PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER
Volume 10, Number 41 (October 2, 2016)

PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org
Editor: Mark V. Sykes 
Co-Editors: Karen Stockstill-Cahill, Susan Benecchi
Email: pen_editor at psi.edu

o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o

1. Comets Symposium and Rosetta SWT 2016: Registration
2. Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Cornell University
3. HiRISE Spacecraft Operations Engineer Positions
4. Mars Mission Scientist at JSC
5. [NASA] Final Text Released for Interdisciplinary Science for 
   Eclipse 2017
6. Post-doc Position at INAF-IAPS
7. Assistant Professor of Astronomy, University of Maryland
8. JMARS Webinar
9. Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Astronomy or Planetary Science 
   at Northern Arizona University
10. NASA Postdoctoral Fellows
11. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month
12. [NASA] SMD Seeks Volunteer Reviewers, Especially for COLD Tech
13. A National Science Teachers Association Virtual Conference: The 
    August 2017 "All-American" Eclipse of the Sun
14. Call for Support: CASTAWAY, Comet and Asteroid Space Telescope 
15. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions

o---------------------------------------------------------------------o

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COMETS SYMPOSIUM AND ROSETTA SWT 2016: REGISTRATION
 
The international conference on cometary science entitled "Comets: A 
New Vision After Rosetta/Philae" will be held November 14-18, 2016, at 
the Abattoirs Museum in Toulouse, France. The 46th Rosetta Science 
Working Team technical session will be held on Friday.

The program is now available online on the conference website:

http://www.comets2016toulouse.com

More technical details - poster size, talks format - will be soon sent 
to the authors.

The early registration deadline with the best rates (150 euros instead 
of 250 euros) is 14 October. The registration fee includes access to 
all sessions, coffee breaks and to a cocktail gala dinner scheduled on 
Tuesday (with an extra fee for accompanying persons). All needed 
information for venue and accomodation are provided on the above 
website.

If you have questions or need assistance during the registration 
process, please send an email to contact@comets2016toulouse.com and 
reference Comets 2016 in the subject.

The Organising Committee


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TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

The Cornell University Astronomy Department invites applications for a 
tenure-track assistant professor appointment to begin July 1, 2017. We
will consider applications from observers, experimentalists and 
theorists working in any area of astronomy, but particular areas of 
interest are cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, extrasolar and solar 
system planetary science, and relativistic astrophysics, including 
gravitational wave astronomy and astrophysics. Applicants should upload 
their applications, including a CV, list of publications, statement of 
research interests, and statement on teaching plans and philosophy to: 

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/7615 

Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation 
submitted to Academic Jobs Online. 

Inquiries may be sent to Ira Wasserman (ira@astro.cornell.edu), Chair 
of the department.

We will begin reviewing applications November 1, 2016.

Cornell University is an Equal Opportunity/Armative Action Employer.


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HIRISE SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER POSITIONS

HiRISE (uahirise.org) is hiring two Spacecraft Operations Engineers 
to work at the HiRISE Operations Center on the University of Arizona's 
Tucson campus. This is a full-time position working with HiRISE team 
scientists and JPL and other MRO instrument operations staff to plan 
and command high resolution images of Mars. 

The successful candidates will support HiRISE personnel in carrying 
out operational activities including the following: Plan observation 
sequences and perform command load generation for HiRISE. Interact 
and collaborate with HiRISE and MRO scientists and technicians to 
choose targets and plan the observation sequences in detail, including 
choosing camera settings with a detailed understanding of the MRO 
mission, the HiRISE camera and Mars. Verify that the imaging carried 
out during a planning cycle was properly commanded, identify potential 
problems, and implement solutions. 

An educational background in geosciences or remote sensing, or 
experience with flight operations for remote sensing instruments is 
preferred. Due to federal regulations, the position is restricted to 
U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

The University of Arizona encourages diverse candidates to apply, 
including people of color, women, veterans, and individuals with 
disabilities.

Apply at:

https://uacareers.com/postings/13857

(job number A21171)


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MARS MISSION SCIENTIST AT JSC

The Astromaterials Research Office, part of the Astromaterials Research 
and Exploration Science (ARES) Division of the Exploration Integration 
and Science Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, seeks to fill a 
GS-13 Planetary Scientist civil service position with expertise in 
Mars-related research and mission science. This emphasis may include 
studies of astromaterials and/or analogs; generation and/or 
interpretation of Mars landed or remotely-sensed mission datasets; 
experimental studies of martian atmospheric, surficial, and/or interior 
processes; or combinations of these. The selectee will be expected to 
attract funds through peer-reviewed proposals, and/or through 
involvement in NASA planetary missions, especially those to Mars. 
Contributions to other ARES enterprises, such as research that advances 
curation knowledge for Mars sample return.
 
