################################################################# Table of Contents ################################################################# 1. Conferences 1.1 Britgrav 2011 1.2 PASCOS 2011 1.3 Rencontres de Moriond and GPhyS Colloquium 1.4 School on Gravitational Waves: from Theory to Detection 1.5 Microphysics in Computational Relativistic Astrophysics at PI 2. Jobs 2.1 Research positions in Geometric Analysis and Gravitation at the AEI 2.2 Postdoctoral position in Gravitational-Wave Astronomy and Astrophysics at Syracuse 2.3 PhD Position in Scientific Computing at Jena University 2.4 Postdoc Position in Quantum Gravity at Utrecht University 2.5 Postdoctoral position in Theoretical Gravitational-Wave Physics at Maryland 2.6 PhD Scholarships in Computational/Mathematical Relativity at Otago 2.7 Postdoctoral position in gravitational wave physics at UIB 2.8 Postdoctoral Position in Gravitation Theory at Maryland 2.9 Postdoc Position in Theoretical/Computational Astrophysics at Jacobs University Bremen 2.10 CIFAR Junior Fellowship (Cosmology and Gravity Program) 2.11 Postdoctoral Position in Fundamental Gravitational Theory at Penn State 2.12 Postdoctoral position in Quantum Gravity at the AEI 2.13 Postdoctoral position in theoretical and experimental particle physics at ICN, UNAM, Mexico 2.14 Postdoctoral positions in astrophysics, numerical relativity and nuclear physics at IRFU, LUTH and IPN, Paris, France 2.15 Information Technology Analyst 3 or Consultant at LSU CCT 3. News 3.1 Post-doc and Student Prizes for the best presentations at the GR19 conference 3.2 GWIC Thesis Prize: Call for Nominations 3.3 Einstein Toolkit Release 3.4 Read the Classical and Quantum Gravity Highlights of 2009-2010 ================================================================= 1. Conferences ================================================================= 1.1 Britgrav 2011 ----------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/29/britgrav-2011/ Starting Mon, Apr 04, 2011 to Thu, Apr 07, 2011 Location: Glasgow, UK Additional Information: http://nppd.iopconfs.org/ The format of the Britgrav meeting in 2011 will be different to that in previous years. The Gravitational Physics Group is a member of the Nuclear and Particle Physics Division (NPPD) of the IOP, and the 2011 Britgrav meeting will be included in the 2011 NPPD conference (4-7 April 2011, University of Glasgow) as parallel sessions. PhD students and young postdocs (experimentalists and theorists alike) are encouraged to submit an abstract. In addition to the parallel sessions, the 2011 NPPD conference will include invited plenary talks on gravitational physics. See http://nppd.iopconfs.org/ for further details. For abstract submission information see http://nppd.iopconfs.org/ Please note that the abstract submission deadline is *21 January 2011*. David Burton Hon. Sec. IOP Gravitational Physics Group +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2 PASCOS 2011 --------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/19/pascos-2011/ Starting Sun, Jul 03, 2011 to Fri, Jul 08, 2011 Location: Cambridge, UK Additional Information: http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/gr/workshops/PASCOS/2011/ The Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge, UK, is proud to be hosting PASCOS 2011, the 17th International Symposium on Particles, Strings and Cosmology. The conference will be held in the award-winning Centre for Mathematical Sciences from 3rd to 8th July 2011. The aim of the conference is to explore and develop synergies between particle physics, string theory and cosmology. This is a particularly timely meeting given ongoing flagship experiments like the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the Planck satellite. With an international line-up of 26 speakers, all of them world leaders in these fields, PASCOS 2011 will be a major event in the conference schedule for 2011. For further details and latest news, see: http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/gr/workshops/PASCOS/2011/. It is hoped to have online registration running shortly. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.3 Rencontres de Moriond and GPhyS Colloquium ---------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/17/rencontres-de-moriond-and-gphys-coll... Starting Sun, Mar 20, 2011 to Sun, Mar 27, 2011 Location: La Thuile (Valle d'Aosta), Italy Additional Information: http://gphys.obspm.fr/LaThuile2011/Home.html The next Rencontres de Moriond meeting devoted to Gravitational Waves and Experimental Gravity will be organized in La Thuile (Valle d'Aosta, Italy), March 20-27, 2011. The topics covered will include: Gravitational Waves o Astrophysical sources of GW o Cosmological sources of GW o GW data analysis o Status of detectors o Advanced detectors o Space borne detectors Experimental Gravity o Tests of the equivalence principle (classical and cold atoms) o Atrometry, solar system ephemerides and observational gravity tests o Clocks, lasers and fundamental constants o CPT and Lorentz symmetry o Short range gravity and Casimir effect; classical, atom and neutron tests o Long range gravity, dark matter, dark energy Registration is now open. And more details can be found on the web site of the conference: http://gphys.obspm.fr/LaThuile2011/Home.html Best regards, the organizing committee +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.4 School on Gravitational Waves: from Theory to Detection ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/13/school-on-gravitational-waves-from-t... Starting Mon, May 23, 2011 to Sat, May 28, 2011 Location: CargËse, Corsica, France Additional Information: http://www.apc.univ-paris7.fr/APC/Conferences/Site_Cargese/Home.html As its name suggests, the school program consists of essentially two parts: one devoted to the theoretical grounds of gravitational waves, the astrophysical sources and waveform models, the other more focused on detection principles and analysis methods. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.5 Microphysics in Computational Relativistic Astrophysics at PI ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/12/02/microphysics-in-computational-relati... Starting Mon, Jun 20, 2011 to Sat, Jun 25, 2011 Location: Waterloo ON, Canada This is the first circular, please note further info (webpage, deadlines, SOC, etc) will be sent in the near future. The workshop will be held at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Waterloo ON, Canada on June 20 - 25 2011, and will bring together leading and younger researchers in the field of numerical modeling and microscopic physics of matter and radiation at high densities where effects of general relativity play a central role. The topics covered will include improved microscopic physics inputs (neutrino-matter interactions, equations of state, thermonuclear reaction rates) and computational methods (GRMHD, radiation transport, reaction networks) with an emphasis on approaches that allow for efficient implementation of the improvements in multi-D simulations of relativistic astrophysical systems. ================================================================= 2. Jobs ================================================================= 2.1 Research positions in Geometric Analysis and Gravitation at the AEI ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/30/research-on-geometric-analysis-and-g... Institution: Potsdam, Germany Deadline: Sun, Dec 12, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.aei.mpg.de The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) will fill research positions in the areas Mathematical Relativity Geometric Analysis Research programs concern the mathematical foundations of general relativity and related physical theories, they are based in analysis, geometry and numerical analysis. In particular, nonlinear partial differential equations are a common theme of our research. The Einstein field equations model both the behavior of global cosmological models and of isolated gravitating systems such as stars, black holes and galaxies. Our research addresses the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions with respect to their local and global behavior, singularity formation and numerical simulation and investigates the close correspondence between geometrical structures and physical concepts. Other field equations arise from string theory and the consideration of matter in modern mathematical models in elasticity, fluids, electromagnetism and gauge theories. Several mathematical projects are concerned with the geometrical structure of space and time. They involve geometrical variational principles characterizing specific models in geometry and physics as well as geometric evolution equations like the mean curvature flow of surfaces and the Ricci-flow of Riemannian metrics. There are close interactions with the research sections "Astrophysical Relativity" and "Quantum Gravity and Unified Theories" in the Albert Einstein Institute, as well as with the universities in Berlin and Potsdam. Postdoctoral appointments typically are for two years, starting September 2011 or earlier. A limited number of PhD-scholarships is available, compare also the website of our "International-Max-Planck-Research-School", http://www.aei.mpg.de/imprs/index.html . To apply please submit a curriculum vitae, list of publications and statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to anne.lampe[AT]aei.mpg.de +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Postdoctoral position in Gravitational-Wave Astronomy and Astrophysics at Syracuse -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/30/postdoctoral-position-in-gravitation... Institution: Syracuse, NY, USA Deadline: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.gravity.phy.syr.edu/ The Syracuse University Gravitational-Wave Group invites application for a postdoctoral research position in gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics, starting September 1, 2011 or possibly earlier. The initial appointment will be for one year, renewable up to three years contingent on continued funding and satisfactory performance. The Syracuse University Gravitational-Wave Group consists of faculty members Stefan Ballmer, Duncan Brown and Peter Saulson, senior scientist Peter Couvares, 1 postdoc and 7 graduate students. The group has a broad range of research interests in gravitational-wave astronomy including searches for compact binaries, unmodeled bursts and stochastic sources, as well as detector characterization and next-generation detector development. The Syracuse group has excellent computing and laboratory facilities and operates a 320 CPU core Intel Xeon cluster for gravitational wave data analysis and source modeling. The group has recently received NSF funding to upgrade this to a 2000-core computing cluster. The successful candidate's research will be focused on development of search and parameter estimation techniques for gravitational waves using the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (aLIGO), the interface between numerical relativity and gravitational-wave astronomy and the physics of gravitational-wave sources. For full consideration qualified candidates must complete an online management application at www.sujobopps.com (job #027055) and attach their curriculum vitae, list of publications, a statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to Prof. Duncan Brown at dabrown[at]physics.syr.edu or via regular mail to: Prof. Duncan Brown, Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA Application materials should be submitted by December 15, 2010 for full consideration, but the screening process will continue until the position is filled. Syracuse University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Members of minority groups and women are especially encouraged to apply. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 PhD Position in Scientific Computing at Jena University ----------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/30/phd-position-in-scientific-computing... Institution: Jena, Germany Deadline: Fri, Dec 31, 2010 Additional Information: http://wwwsfb.tpi.uni-jena.de/Jobs/ PhD research position on Numerical Methods within the Collaborative Research Center SFB/Transregio 7 "Gravitational Wave Astronomy" is available from January 2011 at Jena University. The PhD project will focus on the development and implementation of numerical methods for second order wave equations, including Finite Element and discontinuous Galerkin methods. A background in one or more of the following is considered advantageous: numerical methods for PDEs, differential geometry, exterior calculus, general relativity, working experience in high-level programming languages, parallel computing. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Postdoc Position in Quantum Gravity at Utrecht University ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/26/postdoc-position-in-quantum-gravity-... Institution: Utrecht, The Netherlands Deadline: Fri, Dec 17, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.phys.uu.nl/~loll/Web/jobs/jobs.html There will be an opening for a post-doctoral position in quantum gravity in the group headed by Renate Loll at the Institute for Theoretical Physics of Utrecht University, starting in autumn of 2011 or earlier. Applicants should have a background in quantum gravity or related areas, and an active interest in contributing to the group's research in nonperturbative quantum gravity, in particular, the approach of Causal Dynamical Triangulations and possible applications to cosmology. See the attached URL for more information and how to apply. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Postdoctoral position in Theoretical Gravitational-Wave Physics at Maryland -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/22/postdoctoral-position-in-theoretical... Institution: College Park, MD, USA Deadline: Fri, Dec 31, 2010 The Gravitational Wave Theory Group at the University of Maryland announces the opening of a postdoctoral position in gravitational waves, starting in the Fall of 2011. The position is in the areas of LIGO/Virgo data analysis, with emphasis on the search for gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences, gravitational-wave source modeling, the interface between analytical and numerical relativity,and post-Newtonian theory. The Gravitational Wave Theory Group is part of the Gravitation Theory Group at Maryland which consists of Professors Dieter Brill, Alessandra Buonanno, Bei-Lok Hu, Ted Jacobson, Charlie Misner (Emeritus), Manuel Tiglio, currently postdocs Enrico Barausse, Frank Herrmann, Alexandre Le Tiec, Yi Pan, Craig Robinson, and Sudipta Sarkar, and four graduate students. The Gravitational Wave Theory Group is also part of the Maryland Center for Fundamental Physics (http://mcfp.physics.umd.edu/) and the Joint Space-Science Institute (http://jsi.astro.umd.edu/) The Gravitational Wave Theory Group has also interactions with the Maryland Gravitation Experimental Group, Professors Ho-Jung Paik and Peter Shawhan, with the Astronomy Department, notably, Professors Cole Miller and Chris Reynolds, and with the LISA and numerical relativity group at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. All applicants will also automatically be considered for a Maryland Center for Fundamental Physics (MCFP) postdoctoral fellowship. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, list of publications, and descriptions of past research and future research interests, and arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent to gwt-postdocs[at]physics.umd.edu. For any inquiry on the postdoctoral positions, please, contact Professor Alessandra Buonanno (buonanno[at]umd.edu). It is requested that all application materials be sent as pdf files or as plain text. Please merge all application materials (other than letters of recommendation) into one pdf file if at all possible. The deadline for receipt of all application materials is December 31, 2010. Maryland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 PhD Scholarships in Computational/Mathematical Relativity at Otago ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/22/phd-scholarships-in-computationalmat... Institution: Dunedin, New Zealand Deadline: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 Applications are invited for 3-year PhD scholarships in Applied Mathematics, in particular in mathematical or computational relativity, at the University of Otago. A University of Otago Prestigious Scholarship provides an annual emolument of $25,000, plus tuition fee waiver for 3 years. A normal University of Otago Postgraduate Scholarship provides an annual emolument of $20,000, plus tuition fee waiver for 3 years: exceptional applicants who are awarded a Prestigious Scholarship may be eligible for additional support offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Applicants should have a First Class honours degree, or Masters degree, or equivalent, specialising in an area of Applied Mathematics.The scholarships are available to both International and Domestic students. There is no deadline for applications. Interested? Then, you should apply for a University of Otago Postgraduate Scholarship by downloading the appropriate application form the Scholarships Office website at: http://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships Successful applicants will be considered for a departmental supplement. Enquiries to: Professor J. Frauendiener (Phone: +64 3 479 7770, Email: joergf[at]maths.otago.ac.nz ) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 Postdoctoral position in gravitational wave physics at UIB -------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/19/postdoctoral-position-in-gravitation... Institution: Palma, Spain Deadline: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.uib.es/depart/dfs/GRG The gravity group at the Balearic Islands University (UIB) [http://www.uib.es/depart/dfs/GRG] is seeking applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position