PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 15, Number 3 (January 17, 2021) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Georgiana Kramer Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Elisabeth Adams Email: pen_editor@psi.edu Twitter: @pen2tweets o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. OpenPlanetary Lunch Virtual Talks 2. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter for January 2021 3. MEPAG 2nd Information Circular 4. Open Meeting About the Independent Review Board for the Planetary Data Ecosystem 5. Research opportunities in Space Plasmas at LASP, University of Colorado Boulder 6. Research Associate in Planetary Sciences 7. Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Washington, Seattle 8. Postdoctoral Position in Young Stars and Planet Formation at the University of Hawai'i 9. Postdoc Position: Coupled Interior Atmosphere Evolution of Venus and Venus-like Exoplanets 10. Applications open for the Summer Exploration Internship Program at Western University 11. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 12. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers 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 OPENPLANETARY LUNCH VIRTUAL TALKS The OpenPlanetary Lunch virtual talks series will resume shortly. Talks occur on Tuesdays at 2pm ET and cover a wide range of topics of general interest to planetary scientists. Upcoming talks include: 01/19/21 - Janet Vertesi - "Shaping Science: Organizations, Decisions, and Culture on NASA's Teams" 01/26/21 - Nahks Tr'Ehnl - "Video games for online astronomy education at Penn State" 02/02/21 - Hari Nair - "Imaging Inside Mercury's Dark Craters" 02/09/21 - Nahks Tr'Ehnl - "The Artistic Universe: an Inter-domain Astronomy & Visual Arts Course at Penn State" 02/16/21 - Vivian Sun - "USGS SIM map of Jezero crater and Nili Planum" You may sign up to receive future talk announcements and invitations at: https://www.openplanetary.org/vlunch If you are interested in speaking in the future, please contact chase@openplanetary.org Learn more about OpenPlanetary or become a member at: https://www.openplanetary.org/ 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 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY 2021 Mars Community, On behalf of R. Aileen Yingst (MEPAG Chair), Rich Zurek, Brandi Carrier, and Dave Beaty of the Mars Program Science Office, the January 2021 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be found attached and on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov. In this newsletter, we continue to update the upcoming conference schedule with postponements, cancellations, and conversions to virtual meetings. We hope everyone remains safe and healthy within these stressful, rapidly evolving, social-isolating times. Please send your Mars community announcements and calendar items for inclusion in the newsletter to Barbara at: Barbara.A.Saltzberg@jpl.nasa.gov 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 MEPAG 2ND INFORMATION CIRCULAR I cordially invite you to participate in the next virtual meeting (VM11) of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG), scheduled on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 1:00 pm-5:00 pm EST. The meeting will be recorded and the chat box comments captured for those of you who are unable to attend. Those items will be posted at: https://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/meetings.cfm?expand=vm11 The agenda includes updates about recent MEPAG, Mars Exploration Program, and Mars Sample Return (MSR) status and activities, including NASA responses to the recent MSR Independent Review Board (IRB) report. There will also be reports on the Decadal Survey Mars Panel activities, a Human Exploration & Operations (HEO) update, and a debrief on a recent Humans to Mars Conference. We know it is a busy time, but this is a chance to catch up on the many changes in Mars exploration planning. This meeting is open to all members of the Mars science community including our international colleagues, and I look forward to your participation. Sincerely, Dr. R. Aileen Yingst MEPAG Chair WebEx connection information https://jpl.webex.com/jpl/j.php?MTID=ma65fd0c6d7fef1cda32ee9b624fd084e Meeting number (access code): 199 428 2998 Meeting password: MEPAG 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 OPEN MEETING ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW BOARD FOR THE PLANETARY DATA ECOSYSTEM The NASA Planetary Science Division has established an Independent Review Board (IRB) for the Planetary Data Ecosystem (PDE), defined as the ad hoc connected framework of activities and products that are built upon and support the data collected by planetary space missions and research programs which are primarily NASA funded. Many familiar tools and archives are part of the PDE, including (but not limited to): ADS, AstroMat, DAPs, data policies & standards, JMars, JPL Horizons, MAPSIT, NASA Github, PDS, Planetary Geologic Mapping, Planetary Photojournal, Quickmap, RPIFs, and USGS Astrogeology ISIS3. The IRB will conduct a review of the PDE with the goal of defining the full environment, identifying missing or overly redundant elements, and providing findings and prioritized, actionable recommendations for PSD's long-term planning in support of the PDE. The PDE IRB will hold an open meeting on January 21, 2021 from 11am-2pm EST. The community is invited to attend as observers (but not as participants). The meeting may be joined by using this link or dial-in number: Join with Google Meet: meet.google.com/fir-ribb-xmm Join by phone: (US) +1 641-569-8600 (PIN: 777029345) Questions or comments may be directed to PDEIRB.Input@nress.org 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 RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN SPACE PLASMAS AT LASP, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER The Space Plasma Group at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), University of Colorado, Boulder (CU) invites applications for multiple open positions for research scientists at different rankings (RS-I, RS-II, or RS-III). Research projects include: (1) data analysis of Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission and accompanying modeling efforts to study magnetic reconnection, turbulence, acceleration, shocks, and/or other kinetic plasma processes, (2) application of Machine Learning to space weather, especially Earth's radiation belt and ionospheric phenomena, (3) analysis of Parker Solar Probe data to study near-Sun solar wind plasma and field phenomena, and (4) Mars data analysis with key interest in the Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) data from the MAVEN mission. The candidates must hold Ph.D. in Physics or similar discipline. The candidate should indicate their research interests, how they could enhance the research projects above, and demonstration of their relevant data analysis skills. MHD/PIC simulation or machine learning is highly desirable. Application deadline: January 31, 2021. Required Materials: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Contact of three professional references, Unofficial transcript https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=27442 For more information: Xiangning.chu@lasp.colorado.edu 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 ASSOCIATE IN PLANETARY SCIENCES Planetary Sciences