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January 2015

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[Hyperspace-list] Hyperspace Bulletin for January 2015
by hyperspace＠th.physik.uni-frankfurt.de 02 Jan '15

02 Jan '15

########################################## Table of Contents ########################################### 1. Conferences 1.1. Grav15, Cordoba, Argentina 1.2. IAU GA 2015 FM5: The Legacy of Planck, Honolulu, Hawaii 1.3. Extreme Gravity Workshop, Bozeman, Montana 1.4. Quantum Fields and Infrared Effects in de Sitter, Natal, Brazil 1.5. GR 100 in Rio 1.6. The Second Cesar Lattes Meeting, Niteroi-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1.7. The Fourth Galileo - Xu Guangqi Meeting, Beijing 1.8. The Next Detectors for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, 5-week workshop, KITPC, Beijing 1.9. MICRA 2015 - Microphysics in Computational Relativistic Astrophysics, Stockholm, Sweden 2. Jobs 2.1. Lagrange Thesis Fellowships - Institut Lagrange de Paris 2.2. ERC funded Post-Doctoral Research Associate in General Relativity and High Energy Physics (Fixed Term), DAMTP 2.3. Perimeter Scholars International 2.4. Senior Research Fellow in modelling neutron stars at University of Southampton 2.5. Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow, Physics Program, Bard College 2.6. Postdoctoral positions at ICTP-SAIFR, Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil 2.7. Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neutron Star Astrophysics, Amsterdam 2.8. Research Associate -- Gravitational Wave Astronomy/Numerical Relativity at Cardiff 2.9. PhD positions at Texas Tech 3. News 3.1. GWIC Thesis Prize and Stefano Braccini Thesis Prize for 2014: Call for Nominations 3.2. Grand Prix scientifique 2015 Simone and Cino del Duca Foundation 3.3. MG14 on-line registration is open 3.4. 2015 Awards for Essays on Gravitation ============================================== 1. Conferences ============================================== 1.1. Grav15, Cordoba, Argentina --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10131 Starting: 13/04/2015 to 17/04/2015 Location: Cordoba, Argentina Additional Information: http://www.famaf.unc.edu.ar/~ortiz/grav15/ Contact: gravconference[AT]gmail.com Grav15, 1st Circular We are pleased to announce that the conference Grav15 will be held in La Falda, Cordoba (ARGENTINA), from April 13th through April 17th, 2015. The venue of the conference is the Hotel del Lago: http://www.hoteldellagolafalda.com.ar/ Hotel location (map) This is the sixth in a new series ("GravYY") of conferences organized by the General Relativity and Gravitation Group at FaMAF (Universidad Nacional de Cordoba) since the year 2006. The conference is intended to bring together specialists working on gravitation and closely related topics, including classical and quantum gravity, mathematical relativity, numerical relativity, gravity in arbitrary dimensions, astrophysics and astro-particle physics. Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students are encouraged to apply, limited funds will be available to pay partial living expenses for students. The working languages of the conference will be Spanish and English. A preliminary list of invited speakers includes: Demetrios Christodoulou, ETH, Switzerland. Helmut Friedrich, Max Plank Institute for Gravitational Physics, Germany. Philippe G. Le Floch, Universite' Pierre et Marie Curie, France. Luis Lehner, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Canada. Julio Oliva, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. Eric Poisson, University of Guelph, Canada. Jorge Pullin, Lousiana State University, USA. Gustavo Romero, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina. Manuel Tiglio, University of California, San Diego, USA. For registration, information on hotel reservation and rates, and updates on the Grav15 meeting please check the web page: http://www.famaf.unc.edu.ar/~ortiz/grav15/ Applications should be filed through the webform in the above page before March 2nd, 2015. The deadline for abstract submissions is March 16th, 2015. A registration fee AR$500 will be required, the method of payment will be informed in a second circular. For hotel booking please contact the Hotel's reception desk Tel. 0054 (0)3548 422407/421266, write to hoteldellago[AT]punillanet.com.ar, or fill in the "Formulario de Contacto" at the hotel's webpage. When making your reservation please mention that you are attending the Grav15 meeting to get the special rates. Further information on the General Relativity and Gravitation group at FaMAF and the previous Grav meetings can be found at +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2. IAU GA 2015 FM5: The Legacy of Planck, Honolulu, Hawaii --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10158 Starting: 2015-08-11 to 2015-08-13 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Additional Information: http://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/planck-legacy-conference Contact: jtauber[AT]cosmos.esa.int ESA's Planck satellite was launched in May 2009 and has surveyed the whole sky in intensity and polarization uninterruptedly between August 2009 and October 2013, over a range of frequencies spanning the radio (30 GHz) to the submillimetre (857 GHz). Planck was designed to image the anisotropies of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) over the whole sky, with unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution. In addition to the main cosmological goals of the mission, the Planck sky surveys are being used to study in detail the very sources of emission which "contaminate" the CMB signal, and results in a wealth of information on the properties of extragalactic sources, and on the dust and gas in our own galaxy. The aims of this conference are to: - publicize the wide variety of current and potential uses of Planck data - foster exchanges between users of Planck data - get feedback to optimize the last delivery of Planck data products. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.3. Extreme Gravity Workshop, Bozeman, Montana --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/11/extreme-gravity-workshop/ Starting: 2015-08-20 to 2015-08-22 Location: Bozeman, Montana, USA Additional Information: http://www.physics.montana.edu/gravity/workshop/workshop2015.htm Contact: cornish[AT]physics.montana.edu Announcing the Extreme Gravity Workshop in Bozeman, Montana, August 20th - 22nd 2015 The eXtreme Gravity Institute at Montana State University will host a discussion workshop devoted to astrophysical systems where relativistic gravitational effects can not be ignored: * Neutron stars: theory behind the equation of state, modeling of X-ray surface emission, data analysis considerations. * Black hole shadows: modeling of shadows, data analysis considerations and interpretation of results. * Gravitational wave astrophysics: extraction of physics, like the neutron star equation of state, after first detections. * Experimental relativity: cosmological, compact binary and gravitational wave tests of General Relativity. These areas are ripe for study with the promise of a wealth of observational data coming in the next few years from gravitational wave detectors (LIGO/Virgo, NANOGrav etc), the Event Horizon Telescope, the NICER x-ray telescope, and a wide array of cosmological probes. We invite interested participants to join in what we expect to be lively and informative discussions led by experts in each sub-field: * Tessa Baker (Oxford U.) * Enrico Barausse (Institute d'Astrophysique de Paris) * Avery Broderick (Perimeter Institute Waterloo U.) * Jim Lattimer (Stony Brook ) * Tyson Littenberg (CIERA Northwestern U.) * Sharon Morsink (University of Alberta) * Cole Miller (U. of Maryland) * Dimitrios Psaltis (Arizona State U.) * Scott Ransom (NRAO) * Sanjay Reddy (McGill U.) * Xavier Siemens (University of Wisconsin Milwaukee) Space is limited, so apply soon on the workshop website +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.4. Quantum Fields and Infrared Effects in de Sitter, Natal, Brazil --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10177 Starting: 2015-07-20 to 2015-07-31 Location: Natal, Brazil Additional Information: http://www.iip.ufrn.br/?pg==oFWaxmYuJleYJjUsR2RGBnYB1TP&lang=en&inf===wTEFVP Contact: bpessoa[AT]iip.ufrn.br Observational data indicate that the very early Universe was locally only infinitesimally different from the de Sitter space-time. The 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for observations which suggest that the current Universe is again approaching a locally de Sitter phase, although with a much slower expansion rate. Therefore, quantum field theory on a locally de Sitter background is a key are of fundamental physics. When quantized matter fields on de Sitter are decomposed into different frequencies, one finds that frequencies much higher than the Hubble constant behave almost as in flat space. However, the low frequency modes of certain types of fields show a radically different behavior. This workshop will explore the behavior and the consequences of this IR sector, in cosmology and related areas. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.5. GR 100 in Rio --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/18/gr-100-in-rio/ Starting: 2015-07-27 to 2015-07-31 Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Additional Information: http://www.gr100inrio.com Contact: contact[AT]gr100inrio.com On November 4, 1915, Albert Einstein presented at the Prussian Academy of Sciences the first of four lectures about a covariant formulation of his proposal to modify the Newtonian physics of the universal gravitation. Since then, General Relativity has become the paradigm of any new theory of gravitation. To celebrate this centenary and in association to the celebration of the International Year of Light we are organizing a scientific meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, named GR 100 in Rio, which will take place at the Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Fisicas (CBPF/MCTI), in the period of July 27 - 31, 2015. Registration deadline: March 31, 2015 - 20% discount deadline June 30, 2015 - final deadline Registration fee (until March 31, 2015): US$ 300 for faculty US$ 100 for post-docs, PhD and MSc students, undergrads The site of the event is at http://www.gr100inrio.com/ Best O. D. Aguiar (INPE) J. Braga (INPE) J. Fabris (UFES) J. A. Helayel (CBPF) S. E. Joras (UFRJ) V. De Lorenci (UNIFEI) Mario Novello - Chairman (CBPF) N. Pinto Neto (CBPF) C. Romero (UFPR) T. Villela (INPE) GR 100 in Rio Organizing Committee +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.6. The Second Cesar Lattes Meeting, Niteroi-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10202 Starting: 13/04/2015 to 18/04/2015 Location: Niteroi-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Additional Information: http://www.icranet.org/2cl/ Contact: 2cl[AT]icranet.org This scientific meeting will celebrate the International Year of Light under the aegis of UNESCO, the 100th anniversary of the Einstein Equations as well as the "Golden Jubilee" of Relativistic Astrophysics. It will take place at CBPF and UFF from the 13 to the 18 of April. Public lectures will be delivered at the Cassino da URCA as well as, in the following week, at Universities in Brazil including the UFPE in Recife, at UFPB in Joao Pessoa and at IFCE in Fortaleza. The meeting is dedicated to the coordination of the ICRANet Scientific activities in Brazil preceding to the MGXIV meeting in Rome in July 2015. The meeting will cover observational activities in the X, gamma ray and UHECR, theoretical progress in the relativistic astrophysics of Neutron Stars, Black Holes, Gravitational Waves and Cosmology as well as the development of the Brazilian Science Data Center (BSDC). It will address scientific issues from galactic and extragalactic sources and as far back in time as the appearance of the first structures in our Universe. Particular attention will be dedicated to illustrate the recent scientific progress in the Ph.D. thesis within the ICRANet joint International Relativistic Astrophysics Ph.D. program (the IRAP Ph.D. and EMJD Programs). These results will be illustrated by the former students. Recent scientific publications from postdoctoral research at ICRANet centers in Brazil and in Europe will be reviewed. The presence of senior research leaders from Brazil and Europe as well as of the ICRANet faculty will foster the interactions with the Brazilian scientific community at large. For further information please see: http://www.icranet.org/2cl/ A preliminary poster can be downloaded at: http://www.icranet.org/2cl/img/poster.pdf +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.7. The Fourth Galileo - Xu Guangqi Meeting, Beijing --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10204 