in the areas of gravitational wave physics and astrophysics, including data analysis for current and future gravitational wave detectors, modeling of gravitational-wave sources, numerical relativity, and related astrophysical topics. Research of the UIB group focuses on studies of gravitational waves from the point of view of data analysis and numerical simulations, cosmology and dark matter. UIB is a member institution of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the GEO600 project, and our group is part of the IAC3 computational institute. The group consists of faculty members Carles Bona, Jaume Carot, Sascha Husa, Lluis Mas, Joan Masso, Alicia Sintes and Joan Stela, and post-doctoral research fellow Denis Pollney, as well as several graduate students. Two further postdoctoral researchers are expected to arrive in early 2011. The position is available in 2011, the exact starting date being negotiable. Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, brief description of research interests and achievements, as well as arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to gravity.uib.contact[at]gmail.com. Please contact Alicia Sintes (alicia.sintes[at]uib.es) and Sascha Husa (sascha.husa[at]uib.es) or any other group member if you have any questions. Review of applications will begin on December 15, and applications will be considered until the position is filled. The position is funded by grant FPA2010-16495 of the Spanish ministry for science and innovation, "Data analysis and source modeling for gravitational wave detectors" to Alicia Sintes. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 Postdoctoral Position in Gravitation Theory at Maryland ----------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/19/postdoctoral-position-in-gravitation... Institution: College Park, MD, USA Deadline: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 Additional Information: http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/608 The Maryland Gravitation Theory Group announces an opening for a postdoctoral position in gravitation theory, starting in the Fall of 2011. The position is for one year, with renewal for a second year expected depending on the continuation of funding and satisfactory progress. The research areas for this position include, but are not limited to, phenomenology of general relativity and modified gravity theories, black hole thermodynamics, quantum field theory in curved spacetime, and quantum gravity. The Maryland Gravitation Theory Group currently consists of Professors Dieter Brill, Alessandra Buonanno, Bei-Lok Hu, Ted Jacobson, and Manuel Tiglio, and is part of the Maryland Center for Fundamental Physics (MCFP), which also includes particle and nuclear theory groups. The group web page is http://www.physics.umd.edu/rgroups/grt/ ; the Center web page is http://mcfp.physics.umd.edu/. Some members of the group are also fellows of the Joint Space Science Institute: http://jsi.astro.umd.edu/. All applicants will also automatically be considered for an MCFP postdoctoral fellowship. Applications should be submitted via Academic Jobs Online, at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/608 and should incude a CV, publication list, and statement of research experience and interests, and at least three letters of reference. Maryland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Deadline: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Contact: Y. Kubota Email: ykubota[at]umd.edu More information: http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/608 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 Postdoc Position in Theoretical/Computational Astrophysics at Jacobs University Bremen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/16/postdoc-position-in-theoreticalcompu... Institution: Bremen, Germany Deadline: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.faculty.iu-bremen.de/srosswog/Postdoc_advert_flyer_10_2010.pdf Position available immediately, without any restriction on citizenship. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Physics or Astrophysics, in exceptional cases also in Mathematics or Computer Science. The main topic of the project will be related to the tidal disruption of stars by massive black holes, but other topics related to compact objects may also be studied. The current research interests of the group comprise space-plasma physics, galaxy clusters, compact objects, binary systems, supernova explosions, Gamma-ray bursts, nucleosynthesis, sources of gravitational waves and computational methods. Jacobs University Bremen is an English-speaking private research University in the North of Germany. Jacobs University has excellent local computing facilities and access to national supercomputing centres.The selection process will begin 15 December 2010, but applications will be considered for as long as the position is available. Potential applicants are encouraged to make informal enquiries to Prof. Dr. Stephan Rosswog Jacobs University Bremen Campus Ring 1 28759 Bremen, Germany Email: s.rosswog[AT]jacobs-university.de http://www.faculty.iu-bremen.de/srosswog Candidates should send HARDCOPIES (no emails, please) of their application material (curriculum vitae, publication list, summary of current research interests; max. 2 pages) to the above address. They should also arrange for two letters of reference to arrive by the same date. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 CIFAR Junior Fellowship (Cosmology and Gravity Program) ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/15/cifar-junior-fellowship-cosmology-an... Institution: Eligible universities in Canada Additional Information: http://www2.cifar.ca/media/files/C%26G Junior Fellow Ad - June 2010.pdf The Junior Fellow Academy of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research is an elite fellowship program designed to build research and leadership capacity in gifted young scholars at a critical early stage of career development. The Academy provides unique opportunities for personal and professional growth through close collaboration with and mentorship from some of the best researchers in Canada and around the world. CIFAR's Cosmology and Gravity Program is seeking outstanding postdoctoral researchers to fill a Junior Fellowship position beginning in or after July 2011. The Junior Fellowship will be held in conjunction with a university postdoctoral appointment under the supervision of one or more program Fellows or Scholars. The position is tenable at any of the Canadian institutions where members of the Cosmology and Gravity Program are based. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Postdoctoral Position in Fundamental Gravitational Theory at Penn State ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/09/post-doctoral-position-in-fundamenta... Institution: University Park, PA, USA Deadline: Sun, Dec 12, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.gravity.psu.edu/opportunities/index.shtml The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos expects an opening for a post-doctoral position starting fall 2011 in the areas of general relativity and quantum gravity. The initial appointment will be for one year and is expected to be renewed for another year subject to satisfactory progress and availability of funds. In exceptional cases it has been renewed also for a third year. The gravitational theory group consists of Abhay Ashtekar, Martin Bojowald, Murat Gunaydin and Radu Roiban. In addition, Professors Roger Penrose, Jerzy Lewandowski, Alejandro Corichi and Stephon Alexander hold visiting professorships at the Institute. Successful candidates will be encouraged to interact also with mathematicians in the Center for Fundamental Theory and with members of the Center for Gravitational Wave Physics. During the current academic year, the Institute has approximately 20 post-docs (including Drs. Ivan Agullo, David Brizuela, Marco Chiodaroli, Jacobo Diaz-Polo, Alok Laddha, Elena Magliaro, William Nelson, Claudio Perini, Dmytro Volin in Fundamental Theory). For further information on the Institute, see http://www.gravity.psu.edu/ Current areas of research include Loop quantum gravity, mathematical, conceptual as well as phenomenological issues in cosmology, black hole dynamics, interface of analytical and numerical quantum gravity, supergravity and gravitational aspects of string theory and non-commutative geometry. In particular, ideas from both loop quantum gravity and string theory are being applied to fundamental problems of cosmology, analysis of singularity resolution and the issue of information loss. More generally, the Institute provides a rare forum for stimulating exchanges of ideas between different approaches to quantum gravity. Interested candidates should send a CV, a publication list and a statement of research interests/plans and arrange to have three recommendation letters sent directly to: Randi Neshteruk IGC Post-doc Applications 104 Davey Lab #258 Penn State University Park, PA 16802-6300, USA E-mail applications will be preferred provided the material is included as PDF file attachments. They should be sent to: igc-applications[AT]gravity.psu.edu The deadline for receipt of all application material is December 12th, 2010. Penn State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Postdoctoral position in Quantum Gravity at the AEI -------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/09/postdoctoral-position-in-quantum-gra... Institution: Potsdam, Germany Additional Information: http://www.aei.mpg.de/english/metanavi/jobs/index.html We invite applications of outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position, starting in or around the fall 2011, at the Max Planck Institute (Albert Einstein Institute) for Gravitational Physics, Potsdam, Germany, in Quantum Gravity. This is meant to include loop quantum gravity and spin foam models, group field theories, matrix models, discrete quantum gravity, non-commutative geometry, and related areas, including gravitational thermodynamics, emergent gravity models and quantum gravity phenomenology. The position will be offered either in the Max-Planck Research Group headed by Dr. Bianca Dittrich (http://www.aei.mpg.de/english/research/teams/canonicalCovariantDynamics/inde...), or in the Independent Research Group headed by Dr. Daniele Oriti (http://www.aei.mpg.de/english/research/teams/microscopicQuantumStructure/ind...), and funded by a Sofja Kowalevskaja Award of the Humboldt Foundation. The two groups are formed by approximately twenty members in total, between postdocs, PhD students and visiting scientists. The two groups are also involved in a variety of international research collaborations. Moreover, close collaboration and research exchanges are expected with the ''Quantum gravity and unified theories'' division of the Institute, directed by Prof. Nicolai, and counting on a considerable number postdocs and PhD students (see http://www.aei-potsdam.mpg.de/english/research/teams/quantumGravity/index.ht...), Overall, we can offer a vibrant, stimulating and top quality research environment for young researchers interested in Quantum Gravity. The postdoctoral appointments will be for two years, with the possibility of extension (depending on performance and availability of funds) in exceptional circumstances. We offer competitive salary, depending on experience, and adequate travel funds. Applicants are expected to hold, or to anticipate receiving very soon, a PhD in theoretical or mathematical physics, and to have already shown outstanding research abilities and potential. Successful applicants will likely have a strong research background and research interests in at least one of the following areas: loop quantum gravity, spin foam models, group field theory, simplicial gravity, matrix models, non-commutative geometry, fundamental cosmology and cosmological implications of quantum gravity models, emergent gravity in condensed matter systems, thermodynamical aspects of gravity, quantum gravity phenomenology. Interest in combining