AAS Committee on the Status of Women
Issue of November 13, 2009
eds. Joan Schmelz, Caroline Simpson & Michele Montgomery
This week's issues:
1. Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy (CSWA) Strategic Plan
2. What Can You Negotiate in Your Job Offer?
3. Success is in Her DNA
4. A Night to Remember
5. Creating a Climate for Cutting-Edge Research
6. Conversion to Tenure
7. Knowles Science Teaching Foundation 2010 Teaching Fellowships
8. AAO Research Astronomer Appointment(s)
*** FOLLOWING JOB POSTINGS TAKEN FROM WIPHYS ***
9. Program Director, Division of Astronomical Sciences, National
Science Foundation
10. How to Submit, Subscribe, or Unsubscribe to AASWOMEN
11. Access to Past Issues of AASWOMEN
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1. Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy (CSWA) Strategic Plan
From: CSWA [aaswomen
aas.org]
The charge, mission statement, objectives, value statement, assets,
and weaknesses, key issues, goals, strategies, and action steps have
recently been generated in a Strategic Plan of the CSWA. Among the
assets of CSWA are this newsletter which reaches over 10% of the AAS
membership (and to all our readers, thank you!), the STATUS news
letter, our web page, facebook page, and our blog. Among the key
issues to be considered by CSWA include promote a balanced working
environment, reduce unconscious bias, increase visibility of senior
women through e.g., awards and prizes, increase funding opportunities
to re-enter the workforce, among others. To see the entire list,
please see the Strategic Plan 2009 under Publications at
http://www.aas.org/cswa/.
Did we miss an issue? We encourage your feedback! Please respond to
the above email.
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2. What Can You Negotiate in Your Job Offer?
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomeryphysics.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.]
From the WIA III professional skills workshop, a list of negotiation
options was developed by Jane Tucker and Associates in their
presentation on "Coaching in the Art of Strategic Negotiations." Some
of the list is as follows:
- appointment title(s)
- start date
- start salary
- living expenses
- housing relocation
- benefits
- child care
- tuition benefits for children
- spousal job opportunities
- travel budget
- facilities/space
- office furniture and computers
- parking fees
- service expectations
What else can you think of? What about non-tenure to tenure status
conversion time frame? What should women ask for in the negotiation
of any job in any field related to astronomy? We would like to hear
your thoughts! Please email them to aaswomenaas.org and please
let us know if we can give you credit for your contribution in the
next newsletter or blog.
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3. Success is in Her DNA
From: Donald Kniffen [dkniffenusra.edu]
I mentioned this article to Joan [Schmelz] who suggested it might be a
good one to post on our web site, but unfortunately the [Washington]
Post makes that almost impossible without the ads which are a turn
off. But if you follow the link to the story you will get the idea
why this is such a great story for women. But it also highlights some
of the issues they encounter as we have discussed. [Here is the
article:]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101903328.html
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4. A Night to Remember
WIPHYS November 9
The November CERN Courier has an article on pp. 19-21 that Hildred
Blewitt wrote for the CERN Courier in 1969. Its title is A Night to
Remember
http://cerncourier.com/cws/article/cern/40742
(Thank you to Bernice Duran, University of Wisconsin, past CSWP member
for sharing this article). Hildred Blewett's generous bequest to the
American Physical Society provides scholarships to women returning to
a career in physics after an absence. Details at
http://www.aps.org/programs/women/scholarships/blewett/index.cfm
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5. Creating a Climate for Cutting-Edge Research
From: WIPHYS, November 9
Katharine Gebbie has built a world-class physics laboratory, fostering
creativity and risk-taking that has led to cutting-edge scientific
discoveries. Read about her and the climate she generates at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/09/AR2009110900592.html?referrer=emailarticlepg
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6. Conversion to Tenure
Michele M. Montgomery [montgomeryphysics.ucf.edu]
Recently, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP)
subcommittee of the Committee on Contingent Faculty and the Profession
prepared a report on the Conversion of Appointments to the Tenure
Track (2009). The report addresses the collapsing faculty
infrastructure and suggestions to stabilize the faculty including the
conversion of tenure. The cite that the last four decades has seen a
failure of the social contract in faculty employment and the
one-reliable regime of professional peer scrutiny in hiring,
evaluation, and promotion has all but collapsed. Statistics include
more than 2/3 of faculty work outside the tenure stream and for poor
wages. To read more on this timely topic, please see
http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/comm/rep/conversion.htm.
