AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of October 23, 2009
eds. Joan Schmelz, Caroline Simpson & Michele Montgomery
This week's issues:
1. IAU Study on Women Statistics
2. Response to Older Women to Work on Physics?
3. President's Speech at the White House Star Party
4. A Forgotten Moment in Physiology: The Lovelace Women in Space Program
5. Opportunity for Women Physicists: Workshop February 12
6. Be A Mentor or Get A Mentor
7. New DOE Office of Science Graduate Fellowship Program
8. Tenure-track Junior Faculty Position in Solar Physics at Rice University
9. Tenure-track Assistant Professor Position of Astronomy at Tufts University
10. Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Observational Extragalactic
Astronomy and Cosmology
*** FOLLOWING JOB POSTINGS TAKEN FROM WIPHYS ***
11. Faculty position in Astrophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
12. Two Joint Faculty Appointments, UC Berkeley and LBL
13. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
14. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN
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1. IAU Study on Women Statistics
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomery
physics.ucf.edu]
[From the Editors: For the next several weeks we will be presenting a
summary of major outcomes from the Women in Astronomy III conference
held at the University of Maryland October 21-23, 2009. A general
summary is also on the Women in Astronomy blog at
http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/women_in_astronomy/ ]
Catherine Cesarsky gave a talk on Statistics of Women in the IAU. Her
statistics included the percentages of women who attended the IAU XVII
General Assembly meeting last August in Brazil, the percentage of
women represented in the IAU, and a breakdown by country of
percentages of women in the IAU.
Of all 2109 participants at the 2009 IAU meeting, 667 (31.6%) are
women. Of the more than 10,000 IAU members, 14.8% are women. This
percentage is an increase from 2006 where only 12.9% were women. Of
all the countries that participate in the IAU, Argentina has the
highest percentage (36%) of women participants. Ukraine (27%); Italy
& Bulgaria (25%); France (24%); Brazil (23%); Hungary (21%) round out
the second to sixth levels, respectively. The United States has 12%
women participating in the IAU. The United States does not come in
last place - the placeholder for that position is Japan which only has
6% of women in the IAU.
As the meeting is still in progress, the data is not yet online.
However, more on these statistics will be found at the Women in
Astronomy and Space Science website
http://wia2009.gsfc.nasa.gov/
after the conference has ended.
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2. Response to Older Women to Work on Physics?
From: Andrea Schweitzer [schweitzfrii.com]
[In last week's issue of AASWOMEN, we posted one senior woman's
request to work on physics. The following is a response to this
request from one of our readers to which we thank for your response.
Eds.]
I wanted to respond to Linda Perry's post about wishing she could be
working in physics research:
While one generally needs a Ph.D. to pursue research from within
academia, there are getting to be more and more opportunities to
participate in "citizen science" research programs outside of
academia. And most local astronomy clubs, Science Cafes, and schools
welcome guest speakers about physics and astronomy. Thus, in an
informal way, you can still do some research and teaching. Also, many
of the citizen science programs have active blogging and discussion
boards so that you can participate in scientific collaboration and
electronic conversation as your schedule allows. Galaxy Zoo has even
had several new discoveries and publications in scientific journals!
I have been very impressed by the growing impact of citizen science
research.
A few astronomy citizen science programs to get you started:
Classify galaxies and astronomical objects for Galaxy Zoo
(http://www.galaxyzoo.org)
Epsilon Aurigae variable star observing campaign
(http://www.citizensky.org)
Star counting programs to raise awareness about dark skies and light
pollution:
- Great World Wide Star Count, October 9-23, 2009, and October every year
(http://www.starcount.org)
- GLOBE at Night, March near new moon every year
(http://www.globe.gov/GaN/)
More astrophysics programs are listed at:
http://www.starstryder.com/the-list/list-of-citizen-science-projects/
and for other branches of science start at:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/citscitoolkit/projects
Regards, Andrea
Andrea Schweitzer, Ph.D.
U.S. Project Manager for the International Year of Astronomy
www.Astronomy2009.us
aschweitzerAstronomy2009.us
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3. President's Speech at the White House Star Party
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomeryphysics.ucf.edu]
If you missed President Obama speaking about the importance of
astronomy then please see the video:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/President-Obama-Presents-a-Night-of-Astronomy/.
Photos from the White House Star Party can be found at
http://www.wisn.com/slideshow/slideshows/21233931/detail.html.
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4. A Forgotten Moment in Physiology: The Lovelace Women in Space Program
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomeryphysics.ucf.edu]
In the September edition of Advances in Physiology, an article can be
found on the intersection of physiology, spaceflight, and politics.
Ryan, Loeppky, & Kilgore wrote "A Forgotten Moment in Physiology: The
LoveLace Women in Space Program (1960-1962)." The abstract is
provided below as well as a link to the full article.
Abstract: In 1959, Brigadier General Donald Flickinger and Dr. W.