All candidates must use the USAJobs.gov website to prepare and submit 
applications, and United States citizenship is required to be eligible 
for this civil service position. Please go to:
 
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/451675100
 
to apply for this position. Applications will be accepted from 
6 to 26 October 2016. Interested parties may direct informal inquiries 
to Dr. David Draper, Manager, Astromaterials Research Office, 
david.draper@nasa.gov. A how-to guide for preparing responsive 
applications using the USAJobs.gov site, prepared by JSC Human 
Resources, will be provided upon request.


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[NASA] FINAL TEXT RELEASED FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE FOR 
ECLIPSE 2017

On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will traverse the continental 
U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. It is estimated that hundreds of 
millions of viewers in North America will witness this natural event 
(http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/). The purpose of this program element is 
to support development of new research or enhancement of existing 
research, applied to the 2017 eclipse. NASA is seeking proposals that 
would utilize the unique opportunity presented by the solar eclipse to 
study the Sun, Earth, Moon, astronomy, and/or space science, including 
the ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere (ITM) system. Building on 
existing partnerships and the use of interdisciplinary or citizen 
science approaches is encouraged. All proposals must demonstrate links 
to the 2017 solar eclipse.

Step-1 proposals are due October 27, 2016. 
Step-2 proposals are due November 30, 2016. 
Go to:

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations
/roses-2016

The NASA point of contact for this program element is Madhulika 
Guhathakurta, who may be reached at madhulika.guhathakurta@nasa.gov

[Edited for length]


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POST-DOC POSITION AT INAF-IAPS

A  post-doc position at INAF-IAPS is now open. The scope is to work on
spectral measurements of planetary analogues in support of EXOMARS and 
Dawn missions. 

For more information about the position application:

http://www.inaf.it/it/lavora-con-noi/assegni-di-ricerca/assegno-di
-ricerca-dal-titolo-spectral-measurements-and-analysis-of-samples
-analogues-of-planetary-surface201d

People interested in having more info can write 
Maria Cristina De Sanctis (mariacristina.desanctis@iaps.inaf.it).


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ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

The Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland (located in 
College Park, MD) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty 
position. Accomplished candidates in any area of astronomy, 
astrophysics, or planetary science are encouraged to apply. We are 
searching for candidates at the Assistant Professor (tenure-track) 
level, but will consider applications for tenured ranks in exceptional 
cases. A PhD in astronomy, physics, planetary science, or a related 
discipline is required, and the successful candidate must have an 
established record of research excellence. Candidates are expected to 
have a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship 
at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

For more details and to apply, visit: 

http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment  

To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted by
December 1, 2016.


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JMARS WEBINAR

October 13, 2016 from 12:00 to 2:00pm PDT

Ever feel like there must be an easier way to find and work with Mars 
remote sensing data? Join us for a free online webinar and find out 
how JMARS can help you! 

Brand new to JMARS? We'll show you how to get started.

Already a JMARS user? We'll teach you how to perform map sampling, 
perform HSV composites on HiRISE and CRISM images, and how to colorize 
your own vector shape data.

Already a power user? Time to learn how you can work with SHARAD 
radargrams as well as the latest resources that have been added in 
support of proposing landing sites for a 2035 human mission to Mars.

Questions about this event, or about JMARS in general, as well as 
suggestions for webinar topics can be sent to help@jmars.asu.edu. For
Adobe Connect information, see the JMARS website: 

https://jmars.asu.edu/webinar2016


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TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN ASTRONOMY OR PLANETARY SCIENCE AT
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northern Arizona University
is seeking excellent candidates for a tenure-track position in
astronomy and/or planetary science at the Assistant Professor level
beginning in August 2017 to help launch its new Ph.D. program
(www.physics.nau.edu/AstroPhD). The minimum qualification is an earned
doctorate in astronomy, planetary science, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications include demonstrated interest or ability to
develop a research program that involves undergraduate and graduate
students; a demonstrated record of publications and/or extramural
funding in astronomy and/or planetary science; evidence of high
quality teaching and commitment to student success at the graduate and
undergraduate levels; expertise in exoplanets, astro-informatics,
astro-chemistry, astronomical instrumentation, and/or observational
astronomy specializing in Solar System objects, exoplanets, or related
topics; and the ability to work with students, colleagues, and
community members from diverse cultures. The screening committee will
begin reviewing applications on October 24, 2016.

https://jobregister.aas.org/job_view?JobID=54717


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NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

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, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space 
bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and space 
operations, and astrobiology.

