Newsletter 24-08

Issue 24-08, May 26, 2024

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  1. DPS 2024 ELECTION : CANDIDATE SLATE
  2. NEAR-TERM LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN NASA’S PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION (PSD)
  3. DPS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS
  4. SPACE SCIENCE SERIES VOLUMES AVAILABLE ON OPEN ACCESS
  5. EXAMINING THE READINESS OF THE LUNAR COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE ARTEMIS SAMPLES
  6. 2024 ADVANCING IDEA IN PLANETARY SCIENCE CONFERENCE: SAVE THE DATE
  7. DPS 56TH MEETING – OCT 6-10 IN BOISE, IDAHO AND ONLINE
  8. AAS MEETINGS TASK FORCE SURVEY HAS GONE OUT, PLEASE RESPOND
  9. PLANETINSITU24 WORKSHOP: RISE OF THE DRONES – JULY 26
  10. TNO 2027 HOST PROPOSAL
  11. DPS PROFESSIONAL CLIMATE AND CULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE (PCCS) SEEKING NEW MEMBERS
  12. CURRENT TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
  13. JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

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DPS 2024 ELECTION : CANDIDATE SLATE

The DPS Nominating Subcommittee has identified the following candidates for the 2024 DPS elections for Vice Chair, Committee, and Student Representative

Vice Chair (1 to be elected):

  • Anthony (Tony) Colaprete – NASA Ames Research Center
  • Scott Murchie – Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Committee (2 to be elected):

  • Conor Nixon –  NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
  • Hannah Jang-Condell – NASA Headquarters
  • Mariek Schmidt – Brock University, Canada
  • Takehiko Satoh –  Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Student Representative (1 to be elected):

  • A’Laura Hines – George Mason University
  • Andrew Shumway – University of Washington

Per the DPS Bylaws, additional candidates for Vice Chair, Committee, and Student Representative, supported by a petition of at least 20 DPS members, may be nominated by June 14th.  Please send any nominations to the DPS Secretary, Denise Stephens, at [email protected].

The DPS Committee thanks the members of the Nominating Subcommittee for their dedicated service to the DPS:

Morgan Cable (chair), Tim Livengood, and Jessica Noviello

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NEAR-TERM LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN NASA’S PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION (PSD)

Dr. Lori Glaze, PSD Director, is leaving PSD for a six-month detail as the Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. Dr Gina DiBraccio will become Acting PSD Director during this time. For full details, and to read Dr 

Glaze’s letter to the planetary science community, please see here:

https://planetarynews.org/Documents/LoriGlaze_Letter_240519.html

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DPS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

The DPS Professional Development Subcommittee seeks new members; all career levels from students to professionals are welcome. The Professional Development Subcommittee provides educational, networking, and informational opportunities within the DPS community. These include the Women in Planetary Science event, professional development events, early career events, and a dependent care grant at the annual meeting. Read more about the subcommittee here: https://dps.aas.org/leadership/development. 

If you’re interested in joining this subcommittee, e-mail the current chair Jennifer Hanley ([email protected]).

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SPACE SCIENCE SERIES VOLUMES AVAILABLE ON OPEN ACCESS

The University of Arizona Press announces the Open Access release of fourteen previous volumes in the Space Science Series.  These newly released volumes span the broad range of planetary science, including giant planets, rings, satellites, asteroids, meteorites, protostars and planets.   The full announcement and Open Access links can be found here:  https://uapress.arizona.edu/2024/05/new-oa-titles-space-science

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EXAMINING THE READINESS OF THE LUNAR COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE ARTEMIS SAMPLES

The joint LEAG-ExMAG Specific Action Team (SAT) is examining the readiness of the lunar community to receive Artemis samples.  Part of their task is to address how well-prepared we are to maximize the science return of nominal Artems samples.  In this context, preparedness refers to that of workforce, facilities, and funding.  A critical part of making this determination is receiving community input for the report.

With this is mind, please respond to a survey about how well prepared we are as a lunar community to enhance the science return of Artemis samples.  The survey should take approximately 5-15 minutes and your input is greatly appreciated.  We especially would appreciate you letting us know who else should be sent this survey as we want to make sure all interested stakeholders have a chance to provide input.

