulay@nasa.gov
or for NESSF Heliophysics Research, Planetary Science Research, and Astrophysics Research:
Dolores Holland
202-358-0734
hq-nessf-Space@nasa.gov
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Application Deadline: February 16, 2016
The American Philosophical Society and the NASA Astrobiology Institute have partnered to promote the continued exploration of the world around us through a program of research grants in support of astrobiological field studies undertaken by graduate students, postdoctoral students, and early career scientists who are affiliated with U.S. institutions.
The Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology is designed for field studies in any area of astrobiology research. Grants may be used for travel and related expenses, including field equipment, up to $5,000. Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes members of the NAI, the APS, and the wider science community as needed. Recipients will be designated as Lewis and Clark Field Scholars in Astrobiology.
Additional information, including the application forms and instructions, is available at the APS’s Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research in Astrobiology page: http://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/astrobiology
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Deadline for Letter of Intent: February 18, 2016
Deadline for proposals: March 31, 2016
The International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern, Switzerland, and ISSI-BJ in Beijing, China, invite proposals for establishing International Teams to conduct on its premises research activities in Space Sciences, based on interdisciplinary analysis and evaluation of data from spacecraft and possible integration with ground data and theoretical models. For the purpose of this Call, Space Sciences include the Solar and Heliospheric Physics, Solar-Terrestrial Sciences, Space Plasma and Magnetospheric Physics, Planetary Sciences, Astrobiology, Cosmology, Astrophysics, Fundamental Physics in Space, and Earth Sciences using space data.
The Call for International Teams proposal is available on the ISSI web site: http://www.issibern.ch/spotlight/ISSI_ISSI-BJ_annual_call2016.pdf
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Application Deadline: February 26, 2016
The overall aim of the project is to describe and understand the evolution of aeolian dunefield dynamics on Mars under particular topographical controls. There are six objectives.
1. To isolate dunefield sites within selected regions on Mars that reflect a range of latitudes, topographies, and dune morphologies.
2. To constrain the rate, timing, and volume of sediment transport by dune migration on Mars.
3. Compare various dunefield types on Mars with terrestrial dune analogues (e.g. Namibia).
4. Examine targeted high resolution HiRISE images to build high resolution digital terrain models to quantify bulk sediment transport and dune migration scenarios.
5. Examine dune-scale wind-flow variability through modelling using innovative computational fluid dynamic approaches.
6. Isolate a range of topographical areas such as craters, valleys, and plains where dunes are present and examine, using airflow modelling, their physical limitations in supporting dunefields. Topographical constraints as well as sediment supply will also be examined.
Remote sensing analysis will play a primary role in the initial analysis of imagery from the HiRISE. Geospatial analysis will form the majority of the early stages of the project with subsequent generation of 3D surfaces using photogrammetry leading to surface landform generation over which airflow models will be performed. Airflow models over the landform scale will be developed using OpenFOAM CFD modelling software running on the parallel computing facilities at the Ulster University.
The project will be suitable for a student with a Geology, Geography, Earth, or Atmospheric Sciences degree. Useful skills include field mapping, geomorphology, and landform and geological interpretation. Knowledge of atmospheric systems would be useful but not essential. An MSc in Geology–related topic would be advantageous.
More information is available at: http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/files/2015/12/es-Aeolian-dune-field-dynamics-on-Mars.pdf
To apply, contact Professor Derek Jackson (d.jackson@ulster.ac.uk); Dr. Mary Bourke (BOURKEM4@tcd.ie) or Professor Andrew Cooper (jag.cooper@ulster.ac.uk).
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Application Deadline: March 1, 2016
The NASA Astrobiology Program element of the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides opportunities for Ph.D. scientists and engineers of unusual promise and ability to perform research on problems largely of their own choosing, yet compatible with the research interests of the NASA Astrobiology Program.
On January 15, 2016, the NASA Postdoctoral Program transitioned from being administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) to Universities Space Research Association (USRA). Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1. Note that the Astrobiology Program does not participate in every application/award cycle. Applications are being solicited for the March 1, 2016 cycle.
For additional information about the program see https://npp.usra.edu/.
