Women In Astronomy: December 2009

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Behind the Scenes

Posted by Hannah

(The author of this post wishes to remain anonymous. I hope you find her experiences encouraging! -Hannah)

I am a female postdoc at a major research university. I'm at the point in my career now where I'm having quite a few 'first' experiences: first review panel, first telescope allocation committee, first job hiring panel. I was excited to be asked, because I welcome the opportunities to learn how things are done behind the scenes, to add my expertise where needed, and to give back to my community. I eagerly read over new science ideas, which often reminded me of postponed or shelved projects I'd love to get back to, or kindled interest in areas I'd thought about previously only in passing. It let me identify pitfalls in my own proposals by comparing them to the quality of those in my hands, and allowed me to see ways to strengthen and improve ones that I hoped I could turn in again. To my delight, some of our fellow astronomers have a great sense of humor and manage to work that into otherwise dry proposals, and some are (perhaps unintentionally) hilariously immodest. Equally interesting was seeing the reactions of my colleagues to the same proposals, where we agreed and where we didn't, and what sorts of things influenced their decisions that I might not have considered. For instance, if a committee member had seen the applicant give a fantastic talk at a meeting, that seemed to play a role in the mood of how the proposal was talked about and how confident the committee was that this person would enthusiastically carry out their science. In a less pleasant surprise, I saw an applicant (female) bumped down for belonging to an institution that focused on undergraduate teaching rather than research, despite the fact that we had little to no information on how much teaching the applicant would be doing in the coming semesters. Tough calls were talked about in long stretches.

I found job applications much more difficult to evaluate and generally more worrisome than the proposals. The search committee was evenly split between men and women, with one minority member, and I was happy to see that women were reasonably well represented in the pool and that the group was very ethnically diverse, with all types of backgrounds and experiences. Recommendation letters were certainly eye-opening. Having read a list put out by AASWomen some time ago, I worried that I might find the recs for female applicants to be laced with adjectives like 'nice' or 'helpful', but I found that not to be the case. Letters were strong on describing talent, intellect, and ambition for both genders. Many of the letters were brutally (cringe-ingly?) honest about the short-comings of the applicants, while others were wonderfully optimistic and full of hope. It was a much more personal window into others' lives than I expected to have and often times I felt inadequate to the task of making the final decisions: who was I, after all, to say who should have a job and who shouldn't? wasn't there someone more qualified? At these points I looked to my more senior colleagues for a clearer interpretation of the letters in the context of having read many of them over their careers. In the end, we made a 'long short list' with which were all comfortable, and then went back to see how the female applicants had done; they were on the 'long short list' in numbers proportionate to the total number of applicants. The chair went back to the CSWA guidelines when writing the letters for those who had not made the cut and contacted those who had.

At all times and on all the committees I was recently on, I was glad to see everyone struggling with remaining fair (even if we didn't all agree on what 'fair' might entail), evaluating carefully, staying aware of gender/minority issues (again, even if not everyone agreed on how that should be handled), and not being afraid to back up and re-discuss something if a thought or idea occurred later on. I hope to continue to learn from and be shaped by these experiences, and wish the best of luck to everyone applying this round.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Season's Greetings

Posted by Hannah

With the holiday season upon us, it's important to remember:

from the Slumbering Lungfish

On a still more humorous note:

from xkcd

Happy Holidays from the Women in Astronomy blog!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

AASWomen for December 18, 2009

Posted by Hannah

AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of December 19, 2009
eds. Joan Schmelz, Caroline Simpson & Michele Montgomery

This week's issues:

1. Unearned Advantage and Disadvantage

2. Unconcious Bias: the CSWA special session proposal for the Miami AAS Meeting

3. CSWA Special Sessions at the D.C. AAS Meeting

4. Profiles of Various Career Paths

5. Our Thanks to Fran Bagenal, the editor of STATUS

6. Wanted: A New Editor for STATUS

7. Follow-up on Childcare at AAS DC meeting

8. Funds Remain for Childcare Grants for APS Meeting

9. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN

10. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN

1. Unearned Advantage and Disadvantage
From: Caroline Simpson [simpsonc_at_fiu.edu]

[We continue to summarize the major outcomes from the Women in Astronomy III conference held at the University of Maryland October 21-23, 2009 - Eds.]

Dr. Peggy McIntosh, Senior Research Scientist and the associate director of the Wellesley Centers for Women, talked about the concept of unearned advantage and disadvantage as work impediments. Her work has added the concept of privilege to discussions of race and gender. The framework is that there exists a "line of justice" above which is the world of (unearned) privilege: above that line, you are pushed up in ways you did not earn. This creates mental attitudes of superiority and rightness, most of which are quite unconscious. Below that line exists the realm of (unearned) disadvantage. It is not that below that line one is "suffering from"; it is that above that line, one is "free of." There is no blame placed here -- one just absorbs the ideas that come with being above/below the line of justice. Everyone usually has both types and both can be impediments in the workplace.

Dr. McIntosh demonstrated this principle with concrete examples she has assembled over the years. The original work focused on race issues, but are equally applicable to gender issues. Here are some of her examples: * I can, if I wish, arrange to be in the company of people of my own race/gender most of the time. * I can be pretty sure of having my voice heard in a group in which I am the only member of my race/gender. * I can speak in public to a powerful male group without putting my race/gender on trial. * I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group/gender. * I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to the "person in charge," I will be facing a person of my race/gender.

In her talk, Dr. McIntosh asked us to ask ourselves what we have that we didn't earn (relative to someone else); and then what disadvantage we had that we didn't earn. It was an interesting exercise...

More examples can be found in her excerpted essay "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" at http://www.case.edu/president/aaction/UnpackingTheKnapsack.pdf

2. Unconcious Bias: the CSWA special session proposal for the Miami AAS Meeting
From: Hannah at womeninastronomy.blogspot.com

http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2009/12/blogging-big-meetings-and-bias.html

3. CSWA Special Sessions at the D.C. AAS Meeting
From: Hannah at womeninastronomy.blogspot.com

http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2009/12/blogging-big-meetings-and-bias.html

4. Profiles of Various Career Paths
From: AAS Electronic Announcement #203 - December 2009

Over the past two years, the Employment Committee has published a series of articles in the AAS Newsletter to highlight a wide variety of career paths. Each article gives an insider perspective and tips for success in a specific job sector. A collection of links to past articles in the Newsletter archives is now available at: http://aas.org/career/

If you would like to highlight a career path that is not represented in the current list of articles, please contact the Employment Committee Chair, Travis Metcalfe <travis_at_ucar.edu>

[Here's the current list from the website -- eds.]

* Preparing for the College Teaching Job Market by Luke Keller * Succeeding in a Large Research Collaboration by Andy Howell * Balancing Research and Service at NOAO by Knut Olsen * Working at a Soft-Money Institute by Barb Whitney * Back to School: A Ph.D. Enters the Classroom by Joshua Roth * Jobs in Industry by Peter Williams

5. Our Thanks to Fran Bagenal, the editor of STATUS
From: The Members of CSWA [cswa_at_aas.org]

Fran Bagenal is stepping down as the editor of STATUS, CSWA's semiannual printed publication. Fran has been the editor since the June 2004 edition. Not only has she solicited contributions and overseen the production of each issue, but she has also written many articles herself.

In her letter of resignation, Fran told us that she was ready to move on to other things. She is a professor in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado and specializes in the synthesis of data analysis and theory in the study of space plasmas.

