Issue 24-15, Aug 12, 2024
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- EARLY REGISTRATION FOR 56TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AAS DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES (DPS) CLOSES AUGUST 14TH
- PLEASE VOTE IN THE 2024 DPS ELECTION
- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 56TH ANNUAL DPS MEETING
- AAS PUBLISHING PEER REVIEW WORKSHOP AT THE 56TH DPS MEETING
- EXHIBITOR AND SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES AT 56TH DPS MEETING
- 2025A NASA KECK CALL FOR PROPOSALS
- NEW HORIZONS SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR
- ICE GIANT SYSTEMS SEMINAR SERIES: AUG 13TH DR JESSICA WEBER (JPL/CALTECH)
- THE FY25 SENATE FUNDING BILL FOR NASA AND NSF
- AAS AND IGEN VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS ON EQUITY IN GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
- ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 14 FOR THE 2024 ADVANCING IDEA IN PLANETARY SCIENCE CONFERENCE
- COMMITTEE ON PLANETARY PROTECTION: CALL FOR EXPERTS
- REGISTRATION NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR EXOPLANETS IN OUR BACKYARD 3 MEETING
- NEW HORIZONS DATA RELEASE AVAILABLE THROUGH NASA PDS
- CURRENT TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
- JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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EARLY REGISTRATION FOR 56TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AAS DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES (DPS) CLOSES AUGUST 14TH
Early registration will close on August 14th, and regular registration will close on September 12th. Register now to take advantage of the early-bird registration rates and consider attending one of the free workshops on Sunday October 6th or sign up to tour the Western Snake River Plain. Note that you must register for the meeting to attend any of these events. Information about registration rates, the workshops, and the tour can be found on the following webpage. https://aas.org/meetings/dps56/registration
You can reserve housing at this time through the following link. The housing deadline is September 13th. https://aas.org/meetings/dps56/accommodations
Click on this link to read a letter from our chair regarding the meeting registration rates.
If you have questions or need any assistance with registration, you can reach out to the AAS staff at [email protected]
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PLEASE VOTE IN THE 2024 DPS ELECTION
So far only 22.7% of the DPS membership has voted in the election of new officers. There is only one week left to submit your ballot! If you have not voted yet, look for a reminder e-mail from the AAS on Tuesday August 13, and a final e-mail on Monday August 19th. The election will close on August 20th.
You should receive your ballot at the email address you registered with for AAS/DPS for the 2024 DPS election. If you do not see your ballot, please check your spam/junk folder and also check that your membership did not lapse. If you have not received a ballot, and your DPS membership is current, please reach out to Diane Frendak at [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x109 for help.
LEADERSHIP: This year we are choosing a new Vice-Chair, two DPS Committee Members, and one Student Representative. The Vice-Chair will become Chair in October 2025. For more information about current officers and committee members, please visit the leadership section of the DPS website.
CANDIDATES: Information and position statements for the candidates have been collected into this single PDF. The same information is also accessible on your ballot.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 56TH ANNUAL DPS MEETING
The 2024 DPS meeting will take place 6-10 Oct in Boise, Idaho and online, and volunteers are sought to help run the meeting. Volunteer duties include helping to monitor scientific sessions, staffing the registration desk to welcome and guide attendees, ushering attendees through the meeting space, and helping with the meeting field trip, among other duties. For a commitment of 6 volunteer hours (cumulative across all event dates) volunteers will receive a registration fee waiver. There are a limited number of volunteer slots, and preference will be given to students.
The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, August 28, and applicants will be notified that they have been selected to volunteer by Friday, August 30. Contact Conor Sherry ([email protected]) with questions.
https://aas.org/meetings/dps56/volunteer-opportunities
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AAS PUBLISHING PEER REVIEW WORKSHOP AT THE 56TH DPS MEETING
Are you attending DPS 2024 in Boise, Idaho, and interested in learning about the peer review process at the AAS journals? You’re in luck: we are offering an in-person peer review workshop on Sunday, 6 October, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm MT. Lunch will be provided. To attend the workshop you must register for the DPS meeting.