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7. Knowles Science Teaching Foundation 2010 Teaching Fellowships
From: Michele M. Montgomery [montgomeryphysics.ucf.edu]
Do you know of anyone who has a desire (or hidden desire) to teach
high school science or math? Applications are now being accepted for
one of the most generous and comprehensive teaching fellowships
available for individuals committed to becoming professional high
school science or mathematics teachers. KSTF Teaching Fellowships
provide up to five years of financial and professional support to
exceptional individuals as they begin their careers teaching in U.S.
high schools.
Applicants should have at least a bachelor's degree in science,
engineering or mathematics and should have received their most recent
content degree within the past five years (individuals currently
enrolled in a secondary math or science teaching credential program
are eligible if they are within five years of their most recent
content degree and have not completed their teaching credential before
December 2009.) Fellowships will be awarded in physical science
(among others). More information on the Fellowship benefits can be
found at
http://www.kstf.org/fellowships/teaching.html
For more information, contact
teacherskstf.org
Deadline: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 5:00pm EST
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8. AAO Research Astronomer Appointment(s)
From: Rohit Deshpande [rohitphysics.ucf.edu]
The Anglo-Australian Observatory is currently advertising for an AAO
Research Astronomer (5 year appointment) and an AAO Research Fellow (3
year appointment) within the Astronomy Workgroup:
http://www.aao.gov.au/local/www/jobs/
The closing date for applications to both positions is Friday 11 Dec 2009.
Details of the roles and responsibilities of the positions, as well as
the application procedure, can be found on the above web page.
The Observatory comprises the 3.9-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope and
the 1.2-metre UK Schmidt Telescope near Coonabarabran, NSW, and a
laboratory in Epping, about 20km from the centre of Sydney. The AAO
is a vibrant and diverse centre of research, with a scientific
staff of 12 highly active and productive astronomers, as well as
hosting the Australian Gemini Office. Regular interaction with
universities, and a twice-yearly Vacation Student program for
undergraduates, also provides excellent student supervision
opportunities.
Any questions about the positions can be directed to the Head of AAT
Science (ahopkinsaao.gov.au) and about the application procedure
to Suzanne Tritton (jobsaao.gov.au).
The Anglo-Australian Observatory supports flexible working
arrangements, including part-time positions where appropriate, and is
an equal opportunity employer.
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9. Program Director, Division of Astronomical Sciences, National
Science Foundation
From: WIPHYS, November 9
The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for
the position of Program Director in the Division of Astronomical
Sciences (AST), Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences,
Arlington, VA. The candidate selected for this position will have
responsibility in one or more of the following areas: coordination of
the merit review of proposals, coordination and management of grants
programs and projects involving instrumentation and technology
development, review and administration of projects involving the
design and development of future facility-class instruments or
observing capabilities.
The candidate will be involved in activities that include planning,
budget development, the merit review and proposal recommendation
process, the preparation of written material about the research
supported by the Division, and interactions with other NSF programs,
Federal agencies and organizations. Program directors are expected to
bring their scientific expertise to the activities of the Division,
and to serve as a liaison between the astronomical community and NSF,
disseminating information about NSF and Division activities and
opportunities.
There are opportunities to participate in Foundation or
Directorate-wide activities in areas of education, facilities
management, strategic planning and program development. Candidates
are expected to work with the astronomical research and education
community to broaden the diversity of participants in NSF programs.
All areas of astronomical expertise will be considered.
The position will be filled on a temporary basis beginning
immediately. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in
astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field, plus six or more
years of successful research, research administration, and/or
managerial experience beyond the Ph.D.
Individuals interested in applying for this vacancy should submit
their materials to announcement E20090115. The position requirements
and application procedures are located on the USAJOBS web site. Link:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?OPMControl=1683386.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, names of three
references, and a statement of research interests to the
National Science Foundation
Division of Human Resources Management
4201 Wilson, Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
Telephone inquiries may be referred to
Lindsey Boswell
703-292-4350
rotatornsf.gov.
For technical information, contact
Dr. Craig B. Foltz
AST Division Director
703-292-4909
cfoltznsf.gov
(Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD 703-292-8044).
NSF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The National Science Foundation
provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on
a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any
part of the application and hiring process, please notify the point of
contact listed on this vacancy announcement.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS:
1) Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and theories
applicable to astronomy, astrophysics, and physics which have resulted
in recognized status in the community of astronomical scientists.
2)Ability to communicate effectively and work productively with the
scientific community, peers, and co-workers at all levels to advocate
program policies and plans and to fulfill NSF's mission.
3)Ability to organize, implement and manage a proposal-driven grant
program, allocating resources to meet a spectrum of goals, including
insuring integrity and consistency in the grant award/declination
management process.
4)Knowledge of management and organizational concepts, principles,
practices and techniques with expertise in large project management
and/or research administration.
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11. 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.
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