The link to the form: https://forms.gle/Sab8uXSYEn1Yv4qW7

Please reach out to Nicolle Zellner with any questions: [email protected]

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2024 ADVANCING IDEA IN PLANETARY SCIENCE CONFERENCE: SAVE THE DATE

The LPI’s 2024 Advancing IDEA in Planetary Science conference will take place virtually from October 21–25, 2024. This conference aims to boost the community’s momentum in incorporating Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) principles in the workforce. NASA and other planetary science stakeholders have committed to fostering IDEA principles throughout their agencies and funded programs. The LPI’s Expanding NASA’s Community of Planetary Sample Scientists (ENComPSS) program is supporting this virtual conference as a next step, building upon the 2022 Advancing IDEA in Planetary Science conference. For more information, visit https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/advancingidea2024/

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DPS 56TH MEETING – OCT 6-10 IN BOISE, IDAHO AND ONLINE

Join us in the glorious Pacific Northwest for DPS 56. To be held both virtually and in person 6–10 October 2024 in Boise, Idaho, USA, this meeting will include options for remote participation and presentation. #DPS2024 promises to provide a lively environment, a jam-packed scientific schedule, and the chance to reconnect once again with colleagues and friends.

Registration and abstract submission will open soon. More can be found at the link below:

2024 DPS Meeting

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AAS MEETINGS TASK FORCE SURVEY HAS GONE OUT, PLEASE RESPOND

The AAS Meetings Task Force has sent out a survey to assess what kinds of events best meet the diverse needs of its members. The survey covers various considerations such as meeting mode (in-person and virtual), format, frequency, locations, costs, carbon footprint, and safety. It also seeks to understand the reasons folks have for conference attendance: research presentations, plenaries, town halls, career events, workshops, and, above all, networking and collaboration. Survey results and Meetings Task Force Recommendations will primarily feed into AAS meeting planning, but there may be aspects that inform future DPS meeting planning. If you received a survey invite (subject: AAS Member Survey on Conferences, sender: [email protected], date: April 29), please do fill it out – it should take <10min to complete. (Note that each invite is individualized, so we can’t forward them.)

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PLANETINSITU24 WORKSHOP: RISE OF THE DRONES – JULY 26

Following the great discussions at “Optimizing Planetary In Situ Surface-Atmosphere Interaction Investigations” workshops in 2022 and 2023 as well as the success of Ingenuity, the PlanetInsitu24 workshop will be held following the “10th International Conference on Mars” with a focus on identifying and enabling future Mars surface and near-surface investigations using drones. The PlanetInsitu24 workshop will be hybrid and held Friday, July 26, ~9am-12pm PDT, in Pasadena, CA. Advance registration is required, but is free. Travel grants (for expenses related to in-person attendance of 10th Mars and PlanetInsitu24) are available to US persons, with deadline of May 17. Additionally, papers are solicited for our “Planetary Science Journal” focus issue: https://iopscience.iop.org/collections/psj-230607-254. Questions can be sent to Serina Diniega ([email protected]).

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TNO 2027 HOST PROPOSAL

The TNO2024 Meeting (https://tno2024.org/)  Scientific Organizing Committee are calling for proposals to hold the next conference in 2027. We especially encourage people outside of Europe and Asia to offer to host. We plan to announce the location of the next conference (TNO2027) during the upcoming meeting, so please email your proposals to Meg Schwamb ([email protected]) by 11:59 pm UTC on May 31 with the subject line “TNO2027 Location Proposal”. Please limit your proposal to three letter/A4 pages, and include the following information:

  • Host institution, city, and country
  • Meeting dates
  • One to three names of local organizers who will be willing and able to join the SOC
  • Meeting venue (conference center, university or other institute), A/V facilities, seating capacity (at least 100, preferably closer to 150), space for poster sessions, and amenities (coffee, snacks, etc.)
  • Level of IT support available
  • Expected funding levels to support the conference and expected conference fees
  • Support for diverse needs of attendees, such as dietary restrictions, child care, accessibility, and prioritization of EDI efforts (e.g. personal pronouns on name badges and quiet rooms)

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DPS PROFESSIONAL CLIMATE AND CULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE (PCCS) SEEKING NEW MEMBERS

Are you interested in making the planetary science community more diverse and inclusive? If so, please volunteer to be part of the DPS Professional Culture and Climate subcommittee (PCCS). A list of our charge, duties, and expectations can be found at:

Subcommittee on Professional Culture & Climate

You also can speak with any current PCCS members (listed at the above site).