This in-person workshop focuses on key aspects of the peer review process at the AAS journals. Through extensive training with hands-on labs, participants gain familiarity with the AAS peer review process and learn how to better use peer review for their own manuscripts. Be ready to interact with your fellow participants and Scientific Editors. This is not a passive, online, slide-oriented workshop!
- Learn about the peer review process at the AAS journals from its Scientific Editors
- Explore examples of referee reports
- Gain experience by writing a referee report during the workshop
On successful completion of the training, participants receive a graduation certificate.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwgYmc-bvZNHMXkpTBhsDJ5X4Ko0jolWZyc1hKmDxKniFy5w/viewform
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EXHIBITOR AND SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES AT 56TH DPS MEETING
If you are looking to showcase your organization or product to an audience of influencers and decision makers, please consider a booth, sponsorship, or both. See the Exhibitor Prospectus for more information. https://aas.org/meetings/dps56/exhibitors-sponsors
Please note: booth space and sponsorship packages are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important Dates
- 16 August: Booth purchase early deadline
- 20 September: Booth purchase final deadline
- 6 October: Booth setup
- 10 October: Booth teardown
If you have any questions about the exhibit booth or sponsorship packages, please reach out to Rod Nenner, Director of Sales and Strategic Partnerships for the AAS.
202-328-2010 x148
Schedule a call: Rod’s calendar
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2025A NASA KECK CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute is soliciting proposals to use NASA’s portion of time on the two 10m Keck Telescopes for the 2025A observing semester (February 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025).
The opportunity to propose as a Principal Investigator for NASA time on the Keck Telescopes is open to all U.S.-based astronomers. Investigators from institutions outside of the U.S. may participate as Co-Investigators on proposals for NASA Keck time.
NASA intends the use of the Keck telescopes to be highly strategic in support of on-going space missions and/or high priority, long-term science goals. Proposals are sought in the following discipline areas: (1) investigations of our own SOLAR SYSTEM; (2) investigations in support of EXOPLANET EXPLORATION science goals and missions; (3) investigations in support of COSMIC ORIGINS science goals and missions; and (4) investigations in support of PHYSICS OF THE COSMOS science goals and missions. Direct mission support proposals in any of these scientific areas are also encouraged.
Deadline: September 12, 2024: all proposals due to NExScI by 4 pm PDT
Website: http://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/index.shtml
Contact: [email protected]
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NEW HORIZONS SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR
Join us on August 22nd, 2:30-3pm EST (11:30-12 PST,12:30-1pm MST,1:30-2pm CST)
New Horizons continues its operation, now at 58.8au from the Sun. Since 2015 it has made ground-breaking discoveries of the Pluto-Charon system, flown past the small contact KBO binary Arrokoth and collected phase and light curve data for some three dozen additional KBOs and the ice giants. It has also been sampling dust density throughout the solar system and studying the cosmic optical background. To raise awareness of New Horizon’s scientific impact we are beginning a new spotlight seminar series (30 min, fourth week each month) which we invite you to attend online, or watch recorded at your convenience.
Our speaker will be Randy Gladstone of Southwest Research Institute and he will be speaking on: “The Lyman Alpha Sky as Observed by New Horizons at 57 AU”
Connection Link:
https://zoom.us/j/97317697636?pwd=MTAzMjJmNThTeFppR3JoYzlkUXVCQT09
Meeting ID: 973 1769 7636
Passcode: 802327
Calendar for future seminars:
Recordings are archived and posted at:
https://pluto.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/index.php#Spotlight-Presentations
For questions, contact New Horizons CoI Susan Benecchi, [email protected]
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ICE GIANT SYSTEMS SEMINAR SERIES: AUG 13TH DR JESSICA WEBER (JPL/CALTECH)
Date/Time: August 13th, 11am ET
Speaker: Dr. Jessica Weber (JPL/Caltech)
Topic: Astrobiology applications in the Uranian system
The Ice Giant Systems Seminar Series showcases recent developments in scientific topics covering all aspects of the ice giant systems, including atmospheres, satellites, rings, magnetic fields, interior structures, and science related to formation and evolution.