Randolph Lovelace II suggested that it would be more practical from an
engineering standpoint to send women rather than men into space due to
their lower body weights and oxygen requirements. When the Air Force
decided not to pursue this project, Dr. Lovelace assumed leadership of
the Woman in Space Program and began medical and physiological testing
of a series of accomplished women aviators at the Lovelace Medical
Clinic in Albuquerque, NM, in 1960. The tests that these women
underwent were identical to those used to test the original Mercury
astronauts, with the addition of gynecological examinations.
Thirteen of the nineteen women tested passed these strenuous
physiological exams (for comparison, 18 of 32 men tested passed); a
subset of these pilots was further tested on a series of psychological
exams that were similar to or, in some instances, more demanding than
those given to male Mercury candidates. Despite these promising
results, further testing was halted, and the Woman in Space Program
was disbanded in 1962. Although the Woman in Space Program received a
great deal of publicity at the time, the story of these women was
somewhat lost until they were reunited at the 1999 launch of the
shuttle Columbia, commanded by Colonel Eileen Collins.
The full article can be downloarded from Advances in Physiology Education at
http://advan.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/33/3/157
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5. Opportunity for Women Physicists: Workshop February 12
From: WIPHYS, October 21
The American Physical Society will offer a workshop entitled
Professional Skills Development for Women Physicists on Friday,
February 12, 2010 in connection with the APS annual meeting in
Washington, DC. The workshop will be aimed at tenured women faculty in
physics and women post doctoral associates in physics.
The deadline to apply is November 9, 2009. First consideration will
go to applications received by that date. 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
and will provide professional training on effective negotiation,
communication and leadership skills for female physicists in a
position to become the future leaders. In addition, the workshops
will offer a special opportunity for networking. Information is now
posted at
http://www.aps.org/programs/women/workshops/skills/index.cfm.
A similar workshop will be offered on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the
APS annual meeting in Portland, Oregon (for post docs and junior,
tenure-track women faculty).
The first series of workshops (2005, 2006, and 2007) was extremely
successful, as were the workshops offered in 2008 and 2009.
This program is supported by an award from the National Science Foundation.
Questions? Please contact Sue Otwell at APS otwellaps.org
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6. Be A Mentor or Get A Mentor
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomeryphysics.ucf.edu]
We would like to encourage all to either obtain a mentor or be a
mentor by joining a nonprofit e-mentoring network like MentorNet.
Quick Facts about Mentors at MentorNet include the following: 766
employers are represented, 46% of the mentors are female, and
currently 194 mentors are available to be matched. Do you know of
someone who wants to pursue a career path in industry, government, or
higher education and does not know how to begin or fully achieve this
goal? Can you help out someone in need and provide mentoring on e.g.,
your unique career path or field, job search, or work/life balance?
More information can be found on MentorNet at
http://www.mentornet.net
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7. New DOE Office of Science Graduate Fellowship Program
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomeryphysics.ucf.edu]
[Editor's Note: Eligibility includes undergraduate seniors as well as
first and second year graduate students in a qualified
research-focused Master's or Ph.D program at an accreditec U.S.
college or univeristy at the time of applying. Please pass along this
information to those undergraduate and graduates who do not receive
this newsletter but would be interested in this new fellowship. Note
that the application deadline is November 30, 2009.]
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) has established
the DOE Office of Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE SCGF) program to
provide support for outstanding students to pursue graduate training
in basic research in areas of physics, biology, chemistry,
mathematics, engineering, computational sciences, and environmental
sciences relevant to the Office of Science and to encourage the
development of the next generation scientific and technical talent in
the U.S. Fellows will receive a $35,000 yearly stipend for living
expenses, $10,500 per year for tuition and fees and a $5,000 research
stipend supplement for research materials and travel expenses.
Fellows will be required to participate in the annual DOE SCGF
Research Conference to be held each summer at a DOE national
laboratory. Travel expenses and accommodations to the Conference will
be provided by the DOE SCGF program.
For more information, please email:
SCGFInfoscience.doe.gov
or go to
http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/SCGF.html.
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8. Tenure-track Junior Faculty Position in Solar Physics at Rice University
From: Jan Rinehart [Jan.Rinehartrice.edu]
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University expects to
have a tenure-track junior faculty position available in Solar Physics
starting July 1, 2010 and invites applications from all qualified
applicants. The successful candidate's research program should
complement current research in solar physics and related fields at
Rice, particularly in the areas of space physics and astrophysics (see
physics.rice.edu for information on current research programs). The
successful candidate is expected to participate actively and
effectively in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, have
a strong record of published research, obtain external
funding, and develop a nationally recognized research program.
Applicants should send a dossier that includes a curriculum vitae, a
brief description of proposed research and teaching interests, a list
of publications, and arrange for at least three letters of
recommendation to be sent to
David Alexander, Chair, Faculty Search Committee
c/o Valerie Call, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
MS 61, Rice University
6100 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005
or by email to
vcallrice.edu.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but only
those received by December 9, 2009 will be assured of full
consideration. Rice University is an affirmative action/equal
opportunity employer; women and underrepresented minorities are
strongly encouraged to apply.