We thank Fran for her dedicated service and wish her all the best in her future pursuits.

6. Wanted: A New Editor for STATUS
From: Joan Schmelz [jschmelz_at_memphis.edu]

With the recent resignation of Fran Bagenal, STATUS finds itself in need of a new editor. CSWA is looking for volunteers to join Associate Editors Joannah Hinz (University of Arizona) and Patricia Knezek (WIYN Observatory) and help shepherd STATUS into the future.

STATUS consists of original and reprinted articles on topics relating to women in astronomy, in science and/or in society. Contributions, such as editorial columns, factual articles, personal stories and letters to the editor are welcome from anyone.

In this world of electronic media, CSWA feels that STATUS still has an important role to play. It is the best place for longer, more in-depth articles, which often feature plots or tables. Such articles are not well suited to the AASWOMEN or blog format. STATUS could go completely online (pdf) rather than continue in the printed format, and this will be a decision for the new editorial staff.

If you are interested in applying for the editorship of STATUS, please contact me or any CSWA member.

7. Follow-up on Childcare at AAS DC meeting
From: Joan Schmelz [jschmelz_at_memphis.edu]

Good news from Kevin Marvel -- there are now 7 families and 11 children signed up for childcare at the AAS DC meeting.

He says that this is nearly an order of magnitude more interest in AAS-provided childcare than in the past!

Keep spreading the word.

8. Funds Remain for Childcare Grants for APS Meeting
From: WIPHYS, Dec. 15, 2009

Thinking about what to do about extra expenses in connection with childcare for that little one while you attend the APS meeting in Washington, DC in February? We can help! Small grants of up to $400 are available to assist meeting attendees at the APS annual meetings who are bringing small children or who incur extra expenses in leaving them at home. Please go to http://www.aps.org/meetings/april/services/childcare.cfm and completing the short application form.

The deadline to apply for a childcare grant for the APS February/April meeting has been extended to January 8, 2010.

Information about similar grants for the March meeting (Portland, Oregon) can be found at http://www.aps.org/meetings/march/services/childcare.cfm .

APS is pleased to offer these grants through the support of the Elsevier Foundation's New Scholars Program http://www.elsevierfoundation.org/scholar.html .

9. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN

[Please remember to replace "_at_" in the below e-mail addresses.]

To submit to AASWOMEN: send email to aaswomen_at_aas.org

All material sent to that address will be posted unless you tell us otherwise (including your email address).

To subscribe or unsubscribe to AASWOMEN go to

http://lists.aas.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aaswlist

and fill out the form.

If you experience any problems, please email itdept_at_aas.org

10. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN

Past issues of AASWOMEN are available at

http://www.aas.org/cswa/AASWOMEN.html

Each annual summary includes an index of topics covered.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Blogging, Big meetings, and Bias

Posted by Hannah

Regular blog readers may have noticed that a number of recent posts were not actually written by me (Hannah). This is part of an effort to bring a variety of new voices to the blog, and make it more truly about Women in Astronomy, rather than Hannah's Personal Blog With Some Thoughts on Women in Astronomy.

Who are these people? you might ask. We are the Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy, and our membership can be found here. We were recently expanded from 8 members to 10. You can read our thoughts here on the blog, subscribe to our weekly newsletter AASWOMEN, and meet some of us in person at the upcoming AAS Meeting in Washington, DC. We are sponsoring a number of special sessions:

208 Longitudinal Study of Astronomy Graduate Students
Monday, Jan 04, 2010, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Virginia B
221 Mentoring Astronomers: Students to Faculty I (co-sponsored with CSMA
[Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astrononmy])
Special Session
Wednesday, Jan 06, 2010, 10:00 AM -11:30 AM
Maryland A
226 Mentoring Astronomers: Students to Faculty II (co-sponsored with CSMA)
Special Session
Wednesday, Jan 06, 2010, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Maryland A

You might also be interested in this poster session on Tuesday:

Public Policy Issues
Poster Session
Tuesday, Jan 05, 2010, 9:20 AM - 6:30 PM
Exhibit Hall

Looking forward, one of the topics we want to bring up at the summer 2010 AAS Meeting in Miami is unconscious bias. An excerpt from our proposal:

When evaluating identical application packages, male and female University psychology professors preferred 2:1 to hire “Brian” over “Karen” as an assistant professor. When evaluating a more experienced record (at the point of promotion to tenure), reservations were expressed four times more often when the name was female. This unconscious bias has a repeated negative effect on Karen’s career. Ref: Steinpreis, Anders, & Ritzke (1999) Sex Roles, 41, 509.

I bring this up now because this story of the writer James Chartrand revealing herself (himself?) to be actually a woman has been all over the internets (h/t: Feministing). The upshot of the story is that she struggled for a while trying to earn a living as a writer under her real name, but as soon as she adopted a male pseudonym, she started earning real money. This is a 21st century story, mind you, not George Eliot's of the 19th.

So, when it comes to publishing scientific papers then, is it better to publish under your initials to hide your gender, or not? Personally, I chose to publish under my full, real name. Part of this was motivated by an arrogant desire on my own part to show the world that women can do excellent science. Has this come true, or has this hurt me in the end? I may never know for sure, but knowing that bias is alive and well in the world certainly has me concerned.

Friday, December 11, 2009

AASWomen for December 11, 2009

Posted by Hannah

AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of December 11, 2009
eds. Joan Schmelz, Caroline Simpson & Michele Montgomery

This week's issues:

1. I'm planning a research sabbatical next year and by the way, we're expecting a kid

2. On-line article in SALON about careers in science

3. Nobel Prize Winning Women in Science

4. 'Tis the season

5. National Summit on Gender and the Postdoctorate

6. CSWP/DPF Networking Luncheon

7. IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women

8. Public Education Specialist, Green Bank, NRAO

9. ALMA Postdoctoral Fellow

10. Stromlo Fellow Vacancy

*** FOLLOWING JOB POSTINGS TAKEN FROM WIPHYS ***

11. Tenure-track Position, University of New Hampshire

12. Faculty Positions in Physics, University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

13. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN

14. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN

1. I'm planning a research sabbatical next year and by the way, we're
expecting a kid
From: Ann Hornschmeier [Ann.Hornschemeier_at_nasa.gov]

[please see the entire post at http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2009/12/im-planning-research-sabbatical-next.html ]

2. On-line article in SALON about careers in science
From: Jill Bechtold [jillbechtold_at_gmail.com]

Nobel laureates: Gender Balance needed by Malin Rising, AP

"The career structure is very much a career structure that has worked for men" says one winner

The two female winners of this year's Nobel Prize in medicine on Sunday urged scientific institutions to change their career structures to help more women reach top positions.

for full article, see http://www.salon.com/news/2009/12/06/eu_sweden_nobel_women/index.html

3. Nobel Prize Winning Women in Science
From: Hannah Jang-Condell [Hannah.Jang-Condell_at_nasa.gov]

[This is related to the item, above. -- eds.]

http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2009/12/nobel-prize-winning-women-in-science.html

4. 'Tis the Season
From: AASWomen editors

This holiday season, why not give the AASWomen newsletter as a gift to a graduate student, undergraduate student or colleague whom you think might be interested? Simply cut and paste the invitation below.

"I thought you might be interested in subscribing to the Women in Astronomy newsletter. It's a weekly email compendium of topics of interest to women in astronomy and those who support them. To subscribe go to http://lists.aas.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aaswlist and fill out the form."