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Application Deadline: March 15, 2016
The course aims to give participants a thorough introduction into influence of volcanism, plate tectonics on life and the role of hydrothermal vents in the emergence of life. It is co-organized by the European Astrobiology Campus, the Nordic Network of Astrobiology and the COST Action “Origins and Evolution of Life in the Universe”. The summer school, which is held in the picturesque town of Angra de Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) will include:
- Lectures by leading scientists in the field covering a cornucopia of different subjects
– Field excursions to geologically interesting sights (volcanic areas, hot springs, lava caves, etc.)
– Characterisation of microbesin lava caves and hot springs via polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
– Poster sessions
– Participant-led discussions
Bursaries including travel grants are available for students and early career investigators affiliated to universities in most European countries. For further information about the summer school please check the website: http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Azores2016/
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Application Deadline: March 15, 2016
The goal of the MIRS Program is to help train a new generation of researchers in astrobiology and to increase diversity within the astrobiology community. Over the past ten years, the program has provided opportunities for faculty members and students from minority-serving institutions to partner with astrobiology investigators.
One of the program’s main objectives is to engage more faculty from under-represented schools in astrobiology research to increase the number of students pursuing careers in astrobiology. More information can be found at http://nai.nasa.gov/funding/nasa-astrobiology-minority-institution-research-support-mirs-program/.
Questions can be addressed to Melissa Kirven-Brooks, Melissa.kirven@nasa.gov.
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Proposal Deadline: April 8, 2016
NASA and The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) are pleased to announce the Cycle 24 Call for Proposals for Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Observations and funding for Archival Research and Theoretical Research programs. Participation in this program is open to all categories of organizations, both domestic and foreign, including educational institutions, profit and nonprofit organizations, NASA Centers, and other Government agencies.
This solicitation for proposals will be open through April 08, 2016 8:00 pm EDT. The Astronomer’s Proposal Tools (APT), which is required for Phase I Proposal Submission will be made available/released for Cycle 24 Phase I use during the 2nd week of February 2016. Results of the selection will be announced by the end of June 2016.
All programmatic and technical information, as well as specific guidelines for proposal preparation, are available electronically from the STScI Announcement Web Page at http://www.stsci.edu/hst/proposing/docs/cycle24announce. Please take note of the What’s New for Cycle 24 section on the announcement page. Questions can be addressed to the STScI Help Desk at help@stsci.edu or 410-338-1082.
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Application Closing Date: April 30, 2016
The Early Career Fellowship (ECF) program supports the development of individual research programs of outstanding scientists early in their careers and stimulates research careers in the areas supported by the Planetary Sciences Division. This program is based on the idea that supporting key individuals is a critical mechanism for achieving high impact science that will lead the field forward with new concepts, technologies, and methods.
This program consists of two components with two different submission procedures: the first is a one-page application to be an “Early Career Fellow” (ECF) and the second is the subsequent submission of a seven-page proposal for start-up funds by a previously selected ECF.
More information on requirements and the application procedure is available on the NSPIRES website.
Questions concerning this program element may be directed to: Doris Daou at Doris.Daou@nasa.gov.
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Student Grant Application Deadline for the International Symposium and Workshop on Astrochemistry
February 01Application Deadline for the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) Microbial Diversity Summer School
February 12Abstract Submission Deadline for COSPAR 2016
February 12Application Deadline for GeoBiology 2016
February 15Application Deadline for the Exoclimes 2016 Conference
February 17NExSS/NAI/NSF Joint Workshop Without Walls: Upstairs Downstairs: Consequences of Internal Evolution for the Habilitability and Detectability of Life on Extrasolar Planets
February 26Notice of Attendance for the 6th International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration
February 26Abstract Submission Deadline for the 26th Goldschmidt Conference
February 26Grant Application Deadline for the 26th Goldschmidt Conference
February 26Deadline for the Cassini Scientist for a Day Essay Contest (Grades 5-12)
February 29Abstract Submission Deadline for the Astrobiology Australasia Meeting 2016
February 29Registration Deadline for the From Star and Planet Formation to Early Life Conference
February 29Abstract Submission Deadline for the From Star and Planet Formation to Early Life Conference
February 29Abstract Submission Deadline for IberiCos 2016