########################################## Table of Contents ########################################### 1. Conferences 1.1. Gravitational waves, Poland, Warsaw 1.2. School on Gravitational Waves for Cosmology and Astrophysics, Benasque, Spain 2. Jobs 2.1. Postdoctoral positions in astronomy, astrophysics and gravitation at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI, USA 2.2. Postdoctoral Research position - LIGO 2.3. Postdoctoral position in quantum gravity, Heidelberg, Germany 2.4. Post-doctoral and Ph.D. positions in Gravitational Wave Astrophysics at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics, Potsdam, Germany 2.5. Post-doctoral position in gravitation related theory at the University of Maryland, USA 2.6. PhD in Mathematical Modeling at the Rochester Institute of Technology 2.7. Postdoc position in gravitational wave physics at Nikhef, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 2.8. Max Planck Partner Group postdoctoral positions at IISER-TVM, Trivandrum, India 2.9. Postdoc position in mathematical relativity at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia 2.10. Tenure-Track Faculty Position Theoretical Astrophysics, High Energy and Gravitational Theory 2.11. ICCUB PhD projects within INPhINIT, "la Caixa" Foundation Fellowship Programme, Barcelona, Spain 2.12. Postdoctoral position in Relativistic Theoretical Astrophysics at UIB, Spain 2.13. Postdoctoral position in Quantum Gravity and Quantum Cosmology, Beijing Normal University 3. News 3.1. Numerical Relativity activities with LIGO/Virgo in Second Observing Run 3.2. 2017 IUPAP General Relativity and Gravitation Young Scientist Prize 3.3. New PhD in Mathematical Modeling at the Rochester Institute of Technology 3.4. Death of John M. Stewart 3.5. Living Reviews in Relativity: “Extraction of gravitational waves in numerical relativity” ============================================== 1. Conferences ============================================== 1.1. Gravitational waves, Poland, Warsaw --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12503 Starting: 2016-12-09 to 2016-12-11 Location: Poland, Warsaw Additional Information: http://potor.fuw.edu.pl/fgr16/ Contact: potor[AT]fuw.edu.pl The conference on gravitational waves - mathematical, computational, astrophysical and quantum approaches. The conference will take place from the 9th (arrival day) to the 11th of December 2016 at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw. Invited Speakers: Iwo Bialynicki-Birula, Piotr Chrusciel, Joerg Frauendiener, Helmut Friedrich, Petr Horava, Piotr Jaranowski, Jerzy Kijowski, Andrzej Krolak, Igor Novikov, Pawel Nurowski, Roger Penrose, Uwe Semmelmann, Paul Tod, Andrzej Trautman. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2. School on Gravitational Waves for Cosmology and Astrophysics, Benasque, Spain --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12518 Starting: 2017-05-28 to 2017-06-10 Location: Benasque, Spain Additional Information: http://benasque.org/2017gw/ Contact: info[AT]benasque.org The recent direct observation of gravitational waves marked the beginning of a new era for the exploration of the universe. Relevant for astrophysics, gravitational waves bring information about the processes underlying the formation and evolution of neutron star and black hole binaries, about the nature of compact objects in the centre of galaxies, and about possible deviations from predictions of General Relativity. In the context of cosmology, gravitational waves are important since they bring direct information on the status of the universe before recombination, at times inaccessible by electromagnetic signals. They propagate practically unperturbed after their generation, arising from a broad range of violent phenomena that may have occurred in the early universe (e.g. inflationary processes, first order phase transitions and topological defects). Furthermore, the coincident detection of electromagnetic and gravitational radiation from astrophysical sources will allow to probe the evolution of the universe at large scales, and consequently to constrain the nature of dark energy and dark matter. In the near future a considerable amount of data on gravitational waves will be provided by the LIGO/VIRGO, LISA and PTA experiments. To extract from this data the implications for theoretical physics, a deep knowledge of ground and space-based interferometers and pulsar timing arrays, and of gravitational wave data analysis seems paramount. The school aims at providing the basis of this knowledge. The focus of the school are the main cosmological and astrophysical sources of gravitational waves and how experimental data are treated to analyse these sources. The ultimate goal is to provide Ph.D. students and young postdocs with an up to date and broad spectrum of tools and results. The school will also serve to strengthen and diversify the community working on theoretical aspects of gravitational waves. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 2. Jobs ============================================== 2.1. Postdoctoral positions in astronomy, astrophysics and gravitation at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI, USA ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/02/postdoctoral-positions-in-astr... Deadline: 2017-02-01 Location: Milwaukee, WI. USA Additional Information: http://www.cgca.uwm.edu/positions.html Contact: cgca-postdoc-applications[AT]uwm.edu The Leonard E. Parker Center for Gravitation, Cosmology, and Astrophysics (CGCA) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) invites applications for several postdoctoral research positions. The initial appointments are for one year, with renewal for a second (and, in most cases, a third) year contingent on continued funding and satisfactory performance. The CGCA at UWM has active research efforts in gravity, cosmology, astronomy, and astrophysics. The CGCA also hosts the NANOGrav Physics Frontiers Center. The core group is comprised of 7 faculty (Brady, Chang, Creighton, Erb, Kaplan, Siemens and Wiseman), 8 scientists, 9 postdocs, and 14 graduate students. Profs. Allen and Papa (now at the Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) maintain partial adjunct appointments at UWM, and emeritus faculty Friedman and Parker participate broadly in the academic life of the Center. We are recruiting postdoctoral research associates across gravity, cosmology, astronomy and astrophysics to enhance the existing team and to strengthen our efforts in multi-messenger observations/theory. Applicants with backgrounds in gravitational-wave physics, astronomy/astrophysics, theoretical and/or numerical relativity, or cosmology are encouraged to apply. The positions include competitive salary and excellent fringe benefits. Applicants should send a C.V., publication list, and a brief statement of their research interests by email to cgca-postdoc-applications[AR]uwm.edu Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent by e-mail to the above address. Review of applications will begin on February 1st, 2017. Questions should also be sent to the above address. The University of Wisconsin - ­Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2. Postdoctoral Research position - LIGO ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/03/postdoctoral-research-position... Deadline: 2016-12-15 Location: Caltech, Washington, Louisiana, or MIT Additional Information: https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/page/postdocs Contact: HR[AT]ligo.caltech.edu The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) has as its goal the development of gravitational wave physics and astronomy. The LIGO Laboratory is managed by Caltech and MIT, and is funded by the National Science Foundation. It operates observatory sites equipped with laser interferometric detectors at Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana, which recently made the first confirmed detection of gravitational waves. A vigorous LIGO Laboratory R&D program supports the development of enhancements to the LIGO detector as well as astrophysical data analysis, and development of fu ture detectors and detector technologies. The LIGO Laboratory anticipates having one or possibly more postdoctoral research positions at one or more of the LIGO sites – Caltech, MIT and at the two LIGO Observatories in Hanford, WA and Livingston, LA – beginning in Fall 2017. Hires will be made based on the availability of funding. Successful applicants will be involved in the operation of LIGO itself, analysis of LIGO data, both for diagnostic purposes and astrophysics searches, and/or the R&D program for future detector improvements. We seek candidates across a broad range of disciplines. Expertise related to astrophysics, modeling, data analysis, electronics, laser and quantum optics, vibration isolation and control systems is desirable. Most importantly, candidates should be broadly trained scientists, willing to learn new experimental and analytical techniques, and ready to share in the excitement of building, operating and observing with a gravitational-wave observatory. Appointments at the post-doctoral level will initially be for one-year with the possibility of renewal for up to two subsequent years. Applications for postdoctoral research position s with LIGO Laboratory should indicate which LIGO site (Caltech, MIT, Hanford, or Livingston) is preferred by the applicant. Applications should be sent to HR[AT]ligo.caltech.edu (Electronic Portable Document Format (PDF) submittals are preferred). Caltech and MIT are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employers. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Applications should include curriculum vitae, list of publications (with refereed articles noted), and the names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of three or more references. Please attach a cover letter describing past experience and current and future research interests. Applicants should request that three or more letters of recommendations be sent directly to HR[AT]ligo.caltech.edu (Electronic Portable Document Format (PDF) submittals are preferred). Consideration of applications will begin December 15, 2016 and will continue until all positions have been filled. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3. Postdoctoral position in quantum gravity, Heidelberg, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12473 Deadline: 2016-12-15 Location: Heidelberg, Germany Additional Information: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/8492 Contact: a.eichhorn[AT]thphys.uni-heidelberg.de A postdoctoral position in the area of quantum gravity will be available at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Heidelberg, starting in the fall of 2017. The successful applicant will become a member of the Emmy Noether junior research group on “The fundamental quantum structure of spacetime and matter”, headed by Dr. A. Eichhorn. The focus of the position will be on Renormalization Group flows in quantum gravity, including asymptotically safe quantum gravity as well as group field theories/tensor models. Applicants should hold a PhD and have a background in one of these topics. The position will initially be for two years, with the possibility of an extension by two more years. Questions on the position should be directed to a.eichhorn[AT]thphys.uni-heidelberg.de. Applications should be submitted until Dec. 15, 2016 through the general postdoc-search at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Heidelberg at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/8492 Applicants should include a cover letter with an indication that they are applying for the position in Dr. Eichhorn’s research group, a curriculum vitae, a research proposal, a list of publications and three reference letters (to be submitted by the reference writers.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4. Post-doctoral and Ph.D. positions in Gravitational Wave Astrophysics at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics, Potsdam, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12478 Deadline: 2017-01-08 Location: Potsdam, Germany Additional Information: http://www.aei.mpg.de/gwjobs2017 Contact: andre.schirotzek[AT]aei.mpg.de The Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity division, led by Dr. Alessandra Buonanno, at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Potsdam announces the opening of several postdoc appointments and PhD positions. The postdoc positions will be available at different levels, depending on experience and seniority. The Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity division focuses on several aspects of gravitational-wave astronomy, including (i) theoretical gravitational dynamics and radiation (post-Newtonian theory, gravitational self-force approach, perturbation theory and effective-one-body formalism), (ii) numerical simulations of gravitational-wave sources, (iii) source modeling and analysis of data from gravitational-wave detectors, (iv) astrophysics of compact objects and (v) tests of General Relativity. Members of the division have the opportunity to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration through the group's membership. They can also be involved in Pulsar-Timing-Array projects and the LISA mission. The gravitational-wave data-analysis research at the division also includes work on the detection of continuous gravitational-wave signals, led by Dr. Maria Alessandra Papa's group and located at the AEI campus in Hannover. Postdoctoral candidates and students interested in this research topic are also encouraged to apply. The Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity division has high-performance computer clusters to run numerical-relativity simulations, and carry out source modeling and data-analysis studies. The Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity division has ties with the Physics Department at the University of Maryland, notably the gravitation theory and experimental groups, the Humboldt University in Berlin, and the University of Potsdam. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration for both PhD and postdoctoral positions is January 8th, 2017. For more information and application forms, please visit: http://www.aei.mpg.de/gwjobs2017 The Max Planck Institute encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5. Post-doctoral position in gravitation related theory at the University of Maryland, USA ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12480 Deadline: 2016-12-11 Location: College Park, Maryland, USA Additional Information: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/8541 Contact: jacobson[AT]umd.edu Opening for a postdoctoral research associate position starting in the Fall of 2017, under supervision of Prof. Ted Jacobson. The position is for one year, with renewal for a second year expected, depending on the continuation of funding and satisfactory progress. A broad range of potential research areas for this position will be considered, including (but not limited to) quantum gravity and black holes, horizon entropy and entanglement, laboratory analogs of QFT in curved spacetime, astrophysical plasma physics, and axion electrodynamics. The research associate will be part of the Maryland Center for Fundamental Physics (MCFP, http://mcfp.physics.umd.edu/), and, depending on interests, also with the Joint Space Science Institute (JSI, http://jsi.astro.umd.edu/), which includes members from UMD physics, astronomy, and NASA/Goddard. Applications should be submitted via Academic Jobs Online, at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/8541. Candidates should include a CV, publication list, and statement of research experience, plans, and interests, and arrange for at least three letters of reference to be submitted as well. Maryland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6. PhD in Mathematical Modeling at the Rochester Institute of Technology ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/16/ph-d-in-mathematical-modeling-... Deadline: 2017-01-15 Location: Rochester, NY, USA Additional Information: https://www.rit.edu/science/programs/phd/mathematical-modeling Contact: excsma[AT]rit.edu Mathematical modeling has the potential to provide innovative solutions to problems in fields from medicine to climate change. There is a broad need for researchers with sophisticated quantitative skills to develop and expand current and