5. National Summit on Gender and the Postdoctorate
From: WIPHYS, Dec. 11, 2009

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is hosting a National Summit on Gender and the Postdoctorate on March 10 11, 2010. The Summit will take place in Philadelphia, in conjunction with the NPA's Annual Meeting, which begins on March 12th. All those with an interest in fostering programs and initiatives to assist postdoc women in transitioning to the professoriate are invited to attend the Summit.

Postdocs are especially encouraged to come, and are invited to apply for a travel award to cover their travel expenses. Travel awards of up to $750 per person are available to cover registration, lodging, meals, and travel to the Summit. Deadline for travel and award applications: December 18, 2009.

For more information on the Summit and instructions for applying for a travel award, visit: http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/advance summit .

The National Summit on Gender and the Postdoctorate is part of NPA ADVANCE, a project supported by the National Science Foundation's ADVANCE program to advance the careers of women in science and engineering.

Contact: Kathleen Flint, NPA Project Manager, kflint AT nationalpostdoc.org

6. CSWP/DPF Networking Luncheon
From: WIPHYS, Dec. 9, 2009

The Committee on the Status of Women in Physics (CSWP) and the Division of Particles and Fields (DPF) will co-sponsor a buffet luncheon for women in physics from 12:00-1:30 pm on Monday, February 15, 2010 at the APS meeting in Washington, DC. The speaker will be Bonnie Fleming, Yale University.

The luncheon is open to all: both men and women are welcome to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a full buffet lunch and network with colleagues! Cost: $20. Students are $5, thanks to the generosity of DPF.

Space for this popular event is limited. Pre-registration is strongly advised by February 1, 2010 at http://www.aps.org/meetings/april/events/receptions/index.cfm . After that date, you must purchase tickets ON SITE at the Balances Due desk at the APS Registration Area as long as tickets are available.

7. IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women
From: WIPHYS, Dec. 4, 2009

In 2010, IBM will offer a Summer Research Internship for Undergraduate Women. These summer internships are salaried positions typically 10 weeks long, and include the opportunity to work with a mentor at one of three IBM research locations.

Applications must be submitted by February 1, 2010. Complete details on the program and how to apply are available at http://www.aps.org/programs/women/scholarships/index.cfm

8. Public Education Specialist, Green Bank, NRAO
From: Dee Boyd [dlboyd_at_nrao.edu]

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, WV, is seeking a Public Education Specialist to collaborate with the Green Bank Education Officer, the Assistant Director for Education and Public Outreach (EPO) and all EPO staff to design, fund, implement the Observatory-wide formal and informal education program.

The Public Education Specialist designs, develops, and implements formal education, informal education, and professional development programs related to astronomy, radio astronomy and the NRAO for K-12 teachers and students; gives programs, presentations, and tours for the public, media, teachers, and students; designs, develops, and creates hardcopy and online educational materials for use by students and the general public; answers queries from educators, students and the general public about the NRAO and astronomy; actively participates as a member of the Education and Public Outreach Division, contributing to Observatory-wide short and long-term planning, program development, reporting, and performance assessment; assists in seeking external funding to further develop the NRAO EPO program; and others duties as assigned.

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in astronomy, physical science, science education, or a related field is required. At least five years of classroom teaching or informal instructional experience in a museum setting is also desired. Documented experience in program development and proposal writing experience in support of education and public outreach, including a record of EPO grant success with the NSF, NASA, or other funding agencies is required.

For further requirements and to apply, please visit our Careers site at https://careers.nrao.edu . Review of applications will begin immediately. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V.

9. ALMA Postdoctoral Fellow
From: Dee Boyd [dlboyd_at_nrao.edu]

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is playing a leading role in the construction and operations of the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA). When inaugurated in 2012, ALMA will be the most powerful (sub)millimeter interferometer ever constructed, and will transform our understanding of topics ranging from the formation of nearby protoplanetary disks to the earliest epochs of galaxy formation.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work with the Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) scientific staff as it gears up for the commissioning and validation of ALMA. The initial appointment beginning in Fall 2010 will be for two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year based on mutual agreement and budget availability. These international staff positions are funded from the construction project and as such, will come to an end when construction is complete. Members of the commissioning team will, however, be in a very strong position to compete for long-term positions that may become available. The role of the ALMA Postdoctoral Fellow will be to assist the ALMA Commissioning Team in planning and executing the scientific commissioning of ALMA. As a member of the commissioning team, the successful applicant will work on preparing specific test procedures and trouble-shooting them, carrying out measurements, processing the data and producing reports. Assignments may include tasks such as measuring the properties of individual antennas, testing and calibrating the various interferometric observing modes, and moving on to verifying the quality of the scientific data that ALMA produces.

The position will be based at the Santiago, Chile, ALMA Office and will offer an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the tools needed to make the most of ALMA's scientific promise.

The successful candidate will be expected and encouraged to continue an active program of independent research. Funding to present research findings at international conferences is supported.

To be considered, applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, chemistry, physics or a related field.The successful candidates must have the following requirements: Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment; high level of communication in English; and a working knowledge of or the willingness to learn Spanish. Experience with radio, especially millimeter, observations and related data reduction software is preferred, along with a proven track record of scientific research. Demonstrated skills in the following areas would be an advantage, but are not required: Knowledge of computing languages (python, xml, etc); development of data reduction and analysis software; and experience trouble shooting hardware in a Linux environment. The successful applicant will be required to spend a significant amount of time working at the ALMA sites at OSF (2,900m elevation) and occasionally at the Array Operations Site (5,000m elevation). A successful high altitude medical check is a necessary condition for this position.

Applicants can apply online at https://careers.nrao.edu and should include a brief summary of past and planned independent scientific research, relevant previous experience, a curriculum vitae, and a brief cover letter. The application deadline is December 31, 2009; however, review of applications will begin immediately. Interviews may be arranged at the AAS meeting for qualified applicants whose applicant packages are received by December 31, 2009. However, all applications received by January 15, 2010, will receive consideration. Applicants should also arrange to have three reference letters sent directly to: hr_at_nrao.edu by the December 31st deadline. Please indicate "ALMA Commissioning Postdoc" in the subject line. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Al Wootten at awootten_at_nrao.edu. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V.

10. Stromlo Fellow Vacancy
From: Michelle McWilliam [Michelle.McWilliam_at_anu.edu.au]

The Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics (RSAA) of The Australian National University is seeking to appoint a distinguished early career researcher as Stromlo Fellow.

The Stromlo Fellow is expected to pursue a vigorous, full time, self-directed research program in astronomy and to provide academic leadership in their field of research. This is a five year, fixed-term appointment having a minimum salary of AU$74,447. The fellowship carries with it an annual research grant of AU$15,000 and is available from early 2010.

The School operates Siding Spring Observatory (SSO), near Coonabarabran in the central west of NSW. The primary ANU facility at SSO is a well-instrumented 2.3m telescope, which is being equipped with a new, high-efficiency optical integral field spectrograph (WiFeS). Siding Spring is also the site of ANU's new 1.3m SkyMapper telescope, which will undertake a 6-colour digital imaging survey of the entire southern sky, with additional time available for individual research projects.

The successful candidate will have access to world-class supercomputing facilities, and to Australia's national radio and optical/IR facilities. RSAA is a foundation member of the Giant Magellan Telescope consortium and is participating in the Murchison Wide-field Array consortium. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to supervise graduate students and to apply for additional research funding through the competitive grant schemes of the Australian Research Council.

