AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of August 25, 2006
eds. Patricia Knezek, Jim Ulvestad, & Joan Schmelz
This week's issues:
1. How to be a Better Advisor
2. Modified Planetary Mnemonic
3. Project Encourages Girls to Chase Science & Technology Careers
4. Several Interesting Articles from Washington Wire
5. Girls and Science: Call for Proposals
6. Postdoctoral positions at NOAO
7. NRAO Positions
8. Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Dickinson College
9. Assistant Professor - Experimental High Energy Astrophysics, Univ. of Iowa
10. TWO Tenure Track Positions in Extragalactic Astronomy
****** The following position was taken from WIPHYS **********
11. Faculty Position, Theoretical Astrophysics, Vanderbilt University
12. How to submit, subscribe, or unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
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1. How to be a Better Advisor
From: Joan Schmelz [jschmelz
memphis.edu]
I’m collecting advice on how to be a better advisor for grad students. We
already have a Top 10 list, which was distributed via AASWOMEN on August 4th,
but this request is for something more specific.
In Astronomy, we find ourselves in a situation where most advisors are men,
while (hopefully!) more and more of the students are women. It is well known
that men and women communicate differently, and this applies to astronomers,
too.
What does a male advisor do, for example, when his female grad student comes
into his office and breaks into tears? This can be quite a shock for the
advisor. Can we give him some advice on what to do and what not to do? Can we
explain to him what these tears mean and don't mean?
His first reaction might be to comfort her, the way he might comfort his
daughter when she is crying. Is it _ever_ appropriate for the male advisor
to hug his female student? Can he pat her shoulder? No? What should he do
instead?
On the other hand, he might panic because he has no experience with tears.
He needs to recognize that this is a completely natural reaction, _not_ the
end of the world. It is an emotional response to a problem, and he needs to
help her calm down so she can tell him about it. What should he do?
Would anyone be willing to help me put together some advice on what an
advisor should and shouldn't do in this particular situation or other
situations that might be important?
Thanks,
Joan Schmelz
Physics Department
University of Memphis
jschmelzmemphis.edu
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2. Modified Planetary Mnemonic
From: Phyllis Lugger [luggerindiana.edu]
Given the revised status of Pluto, it seems that children will need a new
mnemonic for remembering the planets. The one that I learned as a child at
the McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis was:
My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. (I don't know the author.)
I suggest the following modified version keeping with the theme of foods that
children enjoy:
My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos.
I wrote to Owen Gingerich with this mnemonic yesterday and he said that he
thought this modification should work well. As you may know, Owen has a long
interest in mnemonics for the stellar classification system.
My daughter, Amy (age 10), likes the nachos version.
Phyllis Lugger, Professor
Dept. of Astronomy
Indiana University
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3. Project Encourages Girls to Chase Science & Technology Careers
From: John Mather [John.C.Mathernasa.gov]
National Academies article in "In Focus" magazine describes a project that
encourages girls to chase science & technology careers:
http://infocusmagazine.org/6.2/meetings.html
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4. Several Interesting Articles from Washington Wire
From: Meg Urry [meg.urryyale.edu]
There are several interesting articles (pregnant pause, PECASE award, Wall
Street trends) and important info about scholarships available in the August
15, 2006 issue of The Washington Wire:
http://www.awis.org/pubs/wireArchive/wire_060815.html
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5. Girls and Science: Call for Proposals
From: WIPHYS August 25, 2006
The Feminist Press, in collaboration with The National Science Foundation, is
exploring new ways to get girls and young women interested in science. While
there are many library resources featuring biographies of women scientists
that are suitable for school reports, these are rarely the books that girls
seek out themselves to read for pleasure. What would a book, or series of
books, about science that girls really want to read look like? That is the
question we want to answer.
You’ll find several requests for specific proposals at our website. One calls
for scientific detective stories based on the life, research, and discoveries
of real women scientists. Another calls for stories featuring real young women-
aspiring gymnasts, ice skaters, actors, dancers--using a knowledge of science
to help them become really good at what they do. A third recognizes how popular
Manga and graphic novels are with girls, and asks for imaginative new
collaborations between Manga writers and artists to create adventures about
girls who use real science to accomplish their goals. If any of these three
book ideas interest you, please check out our website
www.feministpress.org
for more information about deadline and how to submit proposals.