methods and ideas from different approaches to quantum gravity, and to apply techniques from quantum (statistical) field theory and/or condensed matter theory in quantum gravity is desirable. The review of applications will start December 1st 2010, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. To apply, please visit the webpage: https://lotus1.aei.mpg.de/job-form.nsf/applyQG.xsp and follow the application procedure online. Please also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be written on your behalf. Referees will be asked to upload the letters following your application. Alternatively, they can be e-mailed to qgpostdocs[at]aei.mpg.de or mailed to Max-Planck-Institut fuer Gravitationsphysik Albert-Einstein-Institut Frau Christine Gottschalkson Am Muehlenberg 1 D-14476 Golm Germany The Albert Einstein Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and applications from women and minority scholars are strongly encouraged. For any question or problem concerning the application process, please contact daniele.oriti[at]aei.mpg.de +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Postdoctoral position in theoretical and experimental particle physics at ICN, UNAM, Mexico ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/06/postdoctoral-position-icn-unam-mexic... Institution: Mexico City, Mexico Deadline: Tue, Feb 15, 2011 The High Energy Physics Department of the Institute of Nuclear Science (ICN) at the National University in Mexico City (UNAM) is seeking candidates for a 1+1 year postdoctoral position in the fields of theoretical and experimental particle physics, starting on September 2011. The research topics developed at the Department include: Astroparticle Physics, Effective Field Theories, Electroweak Baryogenesis, Gauge/Gravity Duality, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Methods of Quantization, Mathematical Physics, Neutrino Physics, Noncommutative Field Theories, Quantum Gravity Phenomenology, Relativistic Heavy-Ion Physics, Thermal Field Theory, Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Ray Physics. The Department is also currently engaged in the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and in the Pierre Auger Observatory, as well as in the JEM-EUSO and HAWC collaborations. The permanent members of the Department are: A. Aguilar-Arevalo, A. Ayala, E. Cuautle, J.C. D'Olivo, A. Garcia, A. Guijosa, G. Medina-Tanco, L. Nellen, G. Paic, S. Sahu, M. Socolovsky, L.F. Urrutia and J.D. Vergara. In addition, there are currently four postdocs: M.A. Acero, V. Cuesta, C. De Donato and R. Lehnert . Those interested should send (preferably by e-mail) an application consisting of a cover letter, C.V., description of previous research experience and current research interests, along with three letters of recommendation, to: Prof. Jose David Vergara, Head, High Energy Physics Department Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria Apdo. Postal 70-143 C.P. 04510 Mexico, D.F. MEXICO Ph.: +52-55-5622 4690 / 91 / 92 Fax: +52-55-5622 4693 Email: vergara[AT]nucleares.unam.mx To receive full consideration, all application materials should be received no later than February 15th, 2011. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 Postdoctoral positions in astrophysics, numerical relativity and nuclear physics at IRFU, LUTH and IPN, Paris, France -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/05/post-doctoral-positions-in-astrophys... Institution: Paris, France Deadline: Tue, Feb 01, 2011 The program SN2NS, sponsored by the French Agence Nationale pour la Recherche (ANR), is advertising three postdoctoral positions for the period 2011-2014. The expected starting date is September 1, 2011, though earlier starting dates can be accommodated. Required application materials include a CV, bibliography, a statement of research interests and three letters of reference. All applications arriving before February 1, 2011 will be fully considered. Later applications will be considered until the positions are filled. SN2NS is a 4-year program of the French agency ANR whose goal is the modeling of stellar core-collapse, leading to the birth of neutron stars and black holes. It involves three laboratories: - Institut de Recherche sur les lois Fondamentales de l'Univers (IRFU) in the CEA (Saclay) - Laboratoire Univers et Theories (LUTh) in the Observatoire de Paris (Meudon) - Institut de Physique Nucleaire (IPN) in the UniversitÈ Paris 11 (Orsay) * Postdoctoral position at IRFU, CEA-Saclay (36 months) Location: Service d'astrophysique, Orme des merisiers, CEA Saclay, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France. Contact person: Thierry Foglizzo (foglizzo[AT]cea.fr) The hydrodynamical aspects of the SN2NS project will be studied at IRFU using numerical and analytical tools. The successful candidate will conduct multidimensional simulations in order to characterize the consequences of instabilities during core-collapse. Their sensitivity to the simplified prescriptions concerning gravity, neutrino transport and the microphysics will be studied in close collaboration with LUTh and IPN. A strong background in numerical hydrodynamics is required. Some experience in the physics of core-collapse supernovae would be welcome. Available tools include simplified versions of the code CoCoNut developped at LUTh, and the AMR code RAMSES developped at Saclay. The succesful candidate will benefit from the stimulating environment of the COAST group at IRFU/SAp, and the help of visualisation engineers associated with the project. * Postdoctoral position at LUTH, Observatoire de Paris-Meudon (36 months) Location: Laboratoire Univers et Theories, Observatoire de Meudon, 5 place Jules Janssen, 92190 Meudon, France. Contact person: Jerome Novak (jerome.novak[AT]obspm.fr) The main interest of LUTH within this project is to study the formation of a black hole in realistic stellar core-collapse, and its properties regarding its spin and kick velocity. The successful candidate should be able to rapidly join the collaborative