future advances in science and technology. Training to work across two or more disciplines will prepare you for opportunities connecting diverse teams of researchers. Mathematical modeling will prepare you for careers in employment sectors that include corporate research and development, defense laboratories, and government agencies as well as academe. With training in the emerging discipline of mathematical modeling, you will be positioned to advance emerging technologies in a wide variety of application fields. To achieve your goals, you will choose to focus on applied inverse problems; biomedical mathematics; discrete mathematics; dynamical systems and fluid dynamics; or geometry, relativity, and gravitation. RIT calls for applications from students for the new PhD program in Mathematical Modeling and will provide for up to five stipends for TAs and RAs. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7. Postdoc position in gravitational wave physics at Nikhef, Amsterdam, the Netherlands ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12491 Deadline: 2017-01-08 Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands Additional Information: https://www.nikhef.nl/jobs/vacatures/ Contact: vdbroeck[AT]nikhef.nl The gravitational physics group at Nikhef, the National Institute for Subatomic Physics in Amsterdam, invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in gravitational wave data analysis and phenomenology. The gravitational physics group is a member of the Virgo Collaboration. It is led by Prof. dr. J.F.J. van den Brand. Other than staff instrumentalists, the Nikhef group and its collaborators in the Netherlands consists of data analysts (C. Van Den Broeck and H.J. Bulten), astronomers and astrophysicists (J. Kuijpers, G. Nelemans), and theorists (J.W. van Holten and M. Postma), together with a number of students and postdocs. There is also vibrant collaboration with individuals and groups around the world. The Nikhef group itself will expand significantly over the next several years. More information about our activities can be found at http://www.nikhef.nl/en/for-nikhef-users/departments/scientific-departments/.... The successful candidate will participate in the analysis of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo data, and in the development of new methods for the scientific exploitation of gravitational wave detections, with a focus on the coalescence of compact binary systems composed of neutron stars or black holes. The position is for two, and possibly three years. For more information and an application form, see https://www.nikhef.nl/jobs/vacatures/. Please be prepared to upload a cover letter, publication list and curriculum vitae including a brief description of your research interest. Also, please have the email addresses of at least three references ready, who are willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The deadline for full consideration is January 8th, 2017. Further information can be obtained from Dr. C. Van Den Broeck (vdbroeck[AT]nikhef.nl). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8. Max Planck Partner Group postdoctoral positions at IISER-TVM, Trivandrum, India ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/18/max-planck-partner-group-postd... Deadline: 2016-12-12 Location: Trivandrum, India Additional Information: http://faculty.iisertvm.ac.in/~mppg Contact: shanki[AT]iisertvm.ac.in Max Planck Partner Group on Cosmology and Gravity, IISER-Thiruvananthapuram intends to appoint a postdoctoral position in the areas of early-universe cosmology, classical and quantum gravity. A Ph.D. degree and relevant research experience are required for these posts. The positions can start as early as 15th January 2017. The post is funded under the Max Planck Partner group on cosmology. Currently, the group has 4 post-doctorate fellows and 4 Ph.D. students. Please see the URL http://faculty.iisertvm.ac.in/~mppg about the group and its activities. The group strongly interacts with the Max Planck Partner Group on Gravitational waves at IISER-TVM. The fellow of this Partner Group will have the opportunity to visit and interact with members of Albert Einstein Institute, Golm. The position is available for a period of one year. Informal enquiries can be made to S. Shankaranarayanan (shanki[AT]iisertvm.ac.in). Salary: Rs. 5,18,000 – Rs. 5,76,000 per annum Deadline: 12 December 2016 To apply please send CV, research statement and have at least two letters of reference sent by email to: shanki[AT]iisertvm.ac.in with the subject “Application for MP-PG positions – Candidate name”. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9. Postdoc position in mathematical relativity at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12499 Deadline: 2017-01-30 Location: Melbourne, Australia Additional Information: http://careersmanager.