But we do not want to limit our exploration. If you are a writer and have an
idea for a book or series of books that is guaranteed to get girls excited
about science, we want to hear from you. You may want to create a girl
detective series featuring a set of friends-from geeks to sports nuts to
mechanical geniuses-each with a knowledge of science that helps in solving
crimes. You may want to create a story about a shy girl who goes on field
trips with her favorite aunt, a forensic anthropologist, and helps to solve
problems as she learns to think like a Dr. Bones. You may want to tell the
story of a young science fiction writer who needs to study different fields
of science in order to create her adventures. Whatever your vision, if you can
write like a dream and can create works that are guaranteed to instill a
curiosity about science in girls and young women, send us your proposals. We
want to hear from you.
All proposals will be reviewed. Several proposals will be offered standard
contracts.
Publisher: The Feminist Press at City University of New York as part of a
National Science Foundation grant. (see feministpress.org)
Deadline: October 31, 2006
Format: Proposals should describe the project, the plot, characters, and
length. No more than ten pages please.
How to submit: Electronic submission (word doc) to fhowegc.cuny.edu
with the subject line "Girls and Science."
Please include in the body of your email your address, phone number, email
address and a short bio. Please also attach a brief sample of your writing
(about five pages), and a resume that includes information about publications.
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6. Postdoctoral positions at NOAO
From: Pat Knezek [pknezeknoao.edu]
Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Job #806
The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) in Tucson, Arizona, invites
applications for two or more postdoctoral researchers in observational galaxy
evolution.
One or more positions will be available for work with Mark Dickinson and
colleagues on science from a new Spitzer Legacy survey, a deep/wide far-infrared
survey of cosmological star formation and AGN activity. This project, which is
currently lacking a catchy acronym, has been awarded 397 hours with Spitzer/MIPS
to survey 0.5 square degrees in two main fields: the Extended Chandra Deep Field
South (EGS), and the Extended Groth Strip (EGS/AEGIS). 70 micron imaging for 0.05
square degrees in GOODS-N is also being completed. The program will study high
redshift, dust obscured star formation and AGN using the deepest and most
extensive 70 micron Spitzer data, as well as 24 micron data with "near-GOODS"
depth.
The survey fields have extensive, multiwavelength data from Spitzer, Chandra,
HST, and ground-based telescopes. Successful applicants will be expected to
take leading roles in research projects, as well as to help with the data
reduction and analysis, and to work with supporting data from other facilities
or new observing programs. This survey begins collecting data in late August
2006, and will continue through summer 2007. Successful candidates could begin
work immediately, and applicants who would be available soon are strongly
encouraged to apply. However, this is not a requirement.
Another position will be available for work with Arjun Dey, Buell Jannuzi,
Mark Dickinson, and others, on "intersurvey" research, analyzing data from
complementary wide-field and deep surveys such as the NOAO Deep Wide-Field
Survey (NDWFS), the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS), the new
Spitzer Legacy MIPS survey described above, and perhaps others. Combining the
strengths of these surveys, which cover a wide swath of area/depth parameter
space, will make it possible to address questions in galaxy evolution utilizing
large samples spanning a wide range of redshift and environment. We intend to
focus on studies generally beyond the scope of any individual survey, such as
the evolution of rare populations, clustering evolution, and environmental
dependencies of galaxy evolution. The successful applicant will be largely able
to determine the direction of the research program based on their interests.
Applicants are sought with interest and experience in observational studies
of galaxy evolution formation, evolution, and clustering. Expertise in any of
the following topics would be preferred: optical and near-infrared spectroscopy
of distant galaxies, photometric redshift estimation, interpretation of galaxy
properties from broad-band spectral energy distributions, star formation and
stellar populations at high redshift, and the interplay between star formation
and AGN activity. Skills for analyzing and organizing complex, multiwavelength
data sets are a plus.
Appointments are initially for one year, with extension for up to three years
contingent on performance and funding.
Applicants should submit a CV, a list of publications, and a statement of
current and future research interests electronically to
hrnoaonoao.edu, reference
#806 Postdoctoral Research in Observational Galaxy Evolution, by 30
October 2006. Early applications will be considered immediately for the Spitzer
Legacy survey positions. Please arrange to have three letters of reference
sent electronically (preferred) to hrnoaonoao.edu
or by mail to the address below. Applications will be considered for
all of the positions described here, but please state if you have a
preference or special interest among these projects. Questions may
be directed to Mark Dickinson, mednoao.edu.
Send resume to:
Human Resources Office
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
P.O. Box 26732
Tucson, Arizona 85726-6732
Email: hrnoaonoao.edu
FAX: 520-318-8494
NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers.
Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono
O'Odham reservation.
