Issue 25-24, Oct 16, 2025
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- CHAIR’S REPORT TO MEMBERS: AAS DIVISION HEADS MEETING
- ICE GIANT SYSTEMS SEMINAR SERIES
- COSPAR SYMPOSIUM ON SPACE EXPLORATION: NOVEMBER 2025 IN NICOSIA, CYPRUS
- TEACHING STRATEGIES THAT WORK: ONLINE WORKSHOP
- HOW TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS: ONLINE WORKSHOP
- GEOSCIENCES SPECIAL ISSUE: WORLDS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
- OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY TO A NEW IMWEG MARS SCIENCE SUB-WORKING GROUP
- AOGS 2026, FUKUOKA, JAPAN: SESSION PROPOSALS
- CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 AGU HONOREES !
- CURRENT TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
- JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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CHAIR’S REPORT TO MEMBERS: AAS DIVISION HEADS MEETING
Every Fall, leaders of the different AAS divisions meet at AAS headquarters in Washington, DC with each other and with key AAS leaders to review the past year’s progress and prepare for the coming year’s challenges. These include the Division on Dynamical Astronomy, Division for Planetary Sciences, High Energy Astrophysics Division, Historical Astronomy Division, Laboratory Astrophysics Division, and Solar Physics Division. This year’s meeting is Thursday, October 16, and DPS will be represented by Chair Scott Murchie and Vice Chair JA Grier. As we see things, DPS has made a lot of progress over the past year. Jointly with EPSC we organized a successful meeting in Helsinki, Finland September 7-12 and provided resources to support early career scientists to attend and network (34 travel grants, hosting and lunches for the Women in Planetary Science Luncheon). At the meeting awards were presented recognizing early, mid- and full career achievements, public service, and communication of science to the public. We’ve fundraised to support our colleagues in the Pasadena area who lost their homes due to fire. An update to the bylaws was approved by the Committee and membership to reflect the expansion of subcommittee activities. Critically, DPS and all of AAS have responded to the political threats to science by advocating loudly and clearly to Congress the importance of scientific research and space exploration for the nation’s technological and economic well-being. Over the coming year we’ll be continuing these efforts and innovating approaches to maintain scientific communication, publishing, and conferences at a time of diminished funding.
– Scott Murchie, DPS Committee Chair
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ICE GIANT SYSTEMS SEMINAR SERIES
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 our newly redesigned series website: https://icegiants.jhuapl.edu/Events-and-Updates/
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COSPAR SYMPOSIUM ON SPACE EXPLORATION: NOVEMBER 2025 IN NICOSIA, CYPRUS
COSPAR will hold its Sixth Symposium in Nicosia, Cyprus, 3 – 7 November 2025. The general theme will be “Space Exploration 2025: A Symposium on Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions.”
The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) is proud to announce the COSPAR 2025 Scientific Symposium in cooperation with the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO).
This Symposium, themed “Space Exploration 2025: A Symposium on Humanity’s Challenges and Celestial Solutions”, will delve into critical global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and space weather, while exploring how space exploration and technology can offer solutions. It will present various matters related to ongoing and planned space programs, fostering discussions on international collaboration, responsible space endeavors, and the role of emerging nations in space exploration.
The event will bring together a diverse audience from around the world, including representatives from space and non-space companies, space agencies, international organizations, researchers, and the wider public.
Register at : https://cospar2025.org
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TEACHING STRATEGIES THAT WORK: ONLINE WORKSHOP
AAS and the American Physical Society (APS) are pleased to share our free online workshop, “Teaching Strategies that Work,” on Nov 13, 2025 from 2:00–4:00pm ET.
Looking for ways to help your students improve their understanding of course topics, as well as their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities? In this two-hour online workshop, led by facilitators from the AAPT/APS/AAS Physics and Astronomy FTI, participants will learn the principles of teaching and learning to guide their teaching choices, gain access to valuable instructional resources, and receive support in planning a feasible classroom change that will improve learning for all students. This workshop is suitable for instructors of all levels of experience, regardless of whether your classes are large or small, introductory or upper-division, in-person, virtual, or hybrid. We look forward to working with the broader AAS education community on structuring their learning environments to support the success of all learners. Presenters: Rachel Scherr (University of Washington Bothell) and Ed Prather (University of Arizona). Register Here
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HOW TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS: ONLINE WORKSHOP
AAS and the American Physical Society (APS) are pleased to share our free online workshop, “How to Create a Supportive Research Environment for Graduate Students,” on Nov 20, 2025 from 3:00–5:00pm ET.