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/554896/research-fellow-... Contact: todd.oliynyk[AT]monash.edu The School of Mathematical Sciences at Monash University invites applications for a Research Fellow to join a highly motivated team of researchers at the Clayton Campus in Melbourne, Australia. The position is a two year fixed-term appointment with an annual salary range of $81,486 - $87,471(plus 9.5% employer superannuation) and a flexible start date. This position requires experience in hyperbolic partial differential equations. Familiarity with any of the following is desirable: mathematical relativity, differential geometry, continuum mechanics and fluid dynamics. The appointee will conduct research at the School of Mathematical Sciences, under the guidance of Associate Professor Todd Oliynyk. The research will cover topics related to an Australian Research Council Discovery Project on the mathematical analysis of gravitating relativistic material bodies. To be considered you will have a PhD in mathematics or a closely related discipline, research expertise in hyperbolic differential equations, proven ability to perform independent research, and the potential to publish in high quality journals. Applicants who expect to submit their thesis within the first half of 2017 will also be considered. Applications must be submitted online and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description. http://careersmanager.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/554896/research-fellow-... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10. Tenure-Track Faculty Position Theoretical Astrophysics, High Energy and Gravitational Theory ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/19/tenure-track-faculty-position-... Deadline: 2016-12-31 Location: Santa Barbara, USA Additional Information: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF00918 Contact: gary[AT]physics.ucsb.edu The Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara is seeking candidates for a tenure-track assistant professor position in the broadly defined area ranging from Theoretical Astrophysics to High Energy and Gravitational Theory, with an appointment to start July 1, 2017 or later. The department has close affiliations with the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, the University of California Observatories, and the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network. Further information may be found at the department's website: http://www.physics.ucsb.edu. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field, and will teach a range of courses in the Physics Department. The department is committed to identifying excellent candidates who can contribute to the diversity of the academic community through research, teaching and service. Applicants must send a statement of research interest, a curriculum vitae, a statement on teaching, and a list of publications, and should arrange for at least three letters of recommendation. All application materials should be submitted via UC Recruit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF00918. Applications received on or before December 31, 2016 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11. ICCUB PhD projects within INPhINIT, "la Caixa" Foundation Fellowship Programme, Barcelona, Spain ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12510 Deadline: 2017-02-07 Location: Barcelona, Spain Additional Information: http://icc.ub.edu/job/52 Contact: secretaria[AT]icc.ub.edu The ICCUB is offering 20 PhD projects within INPhINIT program of "la Caixa" Foundation. INPhINIT will select 57 young researchers of all nationalities for a three year program to complete a PhD in one of the centers that has received a distictive Severo Ochoa or Maria de Maeztu award. Requirements for candidates: At the time of recruitment (start date of the contract with the Research Centre), candidates must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date. Short stays such as holidays will not be taken into account. The projects offered by ICCUB are: Active Galactic Nuclei in Merging Galaxies: A Theoretical Approach Dark Matter Constraints DESI survey Detection Classification for Gaia Determination of stellar astrophysical parameters using J-PLUS photometry Fast electronics for medical imaging and particle detection Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs): a theoretical and observational approach FPGA development for high speed cost-effective space applications Fundamental Physics from the Non-Gaussian Sky Gaia Alerts follow-up from Montsec Observatory Gaia Detection of Ultra Faint Dwarf Galaxies in the halo as probes for cosmological models Galaxy dynamics with axion dark matter Open Clusters Studies in the Gaia era Primordial Black Holes from Inflation Radiation in strongly coupled gauge theories Radiative magnetohydrodynamics in powerful astrophysical outflows Search for physics beyond the Standard Model in the LHCb experiment Small scale, feedback, dark matter and the predictions of the LCDM model The Origin of Terrestrial Planets The Quantum Side of Dark Energy For further information: http://icc.ub.edu/job/52 Applications All applications must be completed online at: https://www.lacaixafellowships.org/index.aspx Looking forward to hearing from you, Secretaria. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12. Postdoctoral position in Relativistic Theoretical Astrophysics at UIB, Spain ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/21/postdoctoral-position-in-relat... Deadline: 2016-12-15 Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain Additional Information: http://grg.uib.es/ Contact: carlos.palenzuela[AT]uib.es The gravity group at the Balearic Islands University (UIB) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Relativistic Theoretical Astrophysics. Candidates should have a PhD in astrophysics or physics. Candidates with research experience with simulations in numerical relativity, relativistic hydrodynamics and MHD are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will work with the PIs Carlos Palenzuela and Joan Masso, in collaboration with Carles Bona, on different subjects related to the modeling of sources of gravitational waves like neutron stars and black holes. Further faculty members in the UIB gravity include Alicia Sintes, Sasha Husa, Carles Bona-Casas, Joan Stela and Jaume Carot. Additionally, the relativity group will have three postdoctoral researchers and 6 PhD students. The group also has a research programmer. Nominal starting date of the position is Fall of 2017, but an earlier starting date might be possible. The initial appointment will be for 1 year, with renewal for a second year expected, depending on satisfactory progress. Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, brief description of research interests and achievements, as well as arranging for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Carlos Palenzuela ( carlos.palenzuela[AT]uib.es ). Please address inquiries about the position to the same email. Review of applications will begin on December 15, but the search will remain open until the position is filled. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13. Postdoctoral position in Quantum Gravity and Quantum Cosmology, Beijing Normal University ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12515 Deadline: 2017-02-28 Location: Beijing, China Additional Information: http://physics.bnu.edu.cn/application/research/gravity/index.html Contact: mayg[AT]bnu.edu.cn The Center for Relativity and Gravitation at Beijing Normal University has one post-doctoral position opening from September 2017 in the areas of quantum gravity and quantum cosmology. The appointment will be for two years. The gravity group consists of Sijie Gao, Wenbiao Liu, Hong Lu, Yongge Ma, Hongbao Zhang, Bin Zhou and Jianyang Zhu. In addition, the retired professors Canbin Liang and Zheng Zhao join the academic activities frequently, and Abhay Ashtekar, Jerzy Lewandowski, Carlo Rovelli and Thomas Thiemann hold visiting professorships at the Institute. The areas of research in the group concern loop quantum gravity, black hole physics, general relativity, higher dimensional gravity and cosmology, supergravity, AdS/CFT etc.. For further information on the group, see the webpage: http://physics.bnu.edu.cn/application/research/gravity/index.html Interested candidates should send a CV, a publication list and a statement of research proposal and arrange to have two recommendation letters (one from the PhD advisor of the applicant) sent directly to Yongge Ma by: mayg[AT]bnu.edu.cn, yonggema[AT]yahoo.com The deadline for receipt of all application material is Feburary 28, 2017. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 3. News ============================================== 3.1. Numerical Relativity activities with LIGO/Virgo in Second Observing Run ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12470 Additional Information: Dear colleague, We are writing to you about some news that you might be interested in with respect to LIGO and Virgo observing runs. In the expectation of regular future gravitational wave detections, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) and the Virgo Collaboration are seeking the help of numerical relativity groups in validating and interpreting gravitational wave signals. The immediate goal is rapid production of simulations of binary black hole coalescences in response to future detections. Gravitational waveforms from these simulations will be used to quantify accuracy of analytical waveform models, and in studies of systematic biases in parameter estimation and tests of general relativity. The simulations may also provide visualizations of binary black holes for outreach purposes. For details please see: (https://dcc.ligo.org/LIGO-T1600380/public) Participating groups will join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration or the Virgo collaboration following rules of each collaboration; for joining LSC as a member see (http://ligo.org/about/join.php) or email gabriela.gonzalez[AT]ligo.org; for signing a memorandum of understanding focused on this specific subject with Virgo (http://ww.virgo-gw.eu) e-mail fulvio.ricci[AT]roma1.infn.it. Joining groups will perform simulations, coordinated within the LVC working groups 'Compact Binary Coalescence' and 'Burst'. Given the rapid flux in the emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy, the scope of this announcement is limited to the second observing run, which is scheduled to run approximately from December 2016 to mid-2017. This call for membership is primarily targeting vacuum general relativity. If interested please contact the LIGO or Virgo spokespersons as soon as possible. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues or recommend names of other groups that may be interested. Thanks in advance for your interest. Gabriela Gonzalez (LIGO Scientific Collaboration spokesperson) Fulvio Ricci (Virgo Collaboration spokesperson) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.2. 