Preferably candidates will have a background in one of the current research themes of the RSAA. These include: Stellar Astrophysics, Cosmology, Galactic Archaeology, Black Hole Phenomena and Planetary Science. However, we will give serious consideration to outstanding applicants in any field of astronomy and astrophysics.

We expect that the successful candidate will have demonstrated an excellent track record of independent research, and will have outlined an outstanding research program to be carried out during the term of the Fellowship. The successful candidate would typically have up to 5 years experience following their PhD.

We particularly encourage applications from women and minority groups.

Applicant enquiries can be made to Profesor Harvey Butcher at Director.RSAA_at_anu.edu.au or Geoff Bicknell at geoff_at_mso.anu.edu.au

Closing date is 15th January 2010.

Applications should be made online at http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/Jobs reference A460-09TG

10. Faculty Positions in Physics, University of California, Berkeley and
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
From: WIPHYS, Dec. 11, 2009

The Physics Department of the University of California, Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory intend to make two joint faculty appointments effective July 1, 2010.

One position is targeted for Computational Astrophysics; this appointment will be made jointly between the Physics Department and Nuclear Sciences and/or Physics Divisions at LBNL.

A second position is targeted for Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, with an intended focus on Local Probes and/or Materials; this appointment will be made jointly between the Physics Department and the Materials Sciences Division of LBNL.

These searches will be at a junior level, though an appointment at a senior level is possible if a candidate with outstanding breadth and record is identified; both positions will be at either the tenure track (assistant professor) level or tenured (associate professor or full professor) level depending on previous record.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply, and applications from minority and women candidates are especially encouraged. A curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests, and a list of at least 3 references (names and complete addresses including email) are required for consideration. UC Berkeley's Statement of Confidentiality can be found at: http://apo.chance.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html .

Online applications are strongly preferred. Please go to http://www.physics.berkeley.edu and click on the Faculty Job Listing link located in the right side bar. Follow the directions for self-registration, uploading of PDF's, and obtaining the URL for your letters of reference writers. For applicants at the assistant professor level, give this URL to at least 3 references and have them upload their letter.

For applicants who wish only to be considered at the associate or full professor level, it is sufficient to provide names and addresses in the initial application; the search committee will contact these references only after the applicant is selected for further consideration. If online application is not possible, mail curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of teaching and research interests, and names and full addresses of at least 3 references to:

Physics Department Search Committee University of California, Berkeley 366 LeConte Hall MC 7300 Berkeley, CA 94720-7300

Applications by E-mail or FAX will not be accepted. Applications should be received by Jan 12, 2010, at which time interviews will begin, but will be accepted until March 19, 2010. Applications submitted after close of business March 19, 2010 will not be considered. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.

11. Tenure-track Position, Experimental Space Physics, Univ. of New Hampshire
From: WIPHYS, Dec. 9, 2009

The Department of Physics at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the area of experimental space physics. We are currently seeking candidates who can strengthen our program in space physics and astrophysics through research using sounding rockets, balloons or small satellites (areas that are traditionally funded by NASA's Low Cost Access to Space program). The position will have half the normal teaching and service load and will be jointly appointed in the Space Science Center (part of the UNH Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space). Since the 1960s the Space Science Center has had a vigorous and internationally recognized graduate program in space research. This includes not only a long line of satellite missions (such as IBEX, STEREO, ACE, CLUSTER and CGRO), but also a series of suborbital projects using both sounding rockets and balloons. The suborbital program has strong components in auroral, upper atmosphere, solar and high-energy astrophysics research, all supported by a well-equipped machine shop, extensive environmental testing facilities and an experienced engineering staff. Successful candidates will be expected to develop externally funded research programs and to contribute significantly to the teaching mission of the Department of Physics. Information regarding research and educational programs within the Department of Physics and the Space Science Center may be found at www.physics.unh.edu and at www.eos.unh.edu/resctr/ssc.shtml, respectively.

The University actively creates and nurtures a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with a mutual respect and shared spirit of inquiry.

UNH is a Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant institution with approximately 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located near the New Hampshire seacoast and is within sixty miles of Boston, MA, Portland, ME and the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire. There are numerous departments and research institutes that provide excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary research (see www.ceps.unh.edu and www.eos.unh.edu).

Application review will begin on February 15, 2010 and continue until the position is filled. Electronic applications are requested. Applicants should send a CV, a statement of research accomplishments and plans, a statement on teaching, and also arrange for three electronic letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Ms. Robbin Williams at Robbin.Williams_at_unh.edu. Inquiries about the position should be addressed to Professor Mark McConnell at Mark.McConnell_at_unh.edu.

UNH is an equal opportunity employer, and strongly committed to achieving excellence through diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations of women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups.

12. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN

[Please remember to replace "_at_" in the below e-mail addresses.]

To submit to AASWOMEN: send email to aaswomen_at_aas.org

All material sent to that address will be posted unless you tell us otherwise (including your email address).

To subscribe or unsubscribe to AASWOMEN go to

http://lists.aas.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/aaswlist

and fill out the form.

If you experience any problems, please email itdept_at_aas.org

13. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN

Past issues of AASWOMEN are available at

http://www.aas.org/cswa/AASWOMEN.html

Each annual summary includes an index of topics covered.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

I’m planning a research sabbatical next year and by the way, we’re expecting a kid

Posted by Hannah

by Ann Hornschemeier

Next year is stacking up to be my dream year, which I’ll describe at the end of this blog. Hey, don’t skip or you’ll miss the point! Before the dream, however, came a bit of a nightmare. For a while we had major funding problems in my lab and the project work took so much of my time I was making little progress on my research. I did manage to win a research prize but was wondering if the way things were going if I was going to live up to that prize’s expectations.

A new research sabbatical program was announced just a few years ago at GSFC. What if I could spend an entire year doing research and be let off my project duties for a while? I really love working with engineers and instrument scientists, but project work can be extremely intense with major time periods with no breaks. You get research time during the down times, but sometimes I was completely spent at that point!

(click on "Link to full post" to continue reading)

Yes, I mentioned a kid in the title. So, in the mean time, my husband and I were hoping for a kid. I was working fairly hard on my project work, on lots of service-related duties, and with a student and a postdoc on research. I didn’t worry too much about working and being pregnant and/or raising a kid. My mother had three children and all three of us came at pre-determined times, full term and without a hitch. She managed to do this while being in law school, passing the bar exam and then getting elected judge for the first time.

I expected, like my mother, to plan when to have a kid. Things really did not work out that way. A few years go by, and suddenly the sabbatical proposal was coming due and I’m serving on the executive committee of my professional organization. The committee is planning a big meeting coming up in Hawaii in 2010. I think sarcastically to myself, maybe that is the only time I can have a kid…

Sure enough, I am at 21 weeks now… we are due April 15, 2010 and a long over-water flight in early March is ill advised by my doctor. I will not go to Hawaii. I’m okay with this. Hawaii will still be there and apparently there are >450 people planning to go. They are going to need my hotel room.

I had several reasons for not wanting to tell anyone about this pregnancy. First of all, even now, at 21 weeks, I have relatively little confidence that things are going to be OK. I know, rationally, that everything is actually okay, but reason isn’t penetrating through these feelings I have. We just received our first baby gift and my sister is planning a shower back home in Ohio. My belly is starting to grow out noticeably and I am become guardedly optimistic. Reality is finally setting in and we are apparently only 4.5 months from the main event!