Starting: 04/05/2015 to 08/05/2015 Location: Beijing, China Additional Information: http://www.icranet.org/4gx Contact: gx4[AT]icranet.org This scientific meeting will celebrate the International Year of Light under the aegis of UNESCO, the 100th anniversary of the Einstein Equations as well as the "Golden Jubilee" of Relativistic Astrophysics. It will take place in Beijing (China) from 4 to 8 May, 2015. It represent a joint action of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Division of Gravitation and Relativistic Astrophysics of the Chinese Physical Society, Yunnan Observatory, Shangai Astronomical Observatory, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and ICRANet. The Galileo Xu Guan Qi meetings have been created to have a forum for strategic exchanges between eastern and western science at the highest level dealing with relativistic astrophysics and related fundamental theoretical, experimental and observational fields. The aim is to enlarge the audience from the one strictly Chinese and Italian to one embracing European and western scientific interests and the eastern ones. Therefore a broader participation from Korea and Taiwan is encouraged, as well as a participation of scientists from Europe and the Americas. The name of Xu Guangqi, the collaborator of Matteo Ricci (Ri Ma Dou) celebrates his most extraordinary activities in bringing to China the works of Euclid and Galileo and his strong commitment to the process of modernization and scientific development of China. The meetings are particularly dedicated to recall the roots of the modern scientific research in the East and the West and review the recent progress in one of the most advanced fields of scientific research: the one of relativistic astrophysics. We review current progress in Relativistic Astrophysics made possible by astronomical observations of the Sun, of the Stars and of the Universe. These results have been achieved thanks to the theories of Albert Einstein and to the unprecedented numbers of observational techniques: in X-ray, Gamma-ray, optical wave-lengths from space based observatories, in radio telescopes wavelengths from telescopes on the ground as well as in particle physics from underground observatories. The first GX meeting was held in Shanghai, in 2009, the second in Ventimiglia, in 2010 and the third in Beijing, in 2011. This fourth meeting is convened in Beijing as a preliminary meeting preceding the XIV Marcel Grossmann meeting in July, 2015 in Rome. The preliminary poster of GX 4 can be downloaded at: http://www.icranet.org/images/stories/Meetings/XU4/gx4_poster.pdf Details on the program and registration are going to appear in China and in ICRANet at the beginning of January, 2015 Website: http://www.icranet.org/4gx +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.8. The Next Detectors for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, 5-week workshop, KITPC, Beijing --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/29/the-next-detectors-for-gravit… Starting: 2015-04-06 to 2015-05-08 Location: Beijing, China Additional Information: http://www.kitpc.ac.cn/?p=ProgDetail&id=PT20150406&i=main Contact: cairg[AT]itp.ac.cn The first detection of gravitational waves by ground-based detectors in the 10Hz - 10 kHz frequency band is expected after advanced gravitational wave detectors now being installed and commissioned reach their full sensitivity, between 2016-2020. Signals from the known population of binary neutron stars are expected, as well as signals from other sources such as binary black holes. In addition to ground-based detectors, space based detectors for the millihertz band are under active development, pulsar timing observatories are searching for gravitational waves in the nanohertz band, and studies of the cosmic microwave background are searching for evidence for gravitational waves at ~10-16 Hz. The need for an expanded array of ground-based detectors is well understood. Expansion of the array and particularly the addition of a southern hemisphere detector will greatly improve angular resolution, array duty cycle, source galaxy identification, and source parameter estimation. The expanded array should be designed to maximise the science outcomes of gravitational wave astronomy in regard to both the fundamental testing of general relativity and astrophysical observations. New approaches and new technologies for ground based gravitational wave detectors have been under development for a number of years. Proposed designs for future detectors were considered by the Einstein Telescope collaboration and by LIGO Scientific Collaboration "colour groups" in 2010-2012. This KITPC Program will bring leading experts in gravitational wave astrophysics, gravitational wave detector science and engineering, quantum opto-mechanics, precision optics, fine mechanics and materials science together in a 5 week program focused on designing the next ground based detectors, and special sessions and workshops on the optimum design for space based detectors. Future detector designs depend crucially on key enabling technologies in which there has been intense theoretical and experimental research over recent years. These include - theory of acoustic noise and development of optical materials that combine ultralow acoustic noise and optical losses, - theory and technology for Newtonian gravitational noise reduction, - theory and implementation of macroscopic quantum measurement techniques. Considerations for evaluating different detector arrays include: a) knowledge and modelling of signal sources; b) modelling of detector array performance in relation to source parameter extraction and signal to noise ratio; c) methods of data analysis; d) capabilities and performance of multi-messenger astronomy techniques. Finally, design choices for the next ground based detectors will depend on practical considerations that include the time scale for achieving performance requirements, understanding of the risks associated with design choices, and cost trade-offs versus funding opportunities. Week 1 will focus on the entire gravitational wave spectrum including regions targeted by pulsar timing, space laser interferometers, atom interferometers and ground based detectors. It will review the current knowledge of sources, detectors and data analysis, and identify critical areas of research in the physics of sources, gravitational wave detector science and