How does your program support graduate students as they navigate their growth as researchers? How do you structure the experience of graduate students in research groups to support their needs? How does the mission and vision of your graduate program contribute to the goals of you, your students, and your institution? How does it shape your mentoring of graduate students? In this two-hour, interactive virtual session, individuals associated with the EP3 Initiative will facilitate a panel discussion on strategies and practices for effective leadership of scientific research groups. The panel includes experts from a range of disciplines (physics, education research, and astronomy) and group sizes. Discussion topics will include the mission and vision of graduate programs and research groups; expectations for group leaders and members; career pathways for research students; mentoring and professional development of graduate students; transitions into and out of research groups; research group management; and group culture and environment. Participants will have opportunities throughout the session to ask questions to learn from the panelists’ expertise. (Please note: the workshop will not directly address seeking grant funding, student financial support, or graduate program admissions.) Register Here
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GEOSCIENCES SPECIAL ISSUE: WORLDS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
The Special Issue of Geosciences entitled “Worlds of the Solar System: Geological Evolution and Habitability of Planets and Moons” aims to bring together the latest advances on the dynamic processes that have shaped planetary bodies and their potential to support life. We welcome submissions on comparative studies of Venus, Earth, and Mars, highlighting the divergent evolutionary pathways of terrestrial planets from Venus’ runaway greenhouse conditions to Earth’s long-term climate stability and Mars’ transition from a wetter, more habitable past to its current arid state.
Beyond inner planets, this Special Issue also aims to explore the icy worlds of the outer Solar System. We welcome investigations of Europa and Enceladus focusing, among other topics, on evidence for subsurface oceans, plume activity, and geophysical mechanisms that may create
niches for life beneath their ice shells, as well as studies on Titan emphasizing its unique methane-based hydrological cycle, organic-rich surface, and complex interactions between the atmosphere and surface chemistry. Other icy moons are also a topic of interest for manuscripts
submitted to this Special Issue.
For complete submission directions, please go to:
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/geosciences/special_issues/86M95CV534
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OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY TO A NEW IMWEG MARS SCIENCE SUB-WORKING GROUP
The IMEWG (International Mars Exploration Working Group) is planning to stand up a sub-working group to identify international science and planetary protection goals and scope priorities in the upcoming transition period to a future robotic and crewed synergistic exploration of Mars. This group will operate through regular virtual meetings over an approximately one-year period (through September 2026), with an in-person working meeting scheduled at the midpoint (in March/April 2026).
If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of this group, please prepare a motivation letter and brief CV (details below) and send by October 20, 2025 to [email protected].
Motivation Letter is no more than one page and includes:
- Your motivation to participate
- Your added value
- Recent and relevant expertise/experience
- Choice of science or planetary protection team
CV is no more than two pages and highlights:
- Current and recent (last 5 years) positions and responsibilities (e.g., leading or contributing to relevant teams or working groups), or significant activities beyond this time frame.
- Up to five most relevant publications.
Gerhard Kminek, ESA
Lindsay Hays, NASA
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AOGS 2026, FUKUOKA, JAPAN: SESSION PROPOSALS
From 02 to 07 August, 2026, a few thousand geoscientists across diverse disciplines will gather at the 23rd annual meeting of the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society at the Fukuoka International Congress Centre, Japan.
Session proposal submissions are open until 18 October 2025, 11:55PM (Singapore Time).
Session proposals should include:
- Title & short description (scope and motivation)
- Conveners & co-conveners (committed to promote and run the session)
- Suggested keywords / themes
Guidelines and proposal submission:
AOGS 2026 Call for Sessions & Abstracts
Deadline: October 18, 2025
For PS: Zhonghua Yao, President, AOGS Planetary Science Division
Anezina Solomonidou, President-elect, AOGS Planetary Science Division
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 AGU HONOREES !
The AGU recognizes again in 2025 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Earth and space sciences through scientific research, education, science communication and outreach.
https://www.agu.org/honors/announcement
In particular, in the section for Planetary Sciences we are excited to see our following colleagues honored:
- James F. Bell is the 2025 recipient of the Eugene Shoemaker Lecture
- Christopher R. Glein is the 2025 recipient of the Carl Sagan Lecture
- Joshua Krissansen-Totton is the 2025 recipient of the Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Sciences
- Scott L. Murchie, the new DPS Chair, is the 2025 recipient of the Fred Whipple Award and Lecture
https://www.agu.org/honors-home/announcement/section-awards-lectures
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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:
Issue 10 – Volume 6 – The Planetary Science Journal – IOPscience
Icarus:
Icarus | Vol 439, October 2025 | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier
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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** on the DPS job board.