To access the virtual seminar, view the seminar schedule, and sign up for the listserv, visit the series website: http://icegiantsseminar.jhuapl.edu
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THE FY25 SENATE FUNDING BILL FOR NASA AND NSF
On July 25th, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced their spending bill for Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25). This includes the funding levels and priorities for NASA and NSF, the key agencies for astronomy and space science. This comes just one month after the House released their own spending bill for those agencies, which you can read about in our previous blog post. Neither chamber has passed its version of this bill on the floor, having stopped after the committee markup stage.
Yaswant Devarakonda shares some of the key details of the Senate spending bill and report.
https://aas.org/posts/advocacy/2024/08/fy25-senate-funding-bill-nasa-and-nsf
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AAS AND IGEN VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS ON EQUITY IN GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Join the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the NSF INCLUDES Alliance: Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN) for a two-part online workshop series. Grounded in research and designed to empower you to advance equity and inclusion, this immersive experience will guide you through insightful reflection, foster productive dialogue, and equip you with concrete action steps to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all.
Workshop 1: Fundamentals of Equity in Graduate Admissions (2 hours)
Tuesday, 27 August, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT | 1:00–3:00 pm ET
Rooted in data and research, this foundational session provides a comprehensive overview of the role of typical admissions practices in maintaining racial/ethnic inequalities in graduate education, as well as strategies for more equitable processes and outcomes.
Workshop 2: Strategies for Equity-based Holistic Review (2 hours)
Wednesday, 28 August, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT | 1:00–3:00 pm ET
Building upon the foundational knowledge established in Workshop 1, this session equips participants with practical tools and actionable strategies for implementing equity-based holistic admissions practices within their specific programs. Through facilitated discussions, participants will articulate and assess their current admissions practices, begin to develop an evaluation rubric that can be put to use, and engage in discussions that will help anticipate common challenges that may arise in shifting admissions practices.
We strongly encourage departments to participate in both workshops as a collective unit (4-6 members). This collaborative approach fosters shared understanding, strengthens departmental commitment to equity, and facilitates the development of coordinated implementation strategies.
These interactive workshops are designed to be accessible and relevant to a broad audience across diverse academic disciplines. Whether you are an admissions officer, faculty member, or graduate student, this program offers valuable insights and actionable tools to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive graduate education experience.
Registration Link
https://rit.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApc-yvqjstGdC1NHtgPAPO7XQPuRE01mSs
If you have questions or concerns, please email Stephanie Santos or Tom Rice.
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ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 14 FOR THE 2024 ADVANCING IDEA IN PLANETARY SCIENCE CONFERENCE
The LPI’s 2024 Advancing IDEA in Planetary Science 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. We encourage participants from the 2022 conference to provide updates on the progress that has been made in the past two years.
Extended abstract submission deadline: August 14, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CDT
Registration fees are not being collected for this meeting, but registration is required. Registration will be available through October 25. Before the conference, registered attendees will receive an email from Houston Meeting Info with virtual connection information.
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COMMITTEE ON PLANETARY PROTECTION: CALL FOR EXPERTS
The Committee on Planetary Protection | National Academies is seeking suggestions for experts to be considered for the membership rotation. CoPPistasked with monitoring progress implementing the planetary protection guidelines associated with priority programs and missions identified in the National Academies planetary science decadal surveys and serves as a source of advice on measures undertaken to protect the biological and environmental integrity of extraterrestrial bodies and to preserve the integrity of Earth’s biosphere. Using these suggestions, National Academies staff will be looking to fill open seats on the committee of approximately 15 total volunteer experts in addition to collecting information for potential speakers, participants, and other forms of engagement. Based on the Statement of Task and the continuing membership of the committee, staff are looking for expertise particularly in the following areas:
- Planetary Science,
- Astrobiology,
- Microbiology,
- Biotechnology,
- Spacecraft Engineering and Technology,
- International Law, and
- Science and Public Policy.
Submissions will be collected using the Committee on Planetary Protection: Call for Experts (alchemer.com) until August 25.
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REGISTRATION NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR EXOPLANETS IN OUR BACKYARD 3 MEETING
Registrations are now being accepted for the Exoplanets in our Backyard 3 (EioB3) meeting.
