PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 11, Number 3 (January 15, 2017) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Karen Stockstill-Cahill, Elisabeth Adams, Susan Benecchi Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Senior Research Scientist in Magnetospheric Physics, Tenure Track 2. Postdoctoral Scholar, German Geophysical Center (GFZ) 3. Astrobiology Science Conference Session: Modern and Ancient Biosignatures and the Search for Life on Mars 4. Astrobiology Science Conference Session: Biosignature Detection on Mars - Where, What, When, Why and How? 5. Titan Through Time 4 6. Research Support Specialist III, SPIF Data Manager/GIS Specialist 7. Business Development Manager, Planetary Sciences, at Ball 8. Call for Papers (Third and Final Announcmenet) - Sixth Mars Polar Conference 9. EuroPlanet VESPA workshop 2nd announcement: Planetary Mapping and Virtual Observatory 10. Fully-Funded 3 Year PhD Studentship on Surface Wind Modelling on Mars 11. Town Halls to Discuss Europa Lander SDT Report 12. [NASA] ROSES-16 IGHAPS Moving to ROSES-2017 13. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions o---------------------------------------------------------------------o 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST IN MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS, TENURE TRACK The Department of Geophysics of the German Geophysical Center (GFZ) seeks exceptional candidates for a senior research scientist in magnetospheric and space physics. Candidates will be illegible to apply for a permanent position within 3 years of the start date. Expertise of a successful candidate may include, but is not limited to magnetospheric physics, ionospheric physics, heliophysics, or planetary magnetospheres. The successful candidate is expected to conduct independent research, develop and maintain a vigorous externally funded research program in a field within the addressed areas, to mentor students at graduate level. She/he will be expected to teach classes or participate in teaching classes. Please submit your application by 15th February 2017 quoting the reference no. 93/23/16 G via email to applications@gfz-potsdam.de. Please combine your application documents (statement of research and teaching strategy, CV including list of publications and 3 reference contacts) into a single PDF file with a size of up to 3 megabytes. The details of the position and how to apply may be found at: http://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/career/job-offers/job /932316-g-senior-research-scientist-in-magnetospheric-physics-mf/ [Edited for length] 2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2 POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR, GERMAN GEOPHYSICAL CENTER (GFZ) Reference No. 94/23/16 G The successful candidate will work in collaboration with researchers at GFZ and UCLA and other institutions in greater Berlin metropolitan area on the development of numerical codes and comparison with in-situ observations. The research will be focused on understanding of the wave-particle interactions and the dynamics of energetic particles in the near-Earth space. The candidate is expected to have demonstrated experience of working with numerical simulations and observations. Both researchers several years after PhD and more senior scientists will be considered for this position. The level of appointment will depend on experience and demonstrated ability to conduct independent research. Tasks: Perform calculations of the diffusion coefficients and simulations with the Versatile Electron Radiation Belt Code include and test various physical processes into the code compare simulations with satellite observations develop empirical and physics based models of plasma populations. Please submit your application by 15th February 2017 quoting the reference no. 94/23/16 G via email to applications@gfz-potsdam.de. Please combine your application documents (research objectives, CV including list of publications and 3 reference contacts) into a single PDF file with a size of up to 3 megabytes. http://www.gfz-potsdam.de/en/career/job-offers/job /942316-g-postdoctoral-scholar-mf/ 3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3 ASTROBIOLOGY SCIENCE CONFERENCE SESSION: MODERN AND ANCIENT BIOSIGNATURES AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE ON MARS The burden of proof for confirming the existence of life outside of our planet will be unprecedented in scientific history. Finding extraterrestrial microorganisms (whether fossil or extant) would provide the most direct evidence of life. Given planetary protection concerns, we are more likely to sample fossil microorganisms, but the biogenicity of ancient terrestrial microfossils is greatly debated owing to often poor preservation. Thus, other biosignatures are typically required to establish the biogenicity of putative ancient microfossils and other microbial structures. By developing additional novel biosignatures and combining multiple techniques for establishing biogenicity, we can find evidence of life that is more convincing. Such techniques would provide invaluable tools for the search for extraterrestrial life. This session seeks to highlight work being done to develop novel biosignatures or to use established biosignatures to search for new evidence of early life on Earth and/or past or present life on Mars. Organizers: Andrew Czaja (University of Cincinnati), andrew.czaja@uc.edu Scott Perl (JPL, USC), scott.m.perl@jpl.nasa.gov 4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4 ASTROBIOLOGY SCIENCE CONFERENCE SESSION: BIOSIGNATURE DETECTION ON MARS - WHERE, WHAT, WHEN, WHY and HOW? http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/abscicon2017 