NOAO and NSO foster a diverse research environment. Women and candidates from
under represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Job #803
Applications are invited to apply for a postdoctoral research position at the
National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO). The successful applicant will
work with Dr. Steve B. Howell on studies related to the NASA KEPLER Discovery
Mission, a dedicated mission to search for photometric transits of Earth-like
extra-solar planets.
The successful applicant should be proficient in:
* Astronomical observations (optical and IR imaging and spectroscopy)
* Knowledge of the astrophysical properties of stars (temperature, radius, etc.)
* Knowledge of extra-solar planets
* Ability to develop software models and run simulations of photometric transits
* Ability to search and work with large databases knowledge of IRAF, programming,
and data reduction
* Proficiency at report writing, oral presentations at meetings, and production
of scientific papers
* Additional experience with space missions, knowledge of CCD detectors,
observational work in photometry and extra-solar planet detection would be
beneficial
The appointment will be made for an initial period for one year with some
possibility for an extension to three years, contingent on performance and
funding.
Application review will begin 15 Aug. 2006 and continue until the position is
filled. The desired starting date is approximately September 2006. Applicants
should send electronically a cover letter with a curriculum vitae, publication
record, and description of research interests/experience and provide names of
at least three referees willing to write letters of recommendation or may be
mailed to the address provided.
NOAO offers an excellent benefit package, competitive salaries, and a
stimulating research environment. The annual salary is dependent on the
qualification and experience of the applicant.
Please apply electronically to: hrnoaonoao.edu (preferred)
or mail to the address given below.
Make reference to the Job Title & Job Number when applying.
Send resume to:
Human Resources Office
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
P.O. Box 26732
Tucson, Arizona 85726-6732
Email: hrnoaonoao.edu
FAX: 520-318-8494
NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers.
Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono
O'Odham reservation.
NOAO and NSO foster a diverse research environment. Women and candidates from
under represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.
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7. NRAO Positions
From: Fonda Bryant [fbryantnrao.edu]
Jansky Fellowships 2007
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) announces the 2007 postdoctoral
Jansky Fellowship program that provides outstanding opportunities for research
in astronomy. The Jansky Fellows formulate and carry out investigations either
independently or in collaboration with others within the wide framework of
interests of the Observatory. Prior radio experience is not required and multi-
wavelength projects leading to a synergy with NRAO instruments are encouraged.
The NRAO also encourages applications from candidates with interest in radio
astronomy instrumentation, computation, and theory.
The starting salary will be $50,000 per year with an appointment duration of
two years that may be renewed for a third year. There is a research budget of
$7,000 per year for travel and computing requirements. In addition, page charge
support, as well as vacation accrual, health insurance, and a moving allowance
are provided as well as up to $3,000 per year to defray local institutional
costs.
Up to three appointments will be made annually for positions at any of the
NRAO sites (Socorro, NM; Green Bank, WV; and Charlottesville, VA). The Jansky
Fellows are encouraged to spend time at universities working with collaborators
during the course of their fellowship. In addition, up to three Jansky Fellow
appointments will be made annually for positions that may be located at a US
university or research institute. Frequent and/or long term visits to the NRAO
sites are encouraged.
The NRAO web site at
http://www.nrao.edu/administration/directors_office/jansky-postdocs.shtml
provides a description of the application process and other relevant details.
The candidates must receive their PhD prior to beginning the appointment.
The deadline for applications and letters of recommendation is November 17,
2006. The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/H/V).
Award offers will be made by February 15, 2007 with the Fellowships expected
to begin in September 2007.
NRAO EVLA Postdoctoral Position
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Related URL:
http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/evla/
The Very Large Array (VLA) is now mid-way through its conversion to the
Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA). When completed in 2012, the EVLA will
improve centimeter wavelength radio astronomy capabilities by an order of
magnitude or more over those of the VLA through its complete frequency
coverage, micro-Jy sensitivity, and fabulous spectral imaging capabilities,
all of which will be enabled by new electronics, hardware, software, and a new
correlator. These new capabilities will enable significant scientific advances
in fields such as star formation and galaxy formation, and will complement the
Atacama Large Millimeter Array that is presently under construction.
NRAO invites applications for a postdoctoral appointment which will be 50%
independent research, and 50% assisting with the commissioning of the new
hardware and/or software for the EVLA. The position will be located at the
Array Operations Center in Socorro, New Mexico.
The starting salary will be $46,000 per year. The appointment duration is two
years, with the possibility of extension to a third year subject to funding
availability and satisfactory performance. Conference and observing travel will
be supported, and page charge support, vacation accrual, health insurance, and
a moving allowance are also provided. The appointment will be available January
2, 2007, although later start dates are possible by agreement.