I was also of course highly concerned about how my pregnancy would be perceived professionally. I have tried to build a bit of a reputation as a loyal and reasonably hard worker (reasonably hard : I’ve tried to have some kind of work/life balance, I do occasionally take a vacation, I do try to have time reserved for family and friends). I can’t always be there for my colleagues and coworkers, but I like to think that if they really need me, I’m going to come running to help. I worried that I would be written off.

I waited to hear about the sabbatical proposal before I made my announcement. I think the folks involved in the decision were extremely fair, but my decision was to not let my pregnancy be a possible source of bias. All of my colleagues and coworkers were very good about the news. Now, mind you, a few folks have said some silly things to me, but I was expecting that. It turns out those were folks I don’t work with as closely and they really had no idea what they were saying.

Everyone makes different decisions about when to disclose a pregnancy, and all the reasons behind those decisions are also different and can be quite complicated. I guess one message I’d like to get across is please don’t ever be offended to “not get the news” about a pregnancy. You can still celebrate about the arrival of the kid. Also, I feel very grateful to all the folks who talked to me about project work, astrophysics, and my research sabbatical plans after I delivered the baby news. So, I’d also encourage folks to try hard to get back to the professional discussions as soon as you can after the news (within reason… congrats, etc. are good of course!).

So now I have a dream year. I will be on maternity leave for a couple months and then I am on sabbatical, mostly at my home institution, for one year. By some miracle, there are four postdocs in my group now and I won a big grant. There is a large amount of community observing time approved on the project that I have been wanting to do for years. I accumulated lots of sick leave and annual leave. Several people have commented on how lucky I seem, how the stars have aligned. Despite this lengthy post, the full story was about 2-3 times as long… the truth is, this is a complete coincidence of timing, this was certainly not my original plan.

So, with my rediscovered, yet guarded, optimism I’m feeling a bit ready for 2010. Thanks for reading.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Nobel Prize Winning Women in Science

Posted by Hannah

I caught a re-broadcast of this radio program over the weekend and had to share: Nobel Prize winners Drs. Blackburn and Greider on the Diane Rehm show, also featuring Melody Barnes, who works in the Obama administration. They talk about the importance of mentoring and supporting women as they start having families. It's also nice to hear that the president cares about diversity in STEM.

Today, there's also a CNN article about Dr. Greider, who, as it turns out, is a single mom. What an inspiration!

Friday, December 4, 2009

AASWomen of December 4, 2009

Posted by Hannah

AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of December 4, 2009
eds. Joan Schmelz, Caroline Simpson & Michele Montgomery

This week's issues:

1. All of Us Must Work for Diversity

2. Follow Up: What Can You Negotiate in Your Job Offer?

3. In-/Appropriate Behavior Between Students and Advisors

4. Tips from the Top of the Career Ladder

5. Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics

6. APS Professional Skills Development Workshop, March 14

7. APS Childcare Grants Available

8. APS Minotiry Scholarships

9. Jefferson Science Fellowship

10. APS Congressional Science Fellowship 2010-2011

11. Four extragalactic postdoc positions at Swinburne University

12. Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research, Stanford University

13. Assistant or Associate Professor Position, NMSU

14. Four Tenure-Track Positions, Arizona State University

*** FOLLOWING JOB POSTINGS TAKEN FROM WIPHYS ***

15. Physics Lecturer Position, Wake Forest University

16. Physics Lab Instructor Position, Vassar College

17. Non-Tenure Track, Open Rank Position, George Washington University

18. Assistant Professor of Physics, Randolph College

19. Tenure Track Faculty Position in Physics, Rhodes College

20. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN

21. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN

1. All of Us Must Work for Diversity
From: Marc Postman [postman_at_stsci.edu]

[Please also see #3 on Student/Advisor Relationships and #4 on Survival in the Workplace, contributing articles to this theme.]

http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2009/12/all-of-us-must-work-for-diversity-by.html

2. Follow Up: What Can You Negotiate in Your Job Offer?
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu]

[We continue to summarize the major outcomes from the Women in Astronomy III conference held at the University of Maryland October 21-23, 2009 - Eds.]

Two posts were mistakenly omitted in our original list, one by Katy Flint from the National Postdoctoral Association and one in informal astronomy education that only wished to provide their first name. To read more on what postdocs and informal astronomy educators should consider in negotiating job offers, please see the Women in Astronomy blog at

http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/2009/11/what-can-you-negotiate-in-your-job.html

3. In-/Appropriate Behavior Between Students and Advisors
From: Adam Burgasser [aburgasser_at_ucsd.edu]

[We continue to summarize the major outcomes from the Women in Astronomy III conference held at the University of Maryland October 21-23, 2009 - Eds. The following is a summary by Michele M. Montgomery of one of the posters presented at this meeting. Please see #1 on Diversity and #4 on Survival in the Workplace, contributing articles to this theme.]

Adam Burgasser (UCSD/MIT) and Jacqueline Faherty (AMNH/SUNY Stony Brook) conducted a survey on "Perceptions of Appropriate Behavior Between Students and Advisors in Astronomy" and presented their results at the Women in Astronomy Conference that was held at the Universtiy of Maryland October 21-23, 2009. They studied various behavior scenarios between students and advisors including weight gain or loss; staying late for work; birthday or holiday gifts; hanging out; late-night at-home phone calls, among others.

Results of the survey include the following: Perceptions of behavior appropriateness vary with age and professional status, with younger astronomers and those at earlier stages in their career typically viewing behaviors as more appropriate. Perceptions of student/advisor behavior scenarios vary with the gender pairing, with behaviors from student/advisor pairs of different gender being viewed as more inappropiate.

One fact found from this survey is that female students are less likely to have a same gender advisor than male students, and this lack of diversity in gender pairings may negatively impact the female's student/advisor relationship. Another interesting find is that this survey attracted a small fraction of highly negative and fearful criticism from men, lending another conclusion that resistence to open discussion of appropriate behaviors between students and advisors continues today. For the full survey scope, limitations, biases, results, and conclusions, please see

http://web.mit.edu/~ajb/www/browndwarfs//wia2009/ .

4. Tips from the Top of the Career Ladder
From: Amy Simon-Miller and John Pearl
[amy.a.simon-miller_at_nasa.gov and john.c.pearl_at_nasa.gov]

[The following is a contribution from Amy Simon-Miller and John Pearl, summarized by Michele M. Montgomery. Please see also #1 on Diversity and #3 on advisor/student behaviors, contributing articles to this theme.]

In the Opinion section of Nature (Vol. 462/12 November 2009), the book "Beyond the Boys Club: Strategies for Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male-dominated Field" is reviewed. The author, Suzanne Doyle-Morris, interviews 21 senior women from a wide range of backgrounds to discover their survival skills in the male-dominated workplace. The senior women vary in age and fields: One is a senior diplomat, another is a retired archaelogist, and a third is a professor at the University of Cambridge. Doyle-Morris argues that women face difficulties in the work place mostly due to old career structures. She also finds that career advancement is not entirely based on merit and is more based on marketing, relationships, and a good profile. The rise to the top is slow in science and engineering. In the United Kingdom, about 70% of women holding degrees in science, engineering, and technology do not work in the field. Advice from professors who have stayed in the field suggest mentoring, flexible working time in laboratories, specializing in a field other than your PhD topic during postdoc years, and finding cross-disciplinary collaborations. The book also offers suggestions on developing relationships, raising your profile, building your image, networking, risk taking, negotiating politics, and choosing a mentor.

5. Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics
From: WIPHYS, November 30

Four conferences for undergraduate women in physics (CUWPs) will be held simultaneously in four locations around the United States, January 15 17, 2010. Travel funding is available (see websites for details).

1) Midwest CUWP: The Ohio State University http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/undergrad/WiP_Conference/

2) Northeast CUWP: Yale University http://www.yale.edu/spsyale/cuwpy/

3) Southeast CUWP: Duke University/North Carolina State University/North Carolina Central University/University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill http://southeastcuwp.org

4) West Coast CUWP: University of California at Santa Cruz http://dave.ucsc.edu/wipconf

The CUWP goals are to help young women continue in physics by providing them with the opportunity to experience a professional conference, information about graduate school and professions in physics, and access to other women in physics of all ages with whom they can share experiences, advice, and ideas. Our programs include research talks by faculty, panel discussions about graduate school and careers in physics, presentations and discussions about women in physics, laboratory tours, student research talks, a student poster session, and several meals during which presenters and students interact with each other.

6. APS Professional Skills Development Workshop, March 14
From: WIPHYS, December 2

The American Physical Society offer a Professional Skills Development Workshops for Women Physicists on Sunday, March 14 in Portland, Oregon in association with the APS Annual Meeting there. The workshop will be aimed at women post docs and tenure-track women faculty

The deadline to apply is December 7, 2009. First consideration will go to applications received by that date, and the workshop will be limited in size for optimal benefits. All participants are eligible to receive a stipend to help cover the cost of travel and up to two nights lodging.

Women of color are especially encouraged to apply.

The workshop is aimed towards enhancing the status of women in physics, by providing professional training on effective negotiation, communication and leadership skills for female physicists in a position to become the future leaders. In addition, the workshop will offer a special opportunity for networking at a reception to follow.

Information is now posted at

http://www.aps.org/programs/women/workshops/skills/index.cfm .

This program is supported by an award from the National Science Foundation. Questions? Please contact Sue Otwell at APS otwell_at_aps.org.

7. APS Childcare Grants Available

Small grants of up to $400 are available to assist meeting attendees at the APS annual meetings who are bringing small children or who incur extra expenses in leaving them at home.

Applications for the grants must be received by December 15, 2009 (for the February/April meeting in Washington, DC) and by January 15, 2010 (for the March meeting in Portland, Oregon) to be considered by a subcommittee of the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics (CSWP). In the event that the number of requests for grants exceeds the funding available, preference will be given to applicants in the early stages of their careers.

Information is posted on the Meetings website at

http://www.aps.org/meetings/april/services/childcare.cfm

(for the February/April meeting) and at

http://www.aps.org/meetings/march/services/childcare.cfm

(for the March meeting).

8. APS Minotiry Scholarships
From: WIPHYS, December 3

Do you know a minority high school senior, college freshman or sophomore who is interested in majoring in physics and could benefit from a scholarship with built-in mentoring?

The American Physical Society is once again pleased to offer the APS Scholarship Program for Minority Undergraduate Physics Majors. This excellent, highly competitive scholarship program not only provides funding to students, but also a great deal of student support. We encourage all eligible students to apply right away using our new online application.

Eligibility includes: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, or Native Americans • High school seniors, college freshmen or sophomores • US citizens or permanent legal residents • Physics majors and those planning to major in physics

Award: $2,000 for new students, and $3,000 for renewal students A local physics mentor An APS physics mentor

To Apply: Check out the easy-to-use online application:

http://aps.org/programs/minorities/honors/scholarship/

Deadline: February 5, 2010

The online application form must be completed and all supporting documents must be postmarked by the deadline date

Questions? Email minorityscholarship_at_aps.org

9. Jefferson Science Fellowship
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery_at_physics.ucf.edu]

Tenured academic scientists and engineers from U.S. institutions of higher education, that are U.S. citizens, and that can maintain security clearances are eligibile to become Jeffereson Science Fellows. These fellows spend one year in Washington D.C. at the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) or at U.S. foreign embassays and/or missions. Fellows provide up-to-date expertise in science, technology, or engineering that routinely impact the policy decisions encountered by the U.S. Department of State/USAID. To read more about the requirements, tasks, and eligibility requirements, please see

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/Jefferson/ .

10. APS Congressional Science Fellowship 2010-2011
From: WIPHYS, November 23

The American Physical Society is currently accepting applications for the Congressional Science Fellowship Program. Fellows serve one year on the staff of a senator, representative or congressional committee. They are afforded an opportunity to learn the legislative process and explore science policy issues from the lawmakers' perspective. In turn, Fellows have the opportunity to lend scientific and technical expertise to public policy issues.

Qualifications include a PhD or equivalent in physics or a closely related field, a strong interest in science and technology policy and, ideally, some experience in applying scientific knowledge toward the solution of societal problems. Fellows are required to be U.S. citizens and members of the APS.

Term of Appointment is one year, beginning in September of 2010 with participation in a two week orientation sponsored by AAAS. Fellows have considerable choice in congressional assignments.

A stipend is offered in addition to allowances for relocation, in-service travel, and health insurance premiums.

Application should consist of a letter of intent of no more than 2-pages, a 2-page resume: with one additional page for publications, and three letters of reference. Please see the APS website

http://www.aps.org/policy/fellowships/congressional.cfm

for detailed information on materials required for applying and other information on the program.

All application materials must be submitted online by January 15, 2010.

11. Four extragalactic postdoc positions at Swinburne University
From: Sarah Maddison [smaddison_at_swin.edu.au]

We have available four postdoctoral research positions in extragalactic astronomy in the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. The application deadline for all is 15 January 2010. The four positions are:

- High-Redshift Galaxy Evolution (observational) with Prof. Karl Glazebrook http://members.aas.org/JobReg/JobDetailPage.cfm?JobID=26149

- Galaxy Evolution/Large-scale Structure/Cosmology (theoretical/numerical) with Dr. Darren Croton http://members.aas.org/JobReg/JobDetailPage.cfm?JobID=26162

- Extragalactic Astrophysics and the IGM (observational) with Dr. Emma Ryan-Webber http://members.aas.org/JobReg/JobDetailPage.cfm?JobID=26161

- Large-scale Structure and Dark Energy (observational/survey analysis) with the WiggleZ Team http://members.aas.org/JobReg/JobDetailPage.cfm?JobID=26160

The Swinburne Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing

http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/

is one of the most vibrant astronomy institutes in Australia, comprising more than 45 researchers (15 of whom are permanent research-active staff members), providing an outstanding research and mentoring environment for incoming postdocs. We provide access to state-of-the-art High Performance Computing (1160 core 'green machine' in-house) and large optical telescope facilities (up to 10m). We have the largest extragalactic group in Australia, including three QEII Fellows, two ARC International Fellows and one Australian Professorial Fellow.

12. Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research, Stanford University
From: WIPHYS, November 24

The Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University invites applications for residential fellowships for the academic year 2010-2011 from tenured and tenure-track faculty (or the equivalent), and postdoctoral scholars, from the U.S. and international universities.

Applications for one, two or three quarters will be considered. Fellows must remain on faculty and be in residence at the Clayman Institute for the duration of their fellowship. Fellowships will be non-stipendiary in 2010-2011, except for the postdoctoral appointment where stipend and benefits will be set and adjusted in accordance with Stanford University rules.