To express interest in becoming a PCCS member, please send an email to PCCS Chair James Roberts ([email protected]), describing:

(1) why you are interested,

(2) a brief description of any EDIA work you’ve already done, and

(3) a brief statement on what you might hope to accomplish with the PCCS. Comments about past or potential future work by PCCS are also welcome.

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CURRENT TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS

The current issues for both DPS-affiliated journals are here:

The Planetary Science Journal:

https://iopscience.iop.org/issue/2632-3338/5/5

Icarus:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/icarus/vol/415/suppl/C

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JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

Job seekers and employers are encouraged to browse DPS’s job listings and advertise open positions for free  **for free**.

Recent openings and opportunities are listed below and more are at the link above.

  1. Job Opportunity: Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration, Planetary Science Division (NASA HQ)

Applications are now being accepted for this position. The Senior Scientist for Mars Exploration will serve as a senior science advisor to the Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and other SMD leadership—on all matters concerning scientific content and strategy for Mars exploration, including the Mars Exploration Program and Mars Sample Return Program. They will also lead Agency science planning and coordination, in collaboration with international partners, in preparation for delivery of Mars samples, and serve as the principal SMD Mars science representative to the scientific community, NASA top management, Office of Management and Budget, Congress, and other agencies and organizations. For full details: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/790851400#hiring-paths

  1. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship – Application Deadline July 1, 2024

The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers US and international scientists the opportunity to advance their research while contributing to NASA’s scientific goals.  The NPP supports fundamental science; explores the undiscovered; promotes intellectual growth; and encourages scientific connections. 

Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s missions in Earth science, planetary science, heliophysics, astrophysics, biological and physical science, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration systems, space operations, space technology, and astrobiology.  Search for NPP research opportunities in Planetary Science here: NPP Research Opportunities. 

 Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. Please see current eligibility requirements. Stipends start at $70,000 per year, with supplements for higher cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and $10,000 per year is provided for travel and professional development. 

 Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1.

 For further information and to apply, visit: https://npp.orau.org/applicants/index.html.   

 Questions: [email protected]

  1. Two Open Rank Professors of Planetary Sciences at the University of Bern

Institution: Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland 

Job Description:  The Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences within the Physics Institute of the University of Bern has two openings, as of 2025, for two professors in experimental planetary sciences. The Division is one of the leading research groups in the field of space instrumentation for experimental solar system exploration and is looking for professors in the fields of planetary remote sensing and in situ mass spectrometry or in related fields. The initial hiring level can range from assistant professor tenure track to full professor according to qualifications (open rank). The successful candidates are expected to have or further develop an excellent and internationally recognized track record in the development, construction, and exploitation of scientific instrumentation flying on spacecraft missions. The Division offers excellent conditions in terms of laboratory infrastructure, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities to build space-grade hardware. The University of Bern has set the aim of increasing the percentage of women in leading academic positions and thus strongly encourages female scientists to apply for the positions. 

The application deadline is 1 August 2024. More information can be found at:

https://www.space.unibe.ch/about_us/jobs/questionnaire/index_eng.html

  1. Job Opening: Assistant Professor in Space Physics – Electrical & Computer Engineering

The Francis College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is searching for outstanding candidates for one full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This tenure-track faculty position is initially being funded for up to five years through a $1.5 million award from the NSF Faculty Development in geoSpace Science (FDSS) program. This new faculty will have opportunities to collaborate in research and teaching with faculty across the Kennedy College of Sciences and the Francis College of Engineering. We value excellence and innovation in curriculum design and courses that promote experiential learning and professional skills for our students.

Minimum Qualifications (Required): Applicants must have earned a doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.

For this FDSS tenure-track position in Electrical and Computer Engineering, we seek candidates at the Assistant Professor level with expertise in one or more of the following areas: 1) Space weather modeling; 2) Space weather instrumentation and experimentation; 3) Effects of space weather on the ionosphere and on critical space and terrestrial infrastructure such as communication, navigation, and power systems.

More information about the position and how to apply can be found at:

https://explorejobs.uml.edu/en-us/job/522632/assistant-professor-electrical-computer-engineering

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Send submissions to: Denise Stephens, DPS Secretary, at this address  [email protected]

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