Full details for several new positions can be found on the DPS job board.
A summary of recent job announcements and postdoc opportunities is listed below.
- PROGRESS in STEM Education Postdoctoral Fellowship
Applications are now open for Weber State University’s first postdoctoral fellowship program, the PROGRESS Fellowship, which will help four postdoctoral fellows become independent teacher-scholars and prepare them for employment. Throughout a two-year fellowship at WSU, the fellows will interact with the College of Science, and the Jerry & Vickie Moyes School of Education, and foster engagement all across campus. Applications received by October 24, 2025 receive highest priority; learn more and apply here: https://www.weber.edu/cos/progress-fellowship.html
- Postdoctoral position in Planetary Astronomy and Public Outreach at Boise State University
https://aas.org/jobregister/ad/f84b84dd
The Department of Physics at Boise State University invites applicants for a postdoc in Brian Jackson’s group. Expertise in exoplanet transit photometry or martian atmospheric science desired. The postdoc will also participate in outreach efforts and student advising.
Intended start date is Fall 2025 but can be negotiated. Compensation includes about $55k in salary plus benefits, as well as conference travel, publication charges, and moving expenses. The appointment is for one year with a likely renewal for a second year subject to performance and funding availability. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, planetary science, or a related field at appointment.
Boise State University is located in downtown Boise, which is rapidly growing and frequently ranked among the best cities in which to live and work in the US.
Please submit a CV, a 3-page research statement, 1-page outreach statement, & contact information for professional references to https://jobs.boisestate.edu/en-us/job/499279/post-doctoral-research-fellow.
Application review is expected to begin the first week of November with an offer by the end of November. Direct questions to Prof. Brian Jackson – [email protected].
- Postdoctoral Research Associate (Planetary Atmospheres)
Postdoctoral Research Associate I (Planetary Atmospheres)
The Lunar & Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate I in the field of modeling of planetary atmospheres. Research areas include hydrodynamic atmospheric escape from rocky exoplanets, nitrogen and sulfur cycling on early Mars and Earth, chemical kinetics of early Earth, Venus, Mars, and analogous exoplanets, and interior-atmosphere interactions on rocky worlds. Candidates are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Ranjan in advance of their application to cooperatively identify specific research topics of mutual interest. Applicants should have previous experience modeling the atmospheres of planets or exoplanets, although a variety of backgrounds may be relevant. Candidates with expertise in 1D hydrodynamic escape of rocky planet atmospheres and/or in modeling early terrestrial or Martian geochemistry are especially encouraged to apply. The position is for a period of up to three years, renewable annually contingent on satisfactory performance reviews.
First review of applications will begin 12/15/2025. UA LPL is a stimulating, world-class department with strong connections to missions and the next generation of telescopes, as well as to our colleagues in Astronomy and Geoscience. Tucson is a great place to live, with excellent hiking, great food, and a low cost of living. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Web Link: https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/23799
- Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Earth and Planets Laboratory
The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), a division of the Carnegie Institution for Science, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at its campus in Washington, DC. Multiple independent research fellowships are available in our interdisciplinary basic research laboratory covering a wide range of fields. EPL scientists engage in observational, experimental and theoretical research in fields including astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geodynamics, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science, physics and chemistry of materials (including materials at extreme conditions, superconductors and ferroelectrics at the atomic scale), seismology, and volcanology. Applicants’ primary field of research should overlap with one or more of these areas. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with multiple research areas on campus is encouraged.
Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year, with allowed start dates between July 1st and December 31, 2026. New fellows will join a supportive community of about 25 postdoctoral scientists and 30 staff and research scientists engaged in understanding the origin and evolution of Earth and planets and materials under extreme conditions. More information about our research and facilities can be viewed at https://carnegiescience.edu/epl and about our postdoctoral fellowships and postdoctoral experience at https://carnegiescience.edu/about/working/postdocs/epl.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the fellowship. The principal selection criteria will be research accomplishment, promise of future achievement, originality and achievability of the research proposal, independence, and relevance to the ongoing scientific pursuits at EPL. Advice for crafting a compelling application and sample applications are available on our postdoctoral website.
Web Link: https://apply.interfolio.com/172660
- NOMIS-ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships
NOMIS-ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences
The NOMIS Foundation ETH Fellowship Programme supports postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich within the Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL). The programme is intended to foster the development of young interdisciplinary researchers in the field of the origin and prevalence of life who have demonstrated scientific excellence in the early stages of their careers, and to enable the conditions necessary to conduct interdisciplinary, fundamental and high-risk research with some level of independence and autonomy.