Candidates should have, or expect to have by the agreed start date, a PhD in
astronomy, physics, or a related field, and should have a plan of continuing
independent research. Applications should include a statement of planned
research, a description of any instrumentation or software experience, a
curriculum vitae including a publication list, and the names of three
scientists who have agreed to provide letters of reference. All material
should be submitted as a single PDF file of the form
"LastNameFirstInitial.EVLAPostdoc.pdf" via email to: lappelnrao.edu.
Letters of recommendation may be submitted separately via email. Please
reference "EVLA Postdoc" in the subject line. All applications received
by December 15, 2006, will be given full consideration, but applications
will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Women and
minorities are encouraged to apply.
NRAO Assistant Scientist Position
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Related URL (optional):
http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/evla/
The Very Large Array (VLA) is now mid-way through its conversion to the
Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA). When completed in 2012, the EVLA will
improve centimeter wavelength radio astronomy capabilities by an order of
magnitude or more over those of the VLA through its complete frequency
coverage, micro-Jy sensitivity, and fabulous spectral imaging capabilities,
all of which will be enabled by new electronics, hardware, software, and a
new correlator. These new capabilities will enable significant scientific
advances in fields such as star formation and galaxy formation, and will
complement the Atacama Large Millimeter Array that is presently under
construction. NRAO invites applications for an Assistant Scientist position
which will be 25% independent research, and 75% assisting with the c
ommissioning of the EVLA. The successful candidate will be in a strong
position to apply for EVLA observing time to reap some of the first benefits of
the new telescope. The position will be located at the Array Operations Center
in Socorro, New Mexico.
The initial appointment is for 3 years, with the possibility of annual renewal
indefinitely. Conference and observing travel will be supported, and page
charge support, vacation accrual, health insurance, and a moving allowance are
also provided. The appointment will be available January 2, 2007, although
later start dates are possible by agreement. The appointment may be made at
the Associate Scientist or Scientist level under exceptional circumstances.
Candidates should have, or expect to have by the agreed start date, a PhD in
astronomy, physics, or a related field, and should have a plan of continuing
independent research. Applications should include a statement of planned
research, a description of any software or instrumentation experience, a
curriculum vitae including a publication list, and the names of three
scientists who have agreed to provide letters of reference. All material
should be submitted as a single PDF file of the form
LastNameFirstInitial.AssistantScientist.pdf" via email to: lappelnrao.edu.
Letters of recommendation may be submitted separately via email. Please
reference "Assistant Scientist Position" in the subject line. All applications
received by December 15, 2006, will be given full consideration, but
applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Women
and minorities are encouraged to apply.
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8. Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Dickinson College
From: Catrina Hamilton-Drager [hamiltocdickinson.edu]
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Dickinson College invites
applications for an anticipated tenure-track assistant professor position
beginning August 2007.
Dickinson College is a highly selective four year liberal-arts college with an
active and innovative science program. The Department is housed in a new state-
of-the-art building, equipped with smart classrooms, research labs, a
planetarium and observatory. The physics major curriculum features a project-
centered hands-on curriculum beginning with the internationally known Workshop
Physics, an activity-based introductory course developed here at Dickinson.
Every senior major completes a year long research project in collaboration with
a faculty advisor and other students. Faculty members also teach introductory
courses for non-majors as well as first-year seminars and cross-disciplinary
courses. The Department graduates approximately ten majors per year, 40% of
whom are women.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics and be able to develop a research
program that actively engages undergraduate students. The department is
particularly interested in applicants with expertise in optics, but all
specialties will be considered. Applications should be sent to:
Dr. David P. Jackson, Chair
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy
Dickinson College
P.O. Box. 1773
Carlisle, PA 17013-2896.
Please include with your cover letter a CV and a statement of your teaching and
research interests and aspirations, and a list of 3 to 5 references. Please do
not send letters of recommendation at this time. We will begin reviewing
applications by December 1 and will continue until the position is filled.
Dickinson College is committed to diversity, and we encourage candidates who
will contribute to meeting that goal to apply. Applications and nominations of
women and minorities are strongly encouraged.
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9. Assistant Professor - Experimental High Energy Astrophysics, Univ. of Iowa
From: Philip Kaaret [pkaaretnewton.physics.uiowa.edu]
The Department of Physics and Astronomy
http://www.physics.uiowa.edu/
at the University of Iowa is seeking a tenure-track assistant professor to
begin Fall 2007 to enhance the Department's new program in high energy
astrophysics.