Current research opportunities in planetary science can be viewed here:

https://npp.usra.edu/opportunities/?filter_keywords=&filter_fields=145

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before 
beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree 
requirements. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and foreign 
nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply.

Stipends start at $53,500 per year, with supplements for high 
cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial 
assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and 
$8,000 per year is provided for professional travel.

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

For further information and to apply, visit:

https://npp.usra.edu/

Questions: npphelp@usra.edu


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PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH

The October image of the month is now available at the IAG's Planetary 
Geomorphology web page: 

http://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com/

This month's topic is "Karun Valles and its braided alluvial fan". 
Post contributed by Dr. Solmaz Adeli at DLR, Institute of Planetary 
Research, Berlin, Germany.

You can follow IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month on 
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/PlanetaryGeomorphology) or Twitter 
@PlanetGeomorpho.

Susan Conway (Chair, IAG Planetary Geomorphology working group)


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[NASA] SMD SEEKS VOLUNTEER REVIEWERS, ESPECIALLY FOR COLD TECH

NASA's Science Mission Directorate is seeking subject matter experts 
to serve as mail-in and/or panel meeting reviewers of proposals to 
ROSES and other solicitations. The landing page all of these forms 
may be found at: 

https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels 

but potential volunteers are especially encouraged to fill out the 
form for Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology because 
that was lost in the mover to the new web page and hence was not seen 
as many people. Go to:

https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/roses-2016
-c20-concepts-ocean-worlds-life-detection-technology 

To fill out the forms just click the boxes to indicate the topics in 
which you consider yourself to be a subject matter expert. If your 
skills match our needs we will contact you to discuss scheduling. 

Max Bernstein
SMD Research Lead


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A NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE: THE AUGUST 
2017 "ALL-AMERICAN" ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

(A Guide for How to Help Audiences, Students, and Community Understand 
and View it Safely)

with

Dennis Schatz (Pacific Science Center) and Andrew Fraknoi (Foothill 
College)

Featuring: Claire Raftery (National Solar Observatory)

Saturday, October 15, 2016
10 AM - 2 PM ET

In this virtual conference, designed for school teachers, museum 
educators, park rangers, librarians, and anyone who is working with 
them in anticipation of the eclipse, two experienced astronomers and 
educators, will:

- introduce the general topic of eclipses and what they can teach us;
- explain where, when, and how to view the 2017 eclipse safely;
- lead a series of hands-on activities for classrooms and informal 
  science settings (a free book of activities is included in 
  registration)
- discuss how teachers and informal educators can become a locus of 
  eclipse outreach in their communities, including how to get a kit of 
  safe-viewing glasses (with examples from what teachers are already 
  planning);
- host an introductory discussion of the latest solar science with 
  Claire Raftery from the National Solar Observatory.

For more information and to register, please go to: 

http://learningcenter.nsta.org/virtualconference


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CALL FOR SUPPORT: CASTAWAY, COMET AND ASTEROID SPACE TELESCOPE

Proposed as a candidate in the 2016 ESA call for (M)edium class mission 
proposals, the Comet and Asteroid Space Telescope (CASTAWAY) will 
conduct a detailed spectroscopic survey of the thousands of objects 
found in the Main Asteroid Belt. This will be achieved with a small, 
0.5 m space-based telescope periodically passing within the MAB, while 
performing visual and near infrared spectroscopy and thermal infrared 
imaging (from a range of 0.1-0.5 AU), and perform basic opportunistic 
fly-by events of pre-selected targets. This will provide, for the first 
time, detailed information on the connection between asteroid 
composition, geomorphology and orbital evolution. Smaller (1-100 m) and 
fainter, passing targets will also be discovered with dedicated star 
tracker-like cameras.

The members of the CASTAWAY international team of proposers would 
welcome indications of support for the mission. We ask everyone who 
wishes to express their support to please visit the following webpage: 

http://bit.ly/castawaymission

The list of supporters will be appended to the CASTAWAY proposal before 
its submission to ESA by 5th October. More information on the mission 
can be found at the same website. Please feel free to forward this 
message to your colleagues.


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PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

November 21-23, 2016
The ARIEL Space Mission
http://arielconference.eu
Brussels, Belgium

[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.]


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