More information can be found at
http://physics.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=65&linkidentifier=id&itemid=65
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9. Tenure-track Assistant Professor Position of Astronomy at Tufts University
From: Danilo Marchesini [Danilo.Marchesinitufts.edu]
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Tufts University invites
applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the
field of Observational Astronomy/Astrophysics, beginning September 1,
2010. To qualify for the position the candidate must have a Ph.D. in
astronomy, astrophysics, or a related field, and post-doctoral
experience with observations or analysis of data obtained by either
ground-based or space-based astronomical instruments, performing
research of internationally recognized importance. We are particularly
interested in candidates who will complement or strengthen our
existing research programs in astronomy, astrophysics and/or
cosmology. The candidate will be expected to teach courses in
astronomy and astrophysics at the undergraduate and the graduate
level, and to mentor undergraduates in individual research projects.
Prior teaching experience is preferred but not required. We expect the
new hire to generate research grants after coming to Tufts, to
maintain a sustained research program, and to supervise thesis work by
graduate students. The department offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees,
and includes strong research programs in observational astronomy,
theoretical cosmology, particle physics, and condensed matter physics.
The review of applications will begin on December 1, 2009 and continue
until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, all
material should be submitted by December 1, 2009. Applications should
be submitted to the
Chairman of the Astronomy Search Committee,
c/o Jean Intoppa, Department of Physics and Astronomy
4 Colby St.,
Tufts University
Medford, MA 02155.
Complete applications may be sent by email to
astrosearch2009tufts.edu.
Applications should include a Curriculum Vitae, a Description of
Future Research Plans, and a Description of Teaching Experience.
Applicants should arrange for three Letters of Reference to be
submitted directly to the address above.
Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members
of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
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10. Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Observational Extragalactic
Astronomy and Cosmology
From: Chris Mihos [mihoscase.edu]
The Department of Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences at
Case Western Reserve University invites applications for a
tenure-track position at any rank, in the area of observational
extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. We are particularly interested
in candidates whose research interests include multi-wavelength
studies of galaxies using both ground- and space-based facilities.
Departmental research interests include a major emphasis on galaxy
evolution, the structure and dynamics of galaxies, large scale
structure, chemical abundances and evolution, and telescope and
instrument design. Research facilities include the recently
refurbished Burrell Schmidt telescope at Kitt Peak, and several
members of the department are active participants in the Sloan Digital
Sky Survey III consortium. In addition, the Case Department of Physics
has strengths in particle astrophysics and cosmology. Case is
committed to both undergraduate and graduate education, and we seek
candidates who will share that commitment. The normal teaching load
for the department is one class per semester.
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in astronomy or a related field, and
demonstrate clear potential for excellence in research and teaching.
Senior applicants at the Associate Professor (Professor) level should
have a strong national (international) scientific reputation as well
as a distinguished record of publication. Applicants should provide a
letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a statement of research
interests and plans, and a statement of teaching experience,
aspirations, and goals. Electronic applications (in PDF form) are
strongly preferred, sent to
facsearchastronomy.case.edu.
Print applications can be sent to
Faculty Search Committee
c/o Agnes Torontali
Department of Astronomy
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106-7215
All applicants should provide contact information for three
references; applicants at the Assistant Professor level should also
arrange for three letters of recommendation (in either electronic or
print form) to be sent directly to the search committee. Complete
applications received by January 1, 2010 will receive full
consideration. Case Western Reserve University is committed to
diversity and is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
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11. Faculty position in Astrophysics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
From: WIPHYS, October 19
The Physics Department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
invites applications for an expected junior faculty position in
astrophysics. Our search is unrestricted with respect to area of
specialization. Current astrophysics faculty are active in optical,
radio, X-ray and gravitational wave astronomy; in broad areas of
theoretical astrophysics and cosmology; in the understanding of dark
matter and dark energy; in studies of exoplanets and brown dwarfs; and
in space plasma physics. MIT hosts the Kavli Institute for
Astrophysics and Space Research, whose faculty and research staff,
contribute instrumentation for and conduct research with several
facilities, including Chandra, RXTE, the Mileura Widefield Array, the
Magellan telescopes in Chile, and LIGO.
QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in physics or physics-related discipline is
required and strong postdoctoral experience in the field is generally
expected. Faculty members at MIT conduct research, teach undergraduate
and graduate physics courses and supervise graduate and undergraduate
participation in research. Candidates must show promise in teaching as
well as in research. Preference will be given to applicants at the
Assistant Professor level, but appointments at a more senior level
will be considered in exceptional cases.
The strict deadline for completed applications is November 20, 2009.
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications,
and a description of research interests and goals (the latter not to
exceed 3 pages) at the following website:
http://www.academicjobsonline.com .
Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be
uploaded to the site.
Any inquiries should be directed to
Professor Saul Rappaport, Search Committee Chair,
37-602B,
M.I.T.,
Cambridge, MA;
sarmit.edu .
MIT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. MIT does not
discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the
basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion,
disability, veteran status, age, or national or ethnic origin in the
administration of its employment policies and practices. Women and
minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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12. Two Joint Faculty Appointments, UC Berkeley and LBL
From: WIPHYS, October 21
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 PDFs,
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.
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13. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
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14. 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.