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Heliophysics Group2012 Jack Eddy Postdoctoral Fellowships
Deadline for Applications 11 January 2012
UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs announces the 2012 call for applications to the Jack Eddy Postdoctoral Fellowships, sponsored by the NASA Living With a Star (LWS) program. The fellowships are designed to train the next generation of researchers in the emerging field of Heliophysics.
Heliophysics embraces all science aspects of the Sun-Solar System, and includes many of the basic physical processes that are found in our solar system, the laboratory, and throughout the universe. These processes generally involve the interactions of ionized gases (plasmas) with gravitational and electro-magnetic (both radiation and DC) fields, and with neutral matter. The physical domain of interest ranges from deep inside the Sun to the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Within this broad science discipline, LWS is a program designed to develop the scientific understanding required for the Nation to address effectively those aspects of the Sun-Earth system that affect life and society. Detailed information on LWS, its science interests, programmatic structure, and space missions can be found at the NASA Living with a Star program.
Two major topics of focus for LWS are the science of space weather and of the Sun-climate connection. Preference is given to applicants whose proposed research addresses one of these two foci; but any research program relevant to LWS is considered.
Since the goal of this postdoctoral program is to train Sun-Earth system researchers, preference is also given to research projects that cross the traditional Heliophysics subdomains of the Sun, heliosphere, magnetosphere, and ionosphere/upper atmosphere, as well as sun-climate investigations. Therefore, proposals addressing the LWS program that are interdisciplinary are encouraged.
In order to succeed at such cross-disciplinary research, the host institution and the mentoring scientists(s) play critical roles. Consequently, applicants must select a host scientist, who must be different from the candidate’s PhD advisor (preferably at a different institution), and coordinate a joint application with the host scientist and institution.
- Potential host scientists are required to submit letters of intent and vitas as part of the selection process. Hosts are expected to mentor the fellow, provide a reasonable office environment, which may include a workstation, and any other unique research costs. To assist applicants, a list of possible hosts may be found at Hosting Options for Postdocs on the Heliophysics website. Please note that this list is not exclusive. Any U.S. research institution, including universities, government centers, and profit or non-profit organizations may serve as a host institution.
- Applicants to this program are expected to have had a PhD for no more than five years. A UCAR steering committee selects the fellows. Additional details about this program, including the selection criteria used by the steering committee may be found at UCAR Steering Committee on the Heliophsics website.
How to apply:
U.S. citizenship is not required to participate in this program, but the selected postdoctoral fellows must be hosted at a U.S. research institution. Appointed scientists are employees of UCAR. The two-year fellowships include a fixed annual salary and benefits: health & dental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, mandatory participation in TIAA/CREF retirement fund, and life insurance. A relocation allowance is provided as well as an allowance for travel to scientific conferences and other support costs.
This is a 2-Step application process.
- Submit your application via the UCAR Employment Website
- Send your reference letters to vspapply@ucar.edu
Step 1
Applications must be submitted at UCAR Employment Opportunities.
You will be asked to provide the following materials for your application, in one PDF document, in the order numbered below. It may be helpful for you to complete these documents prior to applying using the UCAR Employment Opportunities link above. Note: UCAR cannot accept *.zip files
- Cover letter identifying the name of this program
- CV including publication list
- Names/contact information of at least four professional references
- PhD dissertation abstract, including title
- Titled project description, not to exceed five pages including figures and appendices but not references. Proposals must describe actual research project. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with host in writing proposal
- Statement of relevance to the NASA Living with a Star program, not to exceed one page. See http://lws.gsfc.nasa.gov.
Step 2
Send Reference Letters to the UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs at vspapply@ucar.edu:
- Applicants are responsible for contacting four referees to have letters sent to UCAR/VSP by the application deadline. One letter must be from thesis advisor, but not from a potential host, and letters from more than one institution are encouraged. Referees should be directed to the online reference requirements.
Reference letters should be sent electronically, but we will accept hard copies by fax (303) 497-8668. If unable to send electronically, please mail to:
UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307-3000 USA
Host Applicants:
Qualified hosts are encouraged to apply by sending the following materials to the UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs office at vspapply@ucar.edu:
- Letter of intent to host applicant and plans for mentoring (2-page limit)
- CV including publications (1-page limit)
- List of current and pending research support
Guidelines for reference letters and hosting letters of intent:
- Reference letters should include assessment of the applicant's level of scholarship, including placement in class, scientific potential, and qualifications for postdoctoral research.
- The primary objective of this fellowship program is to grow the pool of scientists needed for a specific objective. Comments regarding the applicant will be treated confidentially and will be used by the steering committee to help determine both strengths and weaknesses of the applicant. Any specific comments regarding the applicant’s ability to work independently, to pursue new topics, and to interact with others are very useful.
- Potential hosting scientists should submit a Letter of Intent to Host the applicant, explaining plans for mentoring. Potential hosts should not provide a letter of reference for the applicant. Letters of Intent should include a one-page CV and a list of current and pending research support.
The deadline for applications is January 11, 2012. Appointments will be announced in March.
Need more information? Call 303-497-1605 or email: vspapply@ucar.edu
UCAR is an EE/AAE who values and encourages diversity in the workplace.