Fellows are provided with faculty-equivalent privileges for using Stanford's library and other facilities, an office at the Institute, and the collegiality of a diverse community of gender scholars from across the spectrum of academic disciplines and ranks.

Thematic Focus: "Reinvigorating the Revolution: Advancing Gender Equality in the Twenty-first Century"

Projects are supported in all disciplines including the humanities, social sciences, science and engineering, business, law, and medicine, among others, so long as they focus centrally on gender. Possible sub-topics include (but are not limited to): -The gender division of household labor -Families and women's careers: the 2nd shift, opting out, on-ramping, and flexible schedules -Representations of women in culture and history -Gender stereotyping and bias in the workplace -Gendered meanings and practices at work and home -Women's experiences in male-dominated fields, such as science and engineering -Gendered innovations in knowledge: Bringing gender analysis into the practice of science -Gender and culture in history or literature -Advancing women's progress in the professions of business, medicine, and law -Historical and cross-national comparisons of women's educational and occupational progress -Effects of legal mandates (such a Title IX and FMLA) on women's careers -National policies, organizational polices, and work-family balance: what works? -Men's involvement in gender equality movements -Gender, leadership, and entrepreneurship

How to Apply: Applications are to be received in our office by 5:00pm (PST) on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Instructions and detailed information are available at

http://gender.stanford.edu

under Fellowships.

13. Assistant or Associate Professor Position, NMSU
From: Ofelia Ruiz [oruiz_at_nmsu.edu]

The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Department of Astronomy invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position in Solar/Stellar astrophysics beginning August 2010. We expect that this appointment will be filled at the level of Assistant Professor, but appointment at the Associate Professor level may be possible in exceptional cases.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a closely related field. Candidates with a demonstrable research record in fields associated with work done at the National Solar Observatory (NSO) are encouraged to apply. Example fields include solar/stellar structure and dynamics, solar activity, space weather, spectropolarimetry, MHD, and the solar-stellar connection. See the NSO Long Range Plan FY2009-2013 available on the NSO web site for further details. Of particular interest are candidates with expertise in solar or stellar pulsations and also high-resolution solar observations and their interpretation. The successful candidate will ideally provide evidence of their ability to deliver high quality instruction at the graduate and undergraduate levels, a sustained external research funding record, and experience as an advisor to MS and PhD students.

The Department is involved in a wide range of astronomical research. We also benefit from membership in the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC) and its Apache Point Observatory (APO) 3.5-meter telescope. The Department operates its own 1-meter telescope at APO, is a member of the Sloan III project, and is a user of numerous ground based observatories and NASA scientific satellites. Additional Department information can be found at

http://astronomy.nmsu.edu .

NMSU serves a diverse undergraduate and graduate population of 18,500 students. Located in Las Cruces (the state's second largest city), NMSU is within driving distance of: the Apache Point Observatory, the National Solar Observatory, the NRAO Very Large Array, the McDonald Observatory, and Kitt Peak National Observatory.

To be considered for this position, send a cover letter, a brief statement of research interests and plans (including a discussion of anticipated research directions over the next five years), a brief description of teaching experience and philosophy, unofficial transcripts of PhD and a curriculum vitae to:

Dr. Bernard McNamara Chair, Faculty Search Committee Department of Astronomy New Mexico State University, MSC 4500 1320 Frenger St. Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

Applicants should arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be sent to the above address. Review of completed applications will begin January 1, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled or closed. Questions can be addressed to: astfaculty_at_nmsu.edu or (575) 646-4438.

New Mexico State University is an EEO/AA Employer. Offer of employment contingent upon verification of individual's eligibility for employment in the United States. All offers of employment, oral and written are contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal law, state law, and NMSU policies/procedures, and will include the completion of a criminal history check.

14. Four Tenure-Track Positions, Arizona State University
From: James Rhoads [James.Rhoads_at_asu.edu]

We are seeking to hire faculty in the areas of

- Extrasolar planet studies - Observational cosmology - Instrumentation development - Planetary atmospheres

Extrasolar Planet Studies at the School of Earth and
Space Exploration, Arizona State University:

We welcome candidates who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary research on the nature, formation, and evolution of extrasolar planets. Both observational and theoretical studies are of interest. Specific research areas might include but are not limited to: spectroscopy of planets and their host stars, novel techniques used to search for and characterize exoplanets, planetary interior models, and planetary dynamics. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant's research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references.

Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac_at_asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.

Observational Cosmology

The ASU Cosmology Initiative, a joint venture of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Department of Physics, seeks to hire a junior faculty member in observational cosmology.

The ideal candidate would be an observer engaged in exciting forefront research targeting at least one of the following areas: The cosmic dark ages, First Light and reionization, galaxy assembly and evolution, AGN and supermassive black holes, or large scale structure. The position will build on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope, be able to use the refurbished Hubble, and in the future the James Webb Space Telescope and other facilities.

The successful candidate would join the faculty in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). They will have the opportunity to interact with colleagues working on a wide range of topics including galaxy formation, galaxy evolution, and reionization; dark matter and dark energy; particle astrophysics and the physics of the early universe; stellar physics and cosmic explosions; star-formation and stellar evolution; the formation and evolution of planetary systems; astronomical instrumentation; astrobiology; planetary geology; and geophysics and geology.

Faculty at ASU can apply for time on Arizona Observatory facilities, including the 6.5m MMT at Mt Hopkins, the two 6.5m Magellan telescopes in Chile, the 2.3m Bok and 1.8m VATT telescopes, the 2x8.4m LBT at Mt Graham, and the 10m Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope, with access to the 22m Giant Magellan Telescope anticipated upon its completion. In addition, they have access to on-site facilities including laboratories and clean rooms.

ASU offers a stimulating intellectual environment, along with competitive salary, benefits, and startup packages.

Candidates should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or physics, or an equivalent qualification. They should also have a strong record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature. A demonstrated record of obtaining research funding will be a plus.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a full curriculum vitae, a research and teaching statement, and contact information for 3 references. Letters of recommendation (PDF or Word preferred) should be emailed separately to cosmology_at_asu.edu. Please reference the applicant's name in the subject line of the email.

Applications can be submitted online at

http://sese.asu.edu/node/add/applicant-faculty

Deadline: December 15, 2009

Please direct questions to cosmology_at_asu.edu .

Instrumentation Development

The ASU Cosmology Initiative, a joint venture of ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration and the Department of Physics, seeks to hire either a senior or junior faculty member working in instrumentation development for cosmology or a closely related branch of astrophysics. These instrumentation efforts can be space based, suborbital, balloon or aircraft, and/or include building ground-based instruments. The university is prepared to make substantial investments in the infrastructure necessary to support this position.

The successful candidate would join the faculty in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). They will have the opportunity to interact with colleagues working on a wide range of topics including galaxy formation, galaxy evolution, and reionization; dark matter and dark energy; particle astrophysics and the physics of the early universe; stellar physics and cosmic explosions; star formation and stellar evolution in cosmological contexts; the formation and evolution of planetary systems; astronomical instrumentation; astrobiology; planetary geology; and geophysics and geology.

Faculty at ASU can apply for time on Arizona Observatory facilities, including the 6.5m MMT at Mt Hopkins, the two 6.5m Magellan telescopes in Chile, the 2.3m Bok and 1.8m VATT telescopes, the 2x8.4m LBT at Mt Graham, and the 10m Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope, with access to the 22m Giant Magellan Telescope anticipated upon its completion. In addition, they have access to onsite facilities including laboratories and clean rooms.