Group, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany Application deadline: February 8, 2021 As a Research Associate, the tasks include: - Independent research in the field of computer-based and theoretical modelling of processes in the Solar System, especially concerning the dynamics of impacts on planetary surfaces and cosmic dust dynamics. - Observation planning and data analysis for space missions in which the research group is involved, especially in the fields of imaging observations (planets, moons, rings, asteroids, comets) and cosmic dust dynamics. - Establishing and maintaining scientific collaborations, and interdisciplinary linking of research results, within the university as well as nationally and international colaborators, presentations at internal and international events and conferences. - Acquisition of third-party funding. - Planning and implementation of courses within the framework of the international Master's programme "Planetary Sciences & Remote Sensing", with focus on planetary physics (e.g. planetary magnetic fields and plasma, celestial mechanics and space missions.) - Supervision and advising of doctoral candidates, students and (visiting) scientists. Requirements of employment: - Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences, Physics, Astronomy or Geology. - At least 5 years of professional experience More information: https://tinyurl.com/y37mejjg [Edited for length] 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the Dept. of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, to work on planetary geochemistry using a combination of lab work and numerical modeling. The position will be supervised by Prof. David Catling. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to contribute to NASA-funded research about the nature of brines on Mars and the chemistry and habitability of Enceladus' ocean. We are also interested in a person who can contribute to research about the geochemical environment for the origin of life on early Earth and early Mars. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field, e.g., Planetary Science, Chemistry, Geology/ Earth Sciences, Physics. Experience in practical work involving geochemistry is strongly desirable, as well as experience in - or the confidence to learn - numerical modeling of aqueous geochemistry. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to cooperate with researchers and students in the university's cross-campus Astrobiology Program. Applications received by Feb 15, 2021, will receive higher priority. For full details, please see: https://ap.washington.edu/ahr/position-details/?job_id=68370 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 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN YOUNG STARS AND PLANET FORMATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the University of Hawai'i on circumstellar disks, planet formation, and variability of young stars. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Eric Gaidos and other investigators in the UH node of a NASA Interdisciplinary Consortium for Astrobiology Research, and become a leading member of a Key Project of the Las Cumbres Observatory. The project uses occultation by circumstellar dust to study the inner planet-forming regions around young stars, including disks, planetesimals, and "exocomets". A PhD in physics, astrophysics, astronomy or related field is required. Applicants with experience with transient astronomy, photometry surveys, and/or machine learning are especially welcome. The appointment will be for two years, with additional years dependent upon funding, satisfactory performance, and compliance with federal/state laws. Start date: Between August 1 and the end of 2021. Annual salary: ~$69,500. Deadline: March 12 Submit cover letter with statement of research interests and career goals, CV, publication list, and names of three references) should be sent to Eric Gaidos (gaidos@hawaii.edu). Applications after that date may be considered if the position is still available. 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 POSTDOC POSITION: COUPLED INTERIOR ATMOSPHERE EVOLUTION OF VENUS AND VENUS-LIKE EXOPLANETS The Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin invites applications for a postdoc position within the framework of a DLR junior research group. The group investigates the thermochemical evolution of Mars and Venus and employs an interdisciplinary approach that combines large-scale geodynamical models of thermal evolution with petrological and geological datasets. The successful candidate will use the geodynamical code GAIA and study the coupled evolution of the interior and atmosphere of Venus and Venus-like exoplanets. The goal of this postdoc project is to investigate the effects of partial melting and outgassing processes on the interior dynamics, lithosphere and crust of Venus and Venus-like exoplanets over their thermochemical history. Candidates should hold a PhD in Planetary Science, Geophysics or closely related fields. For more information please visit: https://tinyurl.com/y3xpsse2 Contact information: Dr. Ana-Catalina Plesa (ana.plesa@dlr.de) 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE SUMMER EXPLORATION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT WESTERN UNIVERSITY Applications are now open for the 2021 Summer Exploration Internship Program run by the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University, Canada (deadline is February 5). https://space.uwo.ca/ This program will provide students with an opportunity to perform cutting-edge, hands-on research on a range of topics in an interdisciplinary environment. Students will work on a combination of interdisciplinary team-based research projects and focused individual research projects with one of the over 60 faculty members of the Institute, who cover diverse research areas from planetary science and engineering, to space law and health. Topics for the 2021 team-based projects are: 1) Lunar science in support of future missions; 2) Astronomy with the James Webb Space Telescope; 3) Development of CubeSats for Earth and planetary exploration; 4) Delivering healthcare in remote environments: From Space to the Arctic; and 5) Asteroids: resources and hazards. Stipends will be provided in the amount of $7,500. Complete details of the program, eligibility, and how to apply are available here: https://space.uwo.ca/training/scholarships_and_awards/summer_internship.html For questions contact westernspace@uwo.ca 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html October 25-28, 2021 Brines Across the Solar System: Modern Brines https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/modernbrines/ Online [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop that you think your colleagues should be aware of, please send the date, title, URL and location to pen_editor@psi.edu.] 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Editor, Faith Vilas http://psj.aas.org No new PSJ articles this week. *********************************************************************** * 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.php, or * send a request to pen_editor@psi.edu * * To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor@psi.edu * * Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor@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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