We invite applications from persons experienced in high energy astrophysics,
specifically in the development of instrumentation and the analysis and
interpretation of observations. The Department and the College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences are strongly committed to diversity and maintain close ties to
programs on campus which provide a supportive environment. The strategic plans
of the University, College, and Department reflect this commitment to diversity;
the Department is especially interested in increasing its gender and ethnic
diversity. Duties of the position will consist of teaching courses at all levels,
establishment of an active research program, and pursuit of external funding.
A Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related discipline is required. Post-
doctoral research experience is desirable.
Interested applicants should send a CV, statements of research and teaching
interests, and the names and contact information of three references to:
Chair
Astrophysics Search Committee
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242-1479
Applications should arrive prior to January 15, 2007 to receive full
consideration. Electronic applications in pdf format are acceptable and can be
sent to christine-stevensuiowa.edu.
The University of Iowa is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
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10. TWO Tenure Track Positions in Extragalactic Astronomy
From: Heinz Andernach [heinzastro.ugto.mx]
The Department of Astronomy (DA) of the Institute of Physics (IFUG) of the
University of Guanajuato (Mexico) invites applications for TWO tenure-track
faculty positions to begin between November 2006 and February 2007. We seek
researchers/lecturers preferentially in our lines of research "Observational
Cosmology" or "Formation and Evolution of Galaxies." See:
http://www.astro.ugto.mx
Interest in instrumentation or theory will be an asset. Responsibilities
include teaching at both undergraduate and graduate level, research,
participation in public outreach and administration.
Applicants should have a PhD in Astronomy or Physics with several years of
postdoc experience, show evidence of outstanding accomplishments in research,
have a demonstrated capacity in teaching and interest in supervision of
theses, the potential to motivate students and develop significant research
programs with them, and the willingness to work as a team member in a small
group. The candidate will teach graduate courses (English or Spanish) and
undergraduate ones (Spanish).
Guanajuato is a pleasant colonial and University city in the geographic center
of Mexico, about 400 km NW of Mexico City at an altitude of 2000 m. See
http://www.astro.ugto.mx/~kps/GTOimages.html
for views of the city and the DA. The DA staff currently consists of 8 PhD
astronomers with a wide distribution of research interests and nationalities.
Before submitting definite application documents, candidates should contact
either Dr. Victor Migenes (vmigenesastro.ugto.mx),
Head of Department, or Dr. Heinz Andernach (heinzastro.ugto.mx),
Head of Search Committee.
Application deadline for the first of the two positions is September 15, 2006,
(the second one will officially be announced shortly), and candidates must
submit (a) letter of application including a statement of earliest date
available, (b) extended CV with publication list, (c) research plan for the
coming 1 to 2 years, (d) documents demonstrating his/her academic
accomplishments, and (e) two letters of recommendation. These documents should
be sent electronically [at least the cover letter should have a scanned
signature] to both of the following addresses:
Dra. Ana Laura Benavides, Instituto de Fisica, Universidad de Guanajuato,
Loma del Bosque 103, Lomas del Campestre, Leon GTO 37150, Mexico,
(email: secreafisica.ugto.mx ,
phone/FAX +52-477-788-5100 ext. 8414/8410) and Dr. Heinz Andernach, Head of
Search Committee, Astronomy Department, Apdo. Postal 144, Guanajuato, GTO
36000, Mexico (FAX +52 473 732 0253)
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11. Faculty Position, Theoretical Astrophysics, Vanderbilt University
From: WIPHYS August 25, 2006
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vanderbilt University invites
applications for a tenure-track assistant professor appointment in theoretical
astrophysics, to begin the 2007-2008 academic year. Applicants should have a
Ph.D. in astronomy, physics, or a related field, a strong record of research
accomplishments, and a strong interest in teaching astronomy courses at both
the undergraduate and graduate levels. Active areas of astrophysical research
at Vanderbilt include star formation, planetary system formation, planetary
and protoplanetary nebulae, open clusters, interacting and active galaxies,
cosmology, and high-energy astrophysics. Vanderbilt is a member of the SMARTS
consortium. The Department participates in an active outreach program at Dyer
Observatory and has strong connections to Fisk University through the Fisk-
Vanderbilt Bridge program. Applications from any area of theoretical
astrophysics will be considered.
Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, a cosmopolitan city rich in
cultural activities. Applications, including a curriculum vitae, list of
research publications, statement of research and teaching interests, and at
least three letters of recommendation, should be sent to: Professor David A.
Weintraub, Chair, Theoretical Astrophysics Search Committee, Department of
Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235. Review of
applications will begin Dec. 1, 2006 and continue until the position is
filled. Vanderbilt University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative
action employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
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