Abstracts due: January 18, 2017 Meeting: April 24-28, Mesa AZ Finding evidence of extant life on Mars would be a watershed event. We have evidence on Mars for many environments that may have been habitable in the past, but the range of possible biogeochemistries those environments allow, the co-evolution of those environments with life, the specific niches most likely to host detectable biosignatures, and the path forward to explore those environments are still key unknowns. We invite contributions that: (1) explore the succession of physical and environmental processes and their combination on Early Mars, (2) evaluate (ideally quantitatively!) the geo/environmental context of potential sites for biological exploration of Mars, (3) detail the most promising locations, instrument concepts, and strategies for investigating these ecosystems, (4) define the relevant objects, substances or patterns that could serve as definitive biosignatures for martian life, and (5) investigate metabolisms, survival strategies, and energy sources that may be relevant to the search for biosignatures on Mars. Organizers: Nathalie Cabrol (SETI/NASA Ames), Alberto Fairen (CAB, Cornell), Caroline Freissinet (NASA GSFC), Leslie Bebout (NASA Ames), Jorge Vago (ESA), Dirk Schulze-Makuch (TU Berlin). 5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5 TITAN THROUGH TIME 4 NASA GSFC, April 3-5th 2017 We are pleased to announce that the 4th workshop on "Titan Through Time: Titan's Formation, Evolution and Fate" will be held at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, April 3-5th 2017. As in previous years, the 2 1/2 day workshop will feature a mixture of invited review talks, as well as contributed talks and posters. The timing of this workshop is especially apt, coinciding with the last year of the Cassini mission, and an era when new missions to Titan are envisaged for the "Ocean Worlds" initiative of the New Frontiers program. Invited speakers and meeting details can be found at: http://www.regonline.com/titaniv The deadline for abstracts is February 15th 2017. Limited student travel funding is available: see website for details. Hoping to see many of you in Goddard in April, Conor Nixon Chair SOC On behalf the Science Organizing Committee. 6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6 RESEARCH SUPPORT SPECIALIST III, SPIF DATA MANAGER/GIS SPECIALIST Cornell University, The Cornell Center for Atmospheric and Planetary Science seeks candidates with GIS experience to fill our Spacecraft Planetary Imaging Facility, (SPIF) Data Manager's/GIS Specialist position. The SPIF Manager is responsible for the management of all aspects of SPIF operations. Assisting users in locating, processing and analyzing spacecraft data stored in NASA Planetary Data Systems. The successful candidate will hold yearly workshops on ArcGIS, SOCET, SET/GPX, and PDS data processing using USGS ISIS software package. They will also develop and maintain education/public outreach programs alongside existing center outreach personnel. To apply and see additional information please go to: https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CornellCareerPage/job /Ithaca-Main-Campus/SPIF-Data-Manager-GIS-Specialist_WDR-00009712-1 Question may be directed to Lynda Sovocool, Finance and Human Resource Manager, lmk3@cornell.edu 7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, PLANETARY SCIENCES, AT BALL Seeking to fill a full-time position to support the Ball Civil Space business unit as business development lead for planetary science. This includes creating, finding, pursuing, developing, and winning business with civil governmental and non-governmental organizations in the areas of: pure science missions, technology development programs, and support for NASA centers and FFRDCs. Develop and execute a broad strategy to grow Ball's planetary business and market share. Successfully collaborate with Ball's Washington, DC, office, Communications, and other business units at Ball Aerospace. Engage principal investigators to develop highly competitive teams for science missions and technology development opportunities. More information may be found at: http://careers.ball.com/psc/HCMPCG91/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c /HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&JobOpeningId =660124&SiteId=1&PostingSeq=1 8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8 CALL FOR PAPERS (THIRD AND FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT) - SIXTH MARS POLAR CONFERENCE The Scientific Organizing Committee is organizing a special issue of Icarus related to Mars Polar research, particularly in the fields of polar geology, glaciology, climate record, atmospheric dynamics, terrestrial analogs, ground ice, geochemistry, and Mars polar surface activity. In recognition of the broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and strong international interest in this topic, we welcome the participation of any interested scientist with relevant theoretical, experimental, or field experience. This special issue is open to all interested authors with Mars Polar related research to publish, whether they attended the conference or not. Please email questions or notices of intent to guest editors, Adrian Brown and Michael Sori. Manuscripts should be submitted through Icarus' EVISE website: https://www.evise.com/profile/#/ICARUS/login Authors must select "Mars Polar Science VI" when they reach the "Article Type" step in the submission process. 