EioB3 is a workshop dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of exoplanet research through interdisciplinary collaboration. It brings together experts from solar system science, astrophysics, and related fields to foster cross-disciplinary partnerships and share insights on exoplanetary research — past, present, and future. The event emphasizes discussion, networking, and the exchange of knowledge, with invited speakers leading the discourse. Abstract submissions are encouraged but not mandatory. Researchers of all levels will benefit from the collaborative environment aimed at advancing the detection and characterization of exoplanets.
This iteration of EioB will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, from November 13-15, 2024. Early Bird Registration is $340 USD and will be open until October 18, 2024.
Please note that space is limited and no on-site registrations will be allowed. The event aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and education and due to this there will not be an online/virtual component.
For more information and registration, visit https://www.exoplanetsbackyard.com/ and/or send an email for the organizers to [email protected].
EioB3 is managed by the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science.
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NEW HORIZONS DATA RELEASE AVAILABLE THROUGH NASA PDS
The following New Horizons data were released in the NASA PDS in May and June and are now available for use in research and proposals:
2024.05.30 New Horizons Bolometric Hemispherical Albedo Map of Pluto
To access the data above, go to: https://pdssbn.astro.umd.edu/holdings/pds4-nh_derived:pluto_albedo-v1.0/SUPPORT/dataset.shtml
2024.06.28 New Horizons Alice Reference Files Used in Calibrating Data
2024.06.28 New Horizons Alice KEM1 Encounter Calibrated Data
2024.06.28 New Horizons Alice KEM1 Encounter Raw Data
2024.06.28 New Horizons Documents for the Alice Instrument
2024.06.28 New Horizons Documents for the LORRI Instrument
2024.06.28 New Horizons Mission Documents v2.0
2024.06.28 New Horizons Documents for the SWAP Instrument
2024.06.28 New Horizons LORRI Reference Files Used in Calibrating Data
2024.06.28 New Horizons LORRI KEM1 Encounter Partially Processed Data
2024.06.28 New Horizons LORRI KEM1 Encounter Raw Data
2024.06.20 New Horizons SWAP KEM2 Raw,Calibrated V1.0
2024.06.20 New Horizons SDC KEM2 Raw,Calibrated V1.0
2024.06.20 New Horizons PEPSSI KEM2 Raw,Calibrated V1.0
2024.06.20 New Horizons LORRI KEM2 Raw,Calibrated V1.0
2024.06.20 New Horizons LEISA KEM2 Raw,Calibrated V1.0
To access the data listed above, go to:
https://pdssbn.astro.umd.edu/data_sb/missions/nh-kem/index.shtml
New Horizons team
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CURRENT TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE 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/2632-3338/5/8
Icarus:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/icarus/vol/418/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**.
Recent openings and opportunities are listed below and more are at the link above.
- Associate Editor Opening for Icarus Covering Mars surface geomorphology and geochemistry
The role of Associate Editor, along with the Editor-in-Chief and other members of the Editorial Board of the Journal and Elsevier, is to manage the peer review process for manuscripts submitted to the journal using the online journal system. The Associate Editor is empowered to make decisions autonomously on manuscripts but is also welcome (and expected) to seek the opinion of the wider editorial team.
The Associate Editor role entails:
- Responsibility for the scientific content of the Journal within a specific area relating to the Journal, taking into account the Aims and Scope, the Publisher’s editorial policies as updated from time to time (including without limitation those on ethics in publishing at the Publisher’s website) and the editorial policy of the Journal.
- The evaluation and selection of articles for publication in the Journal that are consistent with the high standards of the journal. This includes coordinating an objective and unbiased peer-review process for submitted Articles, obtaining a minimum of (2) reviews for each article, and will reject, or return for revision to the authors Articles that do not meet the required standards of the Journal.
- Ensuring an appropriate and sufficient level of submissions of Articles for publication to meet the publication goals of the Journal. If necessary, the Editor will solicit Articles to help meet such publication goals.
- Conduct activities in accordance with generally accepted industry standards for integrity and objectivity in all matters respecting the selection, editing, acceptance and reviewing of Articles
Alongside the review process the Associate Editors are asked to periodically participate in discussions with Elsevier about the journal’s development and potential new initiatives. The team of Editors will hold meetings approximately twice a year via video call, as well as in-person meetings in conjunction with certain events or training sessions, as required.