numerical project CoCoNuT (see http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/hydro/COCONUT) developed together with the Max-Planck-Institut f¸r Astrophysik (Garching, Germany) and the University of Valencia (Spain) and to develop his/her own numerical tools to study the formation of a black hole and its interaction with its surroundings. She/he will also have to work in collaboration with the two other groups: IRFU (SASI and hydrodynamics) and IPN (realistic equation of state and neutrino interactions). The applicant of this post-doctoral position at LUTH should therefore have some interest in the field of numerical relativity in the context of gravitational collapse and/or black hole simulation. However, any candidate with some experienc e in the numerical modeling of gravitational collapse (hydrodynamics, neutrino transport, ...) is also encouraged to apply. * Postdoctoral position at IPN, Universite Paris 11, Orsay (24 months) Location: Institut de Physique Nucleaire, 15 rue Georges Clemenceau, 91400 Orsay, France. Contact person: Jerome Margueron (jmargue[AT]ipno.in2p3.fr) Realistic microphysics input for numerical simulations will be developed at IPN in collaboration with LUTH Meudon and LPC Caen. The aim is to obtain an equation of state covering the entire domain of density, asymmetry and temperature reached by massive core collapse events together with consistent electro-weak interaction rates (electron capture, neutrino interactions). This means that the multi-component sub-saturation regime, where statistical models could be employed, as well as the dense regime with a possible transition to exotic matter (hyperons, quarks) should be described. The implementation into core-collapse modelization will be done in collaboration with the partners at LUTH and at IRFU. We are therefore looking for applicants with profound knowledge in nuclear/hadronic physics. Some experience in dense matter (neutron stars or supernovae) would be appreciated. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.15 Information Technology Analyst 3 or Consultant at LSU CCT -------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/03/information-technology-analyst-3-or-... Institution: Baton Rouge, LA, USA Deadline: position is open until filled Additional Information: https://lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp... The Information Technology Analyst 3 or Consultant works with researchers in the CCT focus areas in the design of software systems to support scientific research; works with Cyberinfrastructure Development (CyD) to promote adoption of CCT frameworks and tools; supports the research goals of the CCT Coast to Cosmos and Core Computational Sciences focus areas; develops and supports software, particularly Cactus and related tools, and educating others about its use; ensures that this software makes efficient use of computational resources, e.g. via providing optimization, deploying tools, or consulting; conducts research in relativistic astrophysics and other research groups, complementing the strategic goals and plans of the CCT Coast to Cosmos focus area; ensures that this research is making efficient use of novel and emerging technologies, including technologies from the Core Computational Sciences focus area; prepares proposals and reports; represents the CCT at national an d international meetings. This is not the full ad for the position. For the full ad and/or to apply you should go to https://lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=52615 The LSU System is an equal opportunity/equal access employer. ================================================================= 3. News ================================================================= 3.1 Post-doc and Student Prizes for the best presentations at the GR19 conference --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/30/post-doc-and-student-prizes-for-the-... Additional Information: http://www.isgrg.org/prizes.php The International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation awards prizes for the best post-doc and student presentations at the Society's tri-annual conferences. The winners are chosen by the Executive committee of the Society from recommendations made by the Session Chairs and the Chair of the Scientific organization committee of the conference. For further details, see http://www.isgrg.org/prizes.php The post-doc prizes are named after Prof. S. Chandrasekhar and are sponsored by World Scientific. They were instituted in 2010, the centennial year of Professor Chandrasekhar's birth. There is one prize in each of the four major themes of the conference. The 2010 prize winners are: Drs. Wei Chet Lim (Mathematical and Numerical Relativity); Mark Hannam (Relativistic Astrophysics and Cosmology); Thomas Corbitt (Experimental Gravitation) and Parampreet Singh (Quantum Gravity). The prize carries a certificate, a 3 year membership of the Society and a monetary award of $150. The student prizes are made possible through generosity of Professor James B. Hartle. The 2010 Hartle Prize winners are: Amitai Bin-Nun, Bethan Cropp, Samuel Gralla, Charalampos Markakis, Vivien Raymond, Ian Morrison, David Sloan, Jan Steinhoff and Francesca Vidotto. The prize carries a certificate, a 3 year membership of the Society and a monetary award of $75. Congratulations to all the winners! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.2 GWIC Thesis Prize: Call for Nominations ------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/30/gwic-thesis-prize-call-for-nominatio... Additional Information: http://gwic.ligo.org/thesisprize/ The Gravitational Wave International Committee (GWIC) was formed to promote international collaboration and cooperation in the construction, operation and use of gravitational wave detection facilities world-wide. To this end, GWIC has established an annual prize for the outstanding Ph.D. thesis based on research in gravitational waves. Nominations for the 2010 GWIC Thesis Prize are now open. Members of the broader gravitational wave community are invited to nominate students who have performed notable research on any aspect of gravitational waves 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 in the thesis. Eligibility: The award is made on a calendar year basis. Theses should have been accepted by their institutions between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 to qualify for consideration. It is expected that many of the nominations will come from the member projects of GWIC, but this is not a requirement. A committee representing the GWIC member projects will evaluate the nominations and select the winner. Nominated theses may be in any language. The selection committee will make the final determinations about eligibility. Nominations: Nominations should be submitted to the selection committee chair (Viviana Fafone, viviana.fafone[at]roma2.infn.it) by January 15, 2011. The nomination package consists of (i) the thesis, (ii) a letter of nomination, preferably from the thesis advisor, and (iii) an optional supporting letter from another scientist familiar with the work. The nomination letter (and supporting letter if applicable) should describe the importance of the research and how it supports GWIC's goals to promote construction and exploitation of gravitational-wave detectors, foster development of new or enhanced gravitational-wave detectors, and to support the development of gravitational-wave detection as an astronomical tool generally. The thesis and letters may be submitted in electronic form (preferred) or in hard-copy (five copies). The GWIC Thesis Prize will be presented at the 9th Edoardo Amaldi Conference on Gravitational Waves (Amaldi9) in Cardiff, UK from 10-15 July 2011. The recipient will receive a certificate of recognition and a prize of $1,000. The nominator is responsible to ensure that travel funds will be made available to send the winner to the Amaldi Conference to receive the prize. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.3 Einstein Toolkit Release ---------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/24/einstein-toolkit-release-2/ Additional Information: http://einsteintoolkit.org/toolkit/releases/ET_2010_11_announcement.php We are pleased to announce the second release (code name "Chandrasekhar") of the Einstein Toolkit, an open, community developed software infrastructure for relativistic astrophysics. This release is mainly a maintenance release incorporating fixes accumulated since the previous release in June 2010, as well as additional test suites. The Einstein Toolkit is a collection of software components and tools for simulating and analyzing general relativistic astrophysical systems that builds on numerous software efforts in the numerical relativity community including CactusEinstein, the Carpet AMR infrastructure and on the public version of the Whisky hydrodynamics code (now modified and called GRHydro). The Cactus Framework is used as the underlying computational infrastructure providing large-scale parallelization, general computational components, and a model for collaborative, portable code development. The toolkit includes modules to build complete codes for simulating black hole spacetimes as well as systems governed by relativistic hydrodynamics. Current development in the consortium is targeted at providing additional infrastructure for general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics. The Einstein Toolkit uses a distributed software model and its different modules are developed, distributed, and supported either by the core team of Einstein Toolkit Maintainers, or by individual groups. Where modules are provided by external groups, the Einstein Toolkit Maintainers provide quality control for modules for inclusion in the toolkit and help coordinate support. The Einstein Toolkit Maintainers currently involve postdocs and faculty from five different institutions, and host weekly meetings that are open for anyone to join in. Guiding principles for the design and implementation of the toolkit include: open, community-driven software development; well thought out and stable interfaces; separation of physics software from computational science infrastructure; provision of complete working production code; training and education for a new generation of researchers. For more information about using or contributing to the Einstein Toolkit, or to join the Einstein Toolkit Consortium, please visit our web pages http://einsteintoolkit.org. The Einstein Toolkit is primarily supported by NSF 0903973/0903782/0904015 (CIGR), and also by NSF 0701566/0855892 (XiRel), 0721915 (Alpaca), 0905046/0941653 (PetaCactus) and 0710874 (LONI Grid). The "Chandrasekhar" Release Team on behalf of the Einstein Toolkit Consortium (2010-11-23) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.4 Read the Classical and Quantum Gravity Highlights of 2009-2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/11/15/read-the-classical-and-quantum-gravi... Additional Information: http://herald.iop.org/link/4077 Dear Colleagues, I am delighted to announce the publication of Classical and Quantum Gravity's Highlights of 2009-2010. The articles in the list, published between May 2009 and June 2010, were selected by the Editorial Board of Classical and Quantum Gravity (CQG) as a representation of the best recent work in gravitational physics. http://herald.iop.org/link/4077 The list includes research Papers, Fast Track Communications, review articles and special issue contributions. The selected articles have also proven popular with our readers and have been frequently downloaded. Look out for the CQG Highlights Brochure in 2011, which will be available at gravitational physics meetings. The brochure summarises the highlighted papers and will tell you more about the journal's ongoing activities including prize sponsorships and forthcoming special issues. I invite you to submit your work to CQG and look forward to seeing it promoted as a CQG Highlight in the future. Yours sincerely Adam Day Publisher Classical and Quantum Gravity