9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9 EUROPLANET VESPA WORKSHOP 2ND ANNOUNCEMENT: PLANETARY MAPPING AND VIRTUAL OBSERVATORY https://epn-vespa.github.io/mapping2017/ Abstract deadline: 20th February 2017 Mapping of planetary surfaces is well established with both practice and standards. Neighboring areas, from interiors to magnetospheres are suitable for cross-disciplinary science using the Virtual Observatory (VO) approach and tools, specifically targeting Planetary Science (VESPA). The workshop aims at bringing together the geologic, geospatial and VO communities for bringing forward knowledge, tools and standards for mapping the Solar System. Contact: mapping.2017@obspm.fr 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 FULLY-FUNDED 3 YEAR PHD STUDENTSHIP ON SURFACE WIND MODELLING ON MARS Most efforts to date have focussed on Mars atmospheric circulation at very large scales, with Global Climate Models being the primary guidance. The temporal and spatial scales these models are operating at are good first principles in understanding atmospheric-surface interactions - however, they are much too coarse when we are trying to comprehend how surface landforms such as dunes are (or have been) moulded into modern forms. Understanding aeolian processes must be approached at a spatial scale of much less than the length of a dune to properly assess for example patterns of dune evolution. This fully funded 3-year PhD studentship, based between Ulster University (N. Ireland) and the Carl Sagan Centre (USA) will use several state-of-the-art numerical atmospheric modelling tools, including a Mars GCM, a regional Mars mesoscale climate model, and a computational fluid dynamics model. Geospatial and geomorphic analysis of relevant spacecraft imagery and other observational data will also be used to constrain and validate modelling results. Project: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/136446 /Surface-wind-modelling-on-Mars.pdf Application: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/phdresearch-degrees /how-to-apply FAQs: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research-and-innovation /phdresearch-degrees/faqs All PhDs are interviewed for (Skype or in attendance). Closing Date: 24th February 2017 Interviews: March/April 2017 Notification: May/June/July/August 2017 Starting: September 2017 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 TOWN HALLS TO DISCUSS EUROPA LANDER SDT REPORT NASA is currently conducting a pre-phase A study of a Europa lander mission concept with the primary goal of searching for evidence of biomarkers and/or extant life on Europa. The SDT report will be released in late January, and NASA and the SDT are eager to hear feedback from the science community on the science content and implementation for the mission concept. To that end, NASA will host interactive town halls at LPSC and AbSciCon to discuss the SDT report. The purpose of these town halls is to provide an extended opportunity to communicate the science content of the report to the scientific community and, equally importantly, to engage in constructive discussion with the scientific community. The workshops will take place on the afternoons of Sunday, March 19, for LPSC and Sunday, April 23, for AbSciCon. For questions please contact Dr. Curt Niebur at curt.niebur@nasa.gov. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 [NASA] ROSES-16 IGHAPS MOVING TO ROSES-2017 C.26 Instruments For Gondola For High-Altitude Planetary Science (IGHAPS) will not be solicited in ROSES-2016 but will be solicited as part of ROSES-2017. NASA's Planetary Science Division has begun development of the stratospheric balloon-borne platform Gondola for High-Altitude Planetary Science (GHAPS) intended for use by the broad science community. The GHAPS platform will host a 1-meter telescope and is designed to fly a minimum of five missions from any of the six Balloon Program Office (BPO) launch locations, with minimal refurbishment costs between flights. The purpose is to produce significant science returns through observations in the 300 nm to 5 um range and possibly beyond. As a stratospheric balloon platform flying above 99.5 percent of the atmosphere, GHAPS offers access to wavelengths not possible from the ground or current space assets. Advances in balloon system technology promise long duration flights with day-night cycles. GHAPS will provide competed guest observer access through the peer review process, allowing the broader science community to accomplish compelling planetary science using this platform. Questions regarding this program element maybe directed to both Rob Landis at rob.r.landis@nasa.gov and Kelly Fast at kelly.e.fast@nasa.gov. [Edited for length] 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html June 6-8, 2017 Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2017) http://www.iafastro.org/events/global-series-conferences/glex-2017/ Beijing, China September 25-29, 2017 68th Annual International Astronautical Congress http://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/iac-2017/ Adelaide, Australia [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop of which your colleagues should be aware, please send the date, title, URL and location to pen_editor at psi.edu.] *********************************************************************** * The Planetary Exploration Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. * Current and back issues are available at http://planetarynews.org * * To subscribe, go to http://planetarynews.org/pen_subscribe.html, or * send a request to pen_editor at psi.edu * * To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor at psi.edu * * Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor at psi.edu. * Announcements and other messages should be brief with links to URLs * for extended information, including detailed descriptions for job * announcements. 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