The applicants:
- Must have a PhD in a field of study relevant to the scope of this journal
- Applicants who must have demonstrated broad expertise in Mars surface geomorphology and geochemistry
- Be knowledgeable in research publishing, managing a journal publication, the peer review process and in growing a journal
- Demonstrate skills as a good collaborator with ability to lead a team effectively
Elsevier is committed to inclusion and diversity in our work and want the Journal to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We are therefore committed to ensuring that the Editorial Board is representative, and encourage all individuals interested to apply for a position with the board.
Interested candidates are asked to provide a complete CV, including publication record, as well as a one-page summary of their relevant experience and area of expertise for this Associate Editor position by October 1, 2024. Please include up to three references.
Applications and relevant supporting documents must be sent to Christina Gifford, Publisher, [email protected].
- Job Announcement – Department Chair of Physics and Applied Physics
The University of Massachusetts Lowell invites applications for the position of Chair to lead an established and active Department of Physics and Applied Physics. We seek a visionary chair with a record of academic and research achievement to take the department to a new level, who will supervise and maintain departmental academic activities, while continuing their independent research program in a field that enhances and/or complements our current research strengths. The successful candidate will be a nationally prominent academic leader with an established record of excellence in research, education and mentorship that can promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, respect, and integrity.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a leading public research university in the greater Boston area and has a national reputation in science, engineering, and technology. The appointee will be offered a competitive start-up package, with access to high-end research equipment and facilities, and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines in various science and engineering departments and research centers.
The position is open until filled, with a planned start date of September 1, 2025.
For more information visit: https://explorejobs.uml.edu/en-us/job/523612/professor-and-department-chair-of-physics-and-applied-physics
- Lecturer or Senior Lecturer Positions in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London
Applications are invited for five Lecturer or Senior Lecturer positions within the Department of Physics at Imperial College. The positions are permanent academic appointments. The post holders will play a leading role in shaping the future research and teaching portfolio of the Department. We are seeking candidates whose expertise will strengthen our academic mission to deliver world-class scholarship, education and research. Appointment of the highest caliber candidates will be based on scientific excellence.
The Department is structured into five research communities that drive new research directions: Light, Matter, Physics of Particles, Physics of the Universe, and Space, Plasma and Climate. In this call, we particularly welcome applications in the following research areas:
- Atmospheric dynamics of extreme weather.
- Direct search for dark matter.
- Physics implementation of neuromorphic hardware.
- Quantum technology.
- Quantum Field Theory and gravity.
- Application of Artificial Intelligence to astrophysical modeling.
Reference Number: NAT01762
Salary: £67,221 – £76,184 per annum
Location / Campus: South Kensington Campus – On site only
Contract Type: Full time, permanent
Closing date: 19-Aug-2024
- Assistant Professor – Department of Astronomy – Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of California, Berkeley
The Department of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applicants for an Assistant Professorship. This position is open to all subfields of Astronomy and Astrophysics. UC Berkeley is committed to academic excellence and to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We seek an outstanding scientist who has the potential for innovation and leadership in research, commits to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and shares the core values listed at https://astro.berkeley.edu/about/diversity-and-climate.
Applications from women and candidates in other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged, in alignment with Federal affirmative action goals and the UC Berkeley strategic plan for equity and inclusion (https://hr.berkeley.edu/policies/affirmative-action-eeo/plan-placement).
The University is family-friendly (http://ofew.berkeley.edu/welfare/families) and
responsive to family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples and single parents. For information about potential relocation to Berkeley, or career needs of accompanying partners, please visit http://ofew.berkeley.edu/new-faculty.
The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. Consistent with this commitment, UC Berkeley requires all applicants for Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload an Authorization of Information Release form into AP Recruit as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, applicants will only be subject to reference checks if and when they are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. More information is available on https://ofew.berkeley.edu/attestation-prior-misconduct.
Anticipated start: July 1, 2025
Open date: July 25, 2024
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Nov 1, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Application link with full details: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04517
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Send submissions to: Denise Stephens, DPS Secretary, at this address [email protected]
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