ASU offers a stimulating intellectual environment, along with competitive salary, benefits, and startup packages.

Applications can be submitted online at

http://sese.asu.edu/node/add/applicant-faculty

Deadline: December 15, 2009

Please direct questions to cosmology_at_asu.edu.

ASU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that actively seeks diversity among applicants and promotes a diverse workforce.

Planetary Atmospheres at the School of Earth and Space Exploration,
Arizona State University:

We welcome applications from those who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary studies of planetary atmospheres. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Atmospheres of all planetary bodies are of interest, including those of Mars, Titan, gas giants, and hot Jupiter-like planets in extrasolar systems. Areas of interest include: atmospheric dynamics at global, regional, or mesoscales, atmospheric state, composition, origin and evolution, and surface-atmosphere interactions. These studies could be focused on numerical modeling, observations, data analysis, instrument design and development, or some combination of these approaches. Successful applicants will be expected to interact with the current and future SESE directions, including planetary surface processes and dynamics, astrobiology, climatology, and/or the formation and evolution of planets and planetary systems.

Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant?s research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Inquiries and applications must be addressed to Kip Hodges, Director, School of Earth and Space Exploration, and submitted electronically to sesenewfac_at_asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred.

Full job ads are available in context at

http://sese.asu.edu/opportunities .

15. Physics Lecturer Position, Wake Forest University
From: WIPHYS, November 23

Wake Forest University invites applications for a lecturer position in physics at the junior or senior level to begin in the fall semester of 2010. Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in physics and have experience teaching introductory physics. The initial appointment will be for two years, with future appointments renewable at the end of each appointment term.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching lower level physics courses and laboratories for science and non science majors. Responsibilities will also include undergraduate advising and developing and teaching a first year seminar course. Interests in one or more of the following would strengthen a candidate’s application: an interest in teaching introductory astronomy, familiarity with new teaching methods and technologies, and interest in grant writing for educational purposes.

Wake Forest University is a highly ranked, private university with about 4500 undergraduates, 750 graduate students, and 1700 students in the professional schools of medicine, law, divinity and business.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV including details of all teaching experience, a one page statement of their teaching philosophy, and the names of three references to the Physics Lecturer Search Committee, Department of Physics, P.O. Box 7507, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC 27109 7507. Application materials can also be sent electronically in the form of a single PDF document to wfuphysrecruit_at_lists.wfu.edu. Review of applications will begin January 5, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. Further information is available at

http://www.wfu.edu/physics .

Wake Forest University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

16. Physics Lab Instructor Position, Vassar College
From: Debra Elegreen [elmegreen_at_vassar.edu]

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vassar College invites applications for a one-year position as lab instructor in physics at the lecturer level beginning in September 2010, with the possibility of a longer-term position pending budgetary approval.

Vassar College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.

Applicants should have a minimum of a master?s degree in physics. Preference will be given to those with teaching and/or laboratory experience. The successful candidate is expected to teach the introductory physics labs (four each semester) as well as an additional physics course to be determined. The department currently consists of four physicists and two astronomers; their research specialties are detailed on the department homepage

http://physicsandastronomy.vassar.edu .

Candidates should submit (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a statement of teaching interest and laboratory experience, and (3) arrange for three letters of recommendation. To apply, please visit

https://employment.vassar.edu/ .

Applications received by February 15 will be given full consideration; applications received after that date will be considered until the position is filled. Salaries are competitive. Vassar College is a liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2450 students. The 1000-acre campus is located in Poughkeepsie, 75 miles north of New York City along the Hudson River.

17. Non-Tenure Track, Open Rank Position, George Washington University
From: WIPHYS, December 2, 2009

The George Washington University Honors Program is seeking to fill an open rank, non tenure-accruing appointment for a three-year contractual period, beginning Fall 2010. The position may be renewed subject to performance. The desirable field of specialization is science education with particular expertise in physics education research.

Basic Qualifications: Applicants must have completed the Ph.D. in Physics by 1 August 2010, have excellent teaching skills as demonstrated by teaching assessments and references, and have a desire to teach at the undergraduate level.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in the applicability of physics education research to science education more generally is highly desirable as in interest in interdisciplinary science education. The successful candidate will teach six courses per year for the University Honors Program and may expect to play a leadership role in developing and assessing the science curriculum.

Application Procedure: only complete applications will be considered. To be considered, send letter of application, cv, three letters of reference, a brief statement of teaching objectives and methods, along with summaries of teaching evaluations and/or classroom observations, samples of scholarly publications, and official academic transcripts to:

University Honors Program Science Education Search 714 21st Street, NW George Washington University Washington, DC 20052

Review of applications will begin after 30 December 2009 and will continue until the position is filled.

The George Washington University seeks to attract an active, culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber. The George Washington University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

18. Assistant Professor of Physics, Randolph College
From: WIPHYS November 23, 2009

Tenure-track position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, beginning July 1, 2010. A Ph.D. in Physics or closely-related discipline is required. Teaching experience in basic engineering courses and/or astronomy is desired.

We seek a natural scientist whose first priority is high-quality teaching, including research with students, in a competitive liberal arts college. The successful candidate will demonstrate ability and interest in teaching and scholarship, enthusiasm for community involvement, and will help to develop and strengthen the physics programs. Responsibilities include teaching introductory and upper-level physics, possibly teaching basic engineering courses or astronomy, developing and modernizing laboratories at all levels, and scholarship that encourages undergraduate research.

Modest start-up funds are available, and pursuit of external funding for research is encouraged. Review of applications will begin December 15 and continue until the position is filled.

Send curriculum vitae, cover letter, transcripts, and statement of teaching philosophy to Dr. Peter Sheldon, Physics Department, Randolph College, 2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA, 24503 or to psheldon_at_randolphcollege.edu. EOE

[For more information, please see

http://web.randolphcollege.edu/humanresources/employment_opps.asp#314 ]

19. Tenure Track Faculty Position in Physics, Rhodes College
From: WIPHYS, November 24

The Department of Physics invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor beginning fall 2010. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, and candidates with either theoretical or experimental research interests are welcome to apply. The successful applicant must demonstrate an enthusiasm for teaching, the ability to teach at all levels of a rigorous undergraduate physics curriculum, and the potential to carry out a productive research program involving undergraduate students. Individuals who can support our curriculum in the area of astronomy/astrophysics and who have interests that go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries are encouraged to apply. The Department of Physics has significant resources for faculty and student research; see www.rhodes.edu/physics for information about the department.

All application materials are to be submitted electronically. Applicants should combine their CV, transcripts (undergraduate and graduate), a statement of teaching philosophy, and a description of research plans (stating explicitly how undergraduate students will be involved) into one pdf document less than 7 MB in size and email it to PhysicsSearch_at_rhodes.edu. Candidates should arrange to have three letters of recommendation (at least one should speak to the candidate’s teaching abilities) sent to PhysicsSearch_at_rhodes.edu. For information about the position, please contact Dr. Ann Viano, chair of the Search Committee, at viano_at_rhodes.edu . Review of completed applications will begin on January 4, 2010.

Founded in 1848, Rhodes College is a highly selective, private, residential, undergraduate college, located in Memphis, Tennessee. We aspire to graduate students with a lifelong passion for learning, a compassion for others, and the ability to translate academic study and personal concern into effective leadership and action in their communities and the world. We encourage applications from candidates interested in helping us achieve this vision. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce.

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