2017 IUPAP General Relativity and Gravitation Young Scientist Prize ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/12/2017-iupap-general-relativity-... Additional Information: http://www.isgrg.org/IUPAPprize.php Nominations are now open. The deadline for nominations is 1 February 2017. As an affiliated commission (AC2) of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), the International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation (ISGRG) offers an annual IUPAP Young Scientist Prize. The IUPAP Young Scientist Prizes recognize outstanding achievements of scientists at early stages of their career. Each prize consists of a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, a medal and 1000 euros. The conditions for the prize are: The IUPAP General Relativity and Gravitation Young Scientist Prize can be for work in any area of relativity and gravitation, theoretical or experimental. On 1 February 2017, nominees must have a maximum of eight years of research experience (excluding career interruptions) following the Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree. They are expected to have displayed significant achievement and exceptional promise for future achievements in relativity and gravitation. THE PRIMARY NOMINATOR MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY ON GENERAL RELATIVITY AND GRAVITATION. Nominations may be made by any member of ISGRG (other than the nominee) and should be accompanied by a CV, a proposed citation of 30-50 words summarizing the reason for the nomination, a list of publications and a description (about one page long) of the specific achievements of the nominee, who need not be an ISGRG member. It is important that the selection committee has specific information that allows it to determine what the nominee has contributed and how this will impact the subject. Therefore it will be extremely helpful to the selection committee to receive at least two additional letters supporting the nomination that detail the expected significance of the contributions of the nominee. It is also appropriate to submit additional materials such as published articles. In the case of co-authored or multi-authored publications, it is essential for nominators and supporters to discuss the nominee's precise contributions, if known, in addition to the work's overall significance. The entire package should be bundled into a single PDF file and emailed to the Secretary of ISGRG, beverlyberger[AT]me.com, by 1 February 2017. The winner will be announced on 14 March 2017 and the award made shortly thereafter. The official presentation of the award will be made at the GR22 conference in 2019. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.3. New PhD in Mathematical Modeling at the Rochester Institute of Technology ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/16/new-ph-d-in-mathematical-model... Additional Information: https://www.rit.edu/science/programs/phd/mathematical-modeling Gain a solid foundation in the development and application of mathematical models through this pioneering doctoral program at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Upstate New York. Through extensive research, you will develop expertise in using the tools of mathematical modeling, contribute in creative and innovative ways to solving complex interdisciplinary problems, carry out independent research, and learn to communicate effectively with researchers in other fields. Diverse Toolset: To achieve your goals, you will choose to focus on applied inverse problems; biomedical mathematics; discrete mathematics; dynamical systems and fluid dynamics; or geometry, relativity, and gravitation. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.4. Death of John M. Stewart ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/21/death-of-john-m-stewart-2/ Additional Information: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/news/2016/death-dr-john-stewart.html I regret to tell readers that Dr. John M. Stewart of the University of Cambridge passed away on November 14th after a short illness following a collapse on November 8th. The funeral will be on November 30th. John and I shared an office as graduate students but I will not write more about his career as there is a full obituary at http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/news/2016/death-dr-john-stewart.html ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.5. Living Reviews in Relativity: “Extraction of gravitational waves in numerical relativity” ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/11/30/living-reviews-in-relativity-e... Additional Information: http://doi.org/10.1007/s41114-016-0001-9 The open-access journal Living Reviews in Relativity has published a new review article on “Extraction of gravitational waves in numerical relativity” by Nigel T. Bishop and Luciano Rezzolla on 4 October 2016 (metadata correction 10 November 2016): Bishop, N.T. and Rezzolla, L., "Extraction of gravitational waves in numerical relativity", Living Rev Relativ (2016) 19: 2. http://doi.org/10.1007/s41114-016-0001-9 ABSTRACT: A numerical-relativity calculation yields in general a solution of the Einstein equations including also a radiative part, which is in practice computed in a region of finite extent. Since gravitational radiation is properly defined only at null infinity and in an appropriate coordinate system, the accurate estimation of the emitted gravitational waves represents an old and non-trivial problem in numerical relativity. A number of methods have been developed over the years to “extract” the radiative part of the solution from a numerical simulation and these include: quadrupole formulas, gauge-invariant metric perturbations, Weyl scalars, and characteristic extraction. We review and discuss each method, in terms of both its theoretical background as well as its implementation. Finally, we provide a brief comparison of the various methods in terms of their inherent advantages and disadvantages. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++