multimessenger astronomy. Week 2 will include the Third Beijing Workshop on Gravitational Waves (held at Tsinghua University, Beijing). The program of this workshop is centered on the following themes: - Detection of gravitational waves: instruments, signal analysis, data analysis,... - Gravitational wave sources: neutron star binaries, black hole binaries,... - Multi-messenger astrophysics: optical, X-ray, or gamma ray counterparts, neutrinos,... - Other gravitational-wave related themes (supporting computing architecture,...) Weeks 3-4 will explore the possibilities for realistic designs for the next ground based detectors, plus workshop to explore space detector designs and their synergy with ground based detectors. Sessions will include: - Quantum measurement technologies based on optical squeezing and optical spring effects; - Core technologies including laser wavelength, test mass material, optical coatings, detector configurations, vacuum and cryogenics, and control systems. - Broadening the sensitivity bandwidth (<10Hz, >3kHz) and multimessenger astronomy. - Interferometer arm length: vacuum and cost/sensitivity trade-offs. Space detector workshop topics will include: - Technology: high-power space qualified lasers, ultra-stable oscillators, pointing, sensors, UV discharging, time delay interferometry. - Mission design: layout, armlength, orbit. - Sources, data analysis and multimessenger astronomy: galaxy and black hole evolution, optical counterparts, EMRI templates, TeV signatures and dark energy. Week 5 will focus on the programme outcomes: completion of the science case and conceptual design for the next ground based detectors. Publication: The outcomes will be published as a special issue of a refereed journal containing a single multi-authored design paper on the next ground based detector, a multi-authored review on space detectors and short individual contributions. Week 5 will also organize an international conference on gravitation and cosmology jointed with the 4th Galileo-Xu Guangxi meeting, to celebrate GR 100 About 50 international participants and 100 participants from China are expected to attend the KITP Program, which will take place on the Campus of the CAS-KITP in Beijing. The program will include formal presentations, workshops and informal working groups along the lines of Aspen workshops. The draft program below will be modified according to advice from the IAC and Coordinating Committee and availability of participants. Funding details for participants will be given in the second announcement. International Organizing Committee David Blair, Junwei Cao, Zhoujian Cao, Yanbei Chen, Yun-song Piao, Wen Zhao, Zong-Hong Zhu +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.9. MICRA 2015 - Microphysics in Computational Relativistic Astrophysics, Stockholm, Sweden --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10224 Starting: 2015-08-17 to 2015-08-21 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Additional Information: http://compact-merger.astro.su.se/MICRA2015/ Contact: cott[AT]tapir.caltech.edu Workshop on Microphysics In Computational Relativistic Astrophysics MIRCA 2015 will be held in Stockholm, Sweden, August 17 - 21, 2015. http://compact-merger.astro.su.se/MICRA2015/ Please mark your calendars! MICRA is an interdisciplinary workshop that will bring together researchers in nuclear and neutrino physics, nuclear astrophysics, and in numerical modeling of relativistic astrophysical phenomena such as the mergers of neutron stars and core-collapse supernovae. The overarching goal of the MICRA workshop is to improve the interaction and collaboration between different communities towards astrophysical simulations that combine state-of-the-art microscopic (neutrino-matter interactions, equations of state, thermonuclear reaction rates) and macroscopic physics/methods (e.g. hydrodynamics, radiative transfer and relativity). Multi-messenger signal predictions from simulations will be crucial to interpret future observations by the international network of advanced gravitational wave detectors (to come online around 2015), by current and future neutrino detectors, by classical astronomical observatories and by high-energy satellite missions. Major goals are therefore to establish a clear strategy to close the gap between simulation results and observations (gravitational wave, neutrino and electromagnetic). Scientific Organizing Committee: Almudena Arcones Axel Brandenburg Carla Frohlich Christian Ott Christopher Pethick Jocelyn Read Stephan Rosswog Laura Tolos +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 2. Jobs ============================================== 2.1. Lagrange Thesis Fellowships - Institut Lagrange de Paris ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10122 Deadline: 2015-01-15 Location: Paris, France Additional Information: http://ilp.upmc.fr/thesis-fellowships-call-2015.php Contact: contact[AT]ilp.upmc.fr The Lagrange Institute (ILP) invites applications for the fourth class of Lagrange thesis fellowships. The new Lagrange thesis fellows are expected to start in the Fall semester of 2015. Successful candidates will have demonstrated academic excellence, outstanding potential for creative research, and leadership qualities. Lagrange thesis fellows will be immersed in an internationally visible, world-class research environment in terms of intellectual, and computational resources, an extensive visitors' program, and significant involvement in the world's leading astronomical and (astro-)particle physics projects, such as Planck, Herschel, Euclid, CFHTLS, TeraPix, BOSS, SDSS III, VIPER, Square Kilometer Array, LHC, HESS, Auger, etc. The Lagrange thesis fellows will be enrolled in a doctoral school of the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, part of Sorbonne Universités, with access to intensive short courses in cutting edge areas of the field, such as dark matter and dark energy research, theoretical and experimental (astro-)particle physics, recent advances in quantum field theory and string theory. Special short courses will be offered in emerging research methods such as astrostatistics, discovery in petascale data sets, etc. The Lagrange Institute will support yearly summer or winter schools where thesis fellows can meet their future colleagues. All courses will be offered in English and taught by the leading experts in each field - either members of ILP or guest professors, including the Lagrange award holders. The list of thesis project proposals written by members of the ILP can be found in our website. Candidates are invited to contact their potential advisors directly before submitting their application. Applications should be submitted online by the 15th of January, 2015 and include academic history, course work, scientific interests, scholarships and honors, outside interests, purpose and goals. Candidates should arrange for 3 letters of reference to be uploaded to the web application. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2. ERC funded Post-Doctoral Research Associate in General Relativity and High Energy Physics (Fixed Term), DAMTP ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10128 Deadline: 2014-12-31 Location: Cambridge, UK Additional Information: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5562/ Contact: p.figueras[AT]damtp.cam.ac.uk Salary: 28,695-37,394 GBP We hope to be able to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work in the area of numerical general relativity in higher dimensions and in holographic settings within the General Relativity group at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge. The research activity of the successful candidate will focus on the study of the dynamics of black holes in higher dimensions and in anti-de Sitter spaces, with an emphasis on applications to heavy ion physics. The General Relativity group in DAMTP has strong links with other groups in the department, such as the High Energy Physics and the Cosmology groups. This should be an ERC funded post, and the length of the tenure will be for 3 years. The preferred start date is 1st of October 2015. Duties include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects. The role holder will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance if required, and to assist in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies. You must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts. You may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to research area. The successful candidate will have (or soon be completing) a PhD in the relevant areas described. The ideal candidate will have experience in numerical computations in general relativity and/or in holographic settings. Experience in parallel computing and C++ programming skills are desirable. Informal inquiries can be made by contacting Dr Pau Figueras (p.figueras[AT]damtp.cam.ac.uk). Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply' button below. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. Please indicate the contact details of three academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae and a description of your recent research (not to exceed two pages). Please note that your referees will be contacted automatically after you have submitted your application. Please quote reference LE04810 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The closing date is 31st December 2014. The University of Cambridge values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Department would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented on our academic staff. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3. Perimeter Scholars International ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/04/perimeter-scholars-internatio… Deadline: 2015-02-01 Location: Waterloo ON, Canada Additional Information: http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/training/about-psi?cm_mid=4171124&cm_crmid… Contact: contact[AT]perimeterinstitute.ca Each year, Canadas Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics recruits approximately 30 exceptional science graduates for an immersive, 10-month physics boot camp: Perimeter Scholars International (PSI). This unique Masters program seeks not only students with stellar undergraduate physics track records, but also those with diverse backgrounds, collaborative spirit, creativity, and other attributes that will set them apart as future innovators. Features of the program include: All student costs (tuition, living, travel) are covered, removing financial and/or geographical barriers to entry Students learn from world-leading theoretical physicists resident Perimeter researchers and visiting scientists within the inspiring environment of Perimeter Institute Collaboration is valued over competition; deep understanding and creativity are valued over rote learning and examination PSI recruits worldwide: 85 percent of students come from outside of Canada PSI takes calculated risks, seeking extraordinary talent who may have non-traditional academic backgrounds but have demonstrated exceptional scientific aptitude PSI is now accepting applications for the class of 2015/16. Applications are due by February 1, 2015. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4. Senior Research Fellow in modelling neutron stars at University of Southampton ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10161 Deadline: 2015-01-30 Location: Southampton, UK Additional Information: https://www.jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=492014PJ Contact: wynn.ho[AT]soton.ac.uk The Southampton Gravity Group is offering a research position in theoretical modelling of neutron stars. You will undertake research within an STFC-funded project to investigate the physics, astrophysics and phenomenology of neutron stars. The University of Southampton (UK) is home to a large research group in gravitational physics. The Group currently comprises 10 staff members (Nils Andersson, Leor Barack, Oscar Dias, Carsten Gundlach, Ian Hawke, Wynn Ho, Ian Jones, Kostas Skenderis, Marika Taylor and James Vickers), 8 postdocs and 19 research students. Research in the group covers topics in black hole and neutron star physics, gravitational waves and numerical relativity, with additional expertise in string-inspired gravity and holography. The Group works with colleagues in the Southampton astronomy and high energy groups and is part of the newly created STAG research centre. You will have a PhD or equivalent in astronomy, astrophysics or physics, and a strong theoretical physics and computational background. A complete application should include (i) a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications; (ii) a brief (<1 page) statement of research interests; and (iii) the names and addresses of three referees. For informal inquiries contact Dr Wynn Ho (wynn.ho[AT]southampton.ac.uk). The two-year position is tenable from 1 October 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter, with an extension to 3 years possible subject to funding. The closing date for this vacancy is 30 January 2015. You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. Please quote reference 492014PJ on all correspondence. See www.jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=492014PJ for more details. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5. Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow, Physics Program, Bard College ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10168 Deadline: 2014-12-20 Location: Annandale-on-Hudson, New York Additional Information: http://apply.interfolio.com/28091 Contact: haggard[AT]bard.edu The Physics Program at Bard College invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral teaching fellowship. The department is in the midst of rapid growth and seeks to apply equal intellectual rigor to pedagogy and research. The candidate will teach two courses a year, as well as conduct research in quantum gravity and mathematical physics with Prof. Haggard. Eligibility is limited to applicants who have or will have completed their Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or closely related field by the time of the appointment. The density of physics groups in the mid Hudson Valley makes this an ideal location to connect with the broader physics community. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, CV, a list of publications, statement of research interests/plans, and a teaching statement that summarizes her/his teaching experience and philosophy for improving student engagement and learning. Our program serves undergraduates and thought should be given to ways of including undergraduates in the candidates research program. The application and three recommendation letters should be sent directly to Interfolio. We encourage all candidates to apply by December 15, and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Bard College is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity. For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Hal Haggard at haggard[AT]bard.edu. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6. Postdoctoral positions at ICTP-SAIFR, Brazil, Sao Paulo, Brazil ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10172 Deadline: 2015-01-12 Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil Additional Information: http://www.ictp-saifr.org/?page_id=625 Contact: rafael.porto.pereira[AT]gmail.com The ICTP South American Institute for Fundamental Research opens postdoctoral positions in the area of Gravitation/Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. The appointments will be for two years with possible renewal for up to four years. Interested candidates must submit an updated CV, list of publications, research statement and at least three reference letters at the link provided, stating Gravity/Cosmology or Astroparticle Physics as the area of interest. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7. Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neutron Star Astrophysics, Amsterdam ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10178 Deadline: 2015-02-01 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Additional Information: http://www.astro.uva.nl/jobs/postdoctoral-research-associate-in-neutron-sta… Contact: A.L.Watts[AT]uva.nl The Neutron Star Theory group at the University of Amsterdam invites applications for an ERC-funded postdoctoral position to work on thermonuclear burst oscillations on accreting neutron stars, to start in Fall 2015. The successful candidate will work in a dedicated project group, led by Dr Anna Watts, with 1-2 other postdoctoral researchers and 2 PhD students. We are seeking candidates with an interest in working on either (a) theoretical studies of the burst oscillation mechanism, or (b) the connection to observations and the data/statistical analysis necessary to fit burst oscillation pulse profiles and recover neutron star mass and radius. Candidates must have (or expect to obtain by Fall 2015) a PhD in Physics/Astronomy/Applied Mathematics, and have a good research track record in a relevant field. Experience in any of the following areas - fluid dynamics, X-ray timing data, or General Relativity - would be desirable. Initial appointment will be for 2 years, with a 3rd year available subject to satisfactory performance (evaluated at the end of the 1st year). We offer a competitive salary (on the standard Dutch university scale, which depends on experience). The position comes with funds for travel and computers, and there are opportunities to supervise both Masters and Bachelors research projects. The Anton Pannekoek Institute of the University of Amsterdam is a world leading institute in high-energy astrophysics, with top-rated international research groups in black hole, neutron star and gamma-ray burst research. In addition there are research groups excelling in ground-based observational techniques. the study of stars and stellar evolution, planet formation, and astroparticle physics. Evaluation of applications (which should comprise a CV including publications, a concise statement of previous research and research interests, and the details of 3 people who can be contacted for letters of recommendation) will start on February 1 and continue until the position has been filled. Application materials should be sent by email to A.L.Watts at uva.nl. Informal enquiries are welcome. Included Benefits: The standard, generous Dutch social benefits apply to this position including collective health insurance, 16 weeks paid maternity leave, childcare subsidies, pension accrual, and several weeks annual paid vacation. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8. Research Associate -- Gravitational Wave Astronomy/Numerical Relativity at Cardiff ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10187 Deadline: 2015-01-30 Location: Cardiff, UK Additional Information: http://bit.ly/1z2HQfu Contact: mark.hannam[AT]astro.cf.ac.uk Cardiff Gravitational Physics (http://www.astro.cardiff.ac.uk/research/gravity/) is seeking applications to fill two postdoctoral research associate positions. You will have the opportunity to take part in the exciting search for gravitational waves in data from the most sensitive interferometers built to date using state-of-the-art computational infrastructure. Group members play leading roles in efforts to search for signals from gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and the coalescence of neutron star and black hole binaries. They model astrophysical sources of gravitational waves using analytical and numerical relativity and develop search algorithms for their detection and interpretation with current and future detectors. The emphasis of the posts will be on developing algorithms for the detection and study of gravitational-wave signals from compact binary mergers or unmodelled burst sources in data from Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo, and GEO-HF, or modelling of compact-binary systems using a combination of numerical simulations and analytic methods. The positions are available initially for a period of one year, renewable depending on funding and performance, and are at the Research Associate (Grade 6) level. The position is available from 1st September 2015, but the precise starting date is negotiable. This post is fixed term / full time position Salary: 31,342 - 37,394 GBP per annum. (Grade 6) Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Stephen Fairhurst, Dr. Mark Hannam, or Dr Patrick Sutton by email at stephen.fairhurst[AT]astro.cf.ac.uk, mark.hannam[AT]astro.cf.ac.uk, or Patrick.Sutton[AT]astro.cf.ac.uk. Date advert posted: Tuesday 16 December 2014 Closing date: Friday 30 January 2015 For more details, see the full job announcement at http://bit.ly/1z2HQfu +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9. PhD positions at Texas Tech ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/31/phd-positions-at-texas-tech/ Deadline: 2015-02-01 Location: Lubbock, TX, USA Additional Information: http://www.phys.ttu.edu Contact: alessandra.corsi[AT]ttu.edu There is a new gravity group at Texas Tech University (TTU): Professors Alessandra Corsi (started August 2014) and Benjamin Owen (starting January 2015) work on gravitational wave data analysis, and Owen also does theoretical work on sources of gravitational waves. Both are looking for graduate students, and several postdocs and undergraduates are already joining the group. TTU gravity is part of the astronomy group, which started within the Physics Department in January 2013 as part of TTU's ongoing drive to enhance its research profile. The other astronomy faculty include Thomas Maccarone and David Sand, both having research overlap with gravity via compact objects, extreme astrophysics, and transient electromagnetic astronomy. TTU is a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, and the astronomy group maintains strong collaborations with gravity and astronomy groups at many other institutions. More information on the TTU physics department is available at http://www.phys.ttu.edu. The graduate application process is described at http://www.phys.ttu.edu/grad_step_by_step.html. The deadline for applications for Fall 2015 is February 1, 2015, so apply soon! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 3. News ============================================== 3.1. GWIC Thesis Prize and Stefano Braccini Thesis Prize for 2014: Call for Nominations ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/04/gwic-thesis-prize-and-stefano… Additional Information: https://gwic.ligo.org/thesisprize/ The Gravitational Wave International Committee is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2014 GWIC Thesis Prize and for the 2014 Stefano Braccini Thesis Prize are now open. Both prizes recognize outstanding PhD theses in the area of gravitational waves. This call for nominations covers both prizes. A joint selection committee will select two winners, with the GWIC Thesis Prize emphasizing the impact of the research on the field of gravitational wave science, while the Braccini Thesis Prize will be awarded with an emphasis on innovation. Members of the gravitational wave community are invited to nominate students who have performed notable research on any aspect of gravitational wave science. Theses will be judged on 1) originality and creativity of the research, 2) importance to the field of gravitational waves and gravitational wave detection, broadly interpreted, and 3) clarity of presentation. Each winner will receive a certificate of recognition and a prize of USD 1,000. GWIC is privileged to nominate both thesis prize winners for publication in the book series Springer Theses. Subject to certain qualifications, Springer Theses publishes exceptional Ph.D. theses in the physical sciences in their entirety. If accepted, each winner will receive an additional 500 EUR from Springer upon publication. Eligibility: Both prizes are award on a calendar year basis. Theses should have been accepted by their institutions between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2014. It is expected that many of the nominations will come from the member projects of GWIC, but this is not a requirement. Nominated theses may be in any language. A committee selected from the gravitational wave community will evaluate the nominations and select the winner. The selection committee will make all determinations about eligibility. Nominations: Nominations should be submitted to the selection committee chair (Archana Pai) by 15 January 2015. The nomination package consists of (i) the thesis, (ii) a letter of nomination, preferably from the thesis advisor, and (iii) a supporting letter from another scientist familiar with the work. The nomination and supporting letters should describe the importance and novelty of the research and the student's particular contribution. Electronic submission of the the thesis and letters is strongly preferred. Electronic copies of the nomination materials may be sent to , with a copy to . All nominations will be acknowledged. If electronic submission is impossible, please contact for instructions concerning paper submission. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.2. Grand Prix scientifique 2015 Simone and Cino del Duca Foundation ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/05/grand-prix-scientifique-2015-… Additional Information: http://www.academie-sciences.fr/activite/prix/gp_duca.htm Call for applications Every year, alternatively under the disciplines of the two divisions(1) of Academy of Sciences, the Simone and Cino del Duca Foundation of the Institut de France awards a scientific prize based on the recommendations of a jury of members of the Institut de France.The Grand Prix will be awarded to a French or European scientist and his/her team(2) that will propose an ambitious research project on a promising theme. In 2015, the theme retained for the 1st division is General relativity from the macrocosm to the microcosm: experimental tests, geolocalisation, gravitational waves, black holes, quantum gravitation,... The Grand Prix del Duca 2015, will reward to a French or European researcher, and his team, making an ambitious project, where general relativity plays a central role over all promising topic like those mentioned above. This topic could be experimental or theoretical, and involved the microcosm and the macrocosm. The prize is as follows: a) 200,000 EUR to finance the work of the award-winning group, b) 25,000 EUR awarded to the director of the research group, c) 50,000 EUR (maximum amount paid on supporting) towards the hiring of one or more French or foreign postdoctoral researchers to be selected by the group director, in the two years following the award of the prize. An agreement will be established between the laboratory and the Foundation del Duca to define the conditions of payment. The applications must be sent on line not later than Thursday, January 22, 2015 to the following electronic address: http://prix.academie-sciences.fr For further information, you can consult this call for application on the website of the French Academy of sciences at the address: http://www.academie-sciences.fr/activite/prix/gp_duca.htm ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.3. MG14 on-line registration is open ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=10200 Additional Information: http://www.icra.it/mg/mg14/ It gives us great pleasure to announce the opening of on-line registration http://www.icra.it/mg/mg14/registration.htm for the 14thMarcel Grossmann Meeting that will take place in Rome at Sapienza University July 12 to 18 , 2015. The early registration fee is 350 EUR through May 25, after which the fee will be 400 EUR. The student fee is 150 EUR at any time (with certification of "Student Status"). The preliminary poster is: http://www.icra.it/mg/mg14/MG14_poster.pdf Abstracts for parallel session presentations must be submitted by June 1st, 2015, but preferably at the time of registration. The current preliminary list of parallel sessions and related chairpersons can be found at: http://www.icra.it/mg/mg14/par_sessions_chairs.htm A preliminary list of confirmed plenary speakers is also available: http://www.icra.it/mg/mg14/invited_speakers.htm All inquiries may be directed to the meeting mailbox: mg14[AT]icra.it Remo Ruffini (chair of International Organizing Committee) Robert Jantzen (chair of International Coordinating Committee) Massimo Bianchi (chair of Local Organizing Committee) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.4. 2015 Awards for Essays on Gravitation ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2014/12/30/2015-awards-for-essays-on-gra… Additional Information: http://www.gravityresearchfoundation.org In 2015, for our sixty-sixth competition, the trustees of the Gravity Research Foundation are offering five awards for short essays for the purpose of stimulating thought and encouraging work on gravitation. The stipulations follow. (1) We will make these Awards on May 15, 2015 for the best well-written essays, 1500 words or fewer (excluding abstracts, diagrams, references and minimal equations), on the subject of gravitation, its theory, applications, or effects. (2) The First Award will be 4000.00 USD The Second Award will be 1250.00 The Third Award will be 1000.00 The Fourth Award will be 750.00 The Fifth Award will be 500.00 (3) Essays must be in English and e-mailed in a single PDF file before April 1, 2015. One essay only will be accepted from each author. Notify us within 24 hours if you do not receive an e-mail confirmation of your submission. (4) Title pages should include essay title; authors' names, e-mail and mailing addresses; submission date; an abstract of 125 words or less; and the statement: "Essay written for the Gravity Research Foundation 2015 Awards for Essays on Gravitation." Pages should be numbered. (5) The decision of the judges will be final and no reviews or comments will be provided. (6) Please check the winners' announcement to be posted on our website: www.gravityresearchfoundation.org around May 15, 2015. We will also attempt to send all participants a general e-mail notification. (7) The five award-winning essays will be published in a special issue of the International Journal of Modern Physics D (IJMPD). Authors of essays designated Honorable Mention will be invited to submit their essays to the IJMPD where these may undergo additional refereeing at editorial discretion for possible publication. Authors of all other essays are free and encouraged to publish their essays after May 15th. Submission e-mail address: George M. Rideout, Jr., President, grideoutjr[AT]aol.com Recent First Award Winners: 2014 - Lawrence M. Krauss, Arizona State University and Frank Wilczek, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 2013 - Baocheng Zhang, Qing-yu Cai, Ming-sheng Zhan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan and Li You, Tsinghua University, Bejing, PR China 2012 - Claus Kiefer and Manuel Kraemer, University of Cologne, Koeln, Germany 2011 - Ivan Agullo, Penn State and Leonard Parker, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2010 - Mark Van Raamsdonk, University of British Columbia, Vancouver 2009 - Alexander Burinskii, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia 2008 - T. Padmanabhan, IUCAA, Pune, India 2007 - S. Carlip, University of California at Davis 2006 - Vijay Balasubramanian, University of Pennsylvania; Donald Marolf, University of California at Santa Barbara and Moshe Rozali, University of British Columbia 2005 - John Ellis, CERN; N. E. Mavromatos, King'ss College London and D. V. Nanopoulos, Texas A and M University 2004 - Maulik Parikh, Columbia University, New York 2003 - Martin Bojowald, The Pennsylvania State University 2002 - Steven B. Giddings, University of California at Santa Barbara and Stanford University 2001 - Csaba Csaki and Joshua Erlich, Los Alamos National Lab and Christophe Grojean, University of California at Berkeley 2000 - Arthur Lue and Erick J. Weinberg, Columbia University, New York ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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