Once appointed, NOMIS–ETH Fellows become an integral part of and have direct access to an international network of leading interdisciplinary researchers and institutions through the NOMIS collaborative research network and the Origins Federation.
The duration of a NOMIS–ETH Fellowship is three years plus one extension year and cannot be prolonged. The fourth year is granted only following a review 18 months after the start of the fellowship and must be funded by the host professor(s). The fellowship is competitive with a limited number of fellowships available each year. For a start in 2025, up to three new NOMIS– ETH Fellows will be selected.
Applications within three years of obtaining a doctorate will be considered. In duly justified cases, applications falling outside this criterium may also be considered. Preferably, you already will have acquired your first postdoctoral experience and/or interdisciplinary training. You must have an existing affiliation to an academic/research institution.
In each evaluation round, a professor may only submit one candidate as host. A potential host may be co-host of another candidate for the same evaluation round. At least one of the host or co-host professors (mentors) must have a guaranteed ETH position for the entire duration of the proposed fellowship. The hosts and co-hosts shall be members of the Centre; see the COPL website for affiliated professors.
Web Link: https://jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_F0rCyzUUQDlXzSHyku
- Assistant Professor Position – Brown University
The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Planetary Sciences. We encourage candidates from all fields of planetary science and exploration to apply. The appointment will begin on July 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2025. To receive full consideration applicants should submit all materials by that date. For further information, contact the search committee chair, Chris Huber.
The successful candidate must be engaged in a strong research program with the potential to influence the field, demonstrate the intention to obtain external funding, and demonstrate potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching and advising in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences. Candidates must have received a PhD by the time of appointment.
Candidates should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, the names and contact information for three reference letter writers, and statements describing their research and teaching experience. Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.
To apply, you can go to this link: Assistant Professor in Planetary Sciences
- NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship – Application Deadline November 1
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 here:
Current Fellowship Opportunities | NASA Postdoctoral Program
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: Eligibility and Requirements | NASA Postdoctoral Program
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:
Information for Applicants | NASA Postdoctoral Program
Questions: [email protected]
- NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) Application Open
On behalf of the NASA Astrophysics Division, the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) announces the call for applications for postdoctoral fellowships under the NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) beginning in the fall of 2026. http://nhfp.stsci.edu
The NHFP supports postdoctoral scientists performing independent research that contributes to NASA Astrophysics (see https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/ for more information). The research may be theoretical, observational, and/or instrumental. If your application is successful and you accept our offer, you will become an NHFP Einstein, Hubble or Sagan fellow depending on the area of your research.
The NHFP is open to applicants of any nationality who have or will have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree on or after January 1, 2022 in astronomy, physics or related disciplines. The duration of the Fellowship is up to three years: an initial one-year appointment, and two annual renewals contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of NASA funds. The NHFP is administered for NASA by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) at the California Institute of Technology and the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
Important dates:
- Applications are due Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (7 PM EDT, 4 PM PDT, 23:00 UTC)
- Letters of reference are due Wednesday, November 5, 2025. (Note that the applications are due one week before the letters.) Applicants should emphasize to their letter writers that the letters must be uploaded as PDF files by the November 5th deadline using the submission form (https://catcopy.ipac.caltech.edu/nhfp/letter.php). Letter writers will not receive an automated email with a link to upload their letter.
- Offers will be made in early February 2026 and new appointments should begin on or about September 1, 2026. NHFP Fellowships are open to English-speaking citizens of all nations.
We anticipate offering up to 24 NHFP Fellowships this year. The Fellowships are tenable at a U.S. host institution of the fellow’s choice, subject to a maximum of two new fellows per host institution per year, and no more than five fellows at any single host institution, except for short periods of overlap. Host institutions must have verified their compliance with the NHFP employment policy. The policy and a list of those hosts can be found at https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/fellowships/nasa-hubble-fellowship-program/nhfp-host-institution-employment-policy/host-institutions.
The Announcement of Opportunity, which includes detailed program policies and application instructions, is available at the NHFP website: http://nhfp.stsci.edu. The application submission page will be open from September 2 until the application deadline on October 29, 2025.
Applicants should follow the instructions given in the Announcement of Opportunity and also examine the Frequently Asked Questions linked from the main NHFP page. Please send any further inquiries about the NHFP to [email protected].
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