################################################################# Table of Contents ################################################################# 1. Conferences 1.1 6th Gulf Coast Gravity Meeting (2nd announcement) 1.2 Astrophysics and gravitational waves meeting in Mallorca 2. Jobs 2.1 Postdoc position in Gravitation, Astrophysics, Cosmology or Astroparticle Physics at Santander Univ., Colombia 2.2 PhD Position in Theoretical Physics at Stockholm University 2.3 Postdoctoral position in cosmology at University of Oslo 2.4 Lecturers in Mathematical Physics at University of Southampton 2.5 Postdoc Position in Dynamics of Relativistic Magnetised Flows 2.6 Postdoc position in numerical relativity at University of Burgundy 2.7 W2-Professorship in Theoretical Physics at University of Erlangen-Nuremberg 3. News 3.1 2010 GWIC Thesis Prize ================================================================= 1. Conferences ================================================================= 1.1 6th Gulf Coast Gravity Meeting (2nd announcement) ----------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/13/6th-gulf-coast-gravity-meeting-2nd-a... Starting Sun, May 15, 2011 to Mon, May 16, 2011 Location: Boca Raton, FL, USA Additional Information: http://www.physics.fau.edu/events_news/GCGM6/GCGM6.php This is the 2nd announcement of the 6th Gulf Coast Gravity Meeting, which will be held May 15-16 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Researchers in all areas of gravitational physics, including numerical, experimental, classical and quantum gravity, as well as related astrophysics and cosmology will be in attendance. This is an informal regional meeting, and most participants will be from the Gulf Coast area of the United States, but all outside of this region who wish to attend are more than welcome. A prize of $200 (sponsored by the APS Topical Group on Gravity) will be awarded for the best talk given by a student at the meeting.  Additionally, funds are available to support student travel through an event grant of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities. The registration simply consists in sending an email to jonathan.engle[AT]fau.edu with a title and short abstract if it is desired to give a talk, preferably by May 8th. Please indicate in the email whether the participant is a student. A current list of registered participants may be found at the website http://www.physics.fau.edu/events_news/GCGM6/GCGM6.php . Hotel reservations should be made by participants themselves. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Boca Raton under the name ``6th Gulf Coast Gravity Meeting’’ with a special negotiated rate of $69 per night. The phone number and address for the hotel are: 561-417-8585, 3400 Airport Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431. The room block will be released on April 30th. Recommended airports for arrival are Palm Beach International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Miami International Airport is also possible but farther away. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2 Astrophysics and gravitational waves meeting in Mallorca ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/11/astrophysics-and-gravitational-waves... Starting Mon, Sep 05, 2011 to Fri, Sep 09, 2011 Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain Additional Information: http://www.aei.mpg.de/~pau/Astro-GR@Mallorca.html We are glad to announce the 6th (!) Astro-GR meeting. This time we will meeting from Monday 5th to Friday September 9th 2011 in Palma de Mallorca to discuss about astrophysics and gravitational waves, focusing on the science the new European envisioned and other future missions can do, such as: * Astrophysical modelling of super- and massive black hole coalescences * Astrophysical modelling of small compact objects by massive black holes (aka "EMRIs") * Observations of our own Galactic Center (SgrA*) * Observations of binary neutron stars leading up to coalescence for long periods of time * Precision astronomy of massive stellar bodies and measurements of spin-down of individual pulsars * Modelling of strong field sources within General Relativity * Data analysis of the sources * Early warning of possible mergers either from the data analysis or by EM detection * Coincidence measurements with ground-based GW detectors This meeting will be run in the style of all previous Astro-GR meetings, with presentations in the morning and discussion/working groups in the afternoon. This format has worked very well in the past, so we have decided to use it again for this meeting. The format and venue for Astro-GR@Mallorca will limit the number of attendees. We thus kindly ask every participant to register as soon as s/he makes travel arrangements and to avoid disappointment. In keeping with the spirit of an informal workshop, there will be no registration fee. The number of slots will be very limited, and they will be chosen by the organizers on the basis of their relevance to the main focus and goal of this meeting. Please take a look to this link to get an impression of the general philosophy of the meetings: http://www.aei.mpg.de/~pau/astro_gr.html A key aim of the Astro-GR meetings is to foster and develop new collaborative ventures, as well as to strengthen existing ones, within the different communities (astrophysics, data analysis, general relativity and numerical relativity). Looking forward to getting your registrations! Pau Amaro-Seoane, Alicia Sintes and Sascha Husa ================================================================= 2. Jobs ================================================================= 2.1 Postdoc position in Gravitation, Astrophysics, Cosmology or Astroparticle Physics at Santander Univ., Colombia ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/28/postdoc-position-in-gravitation-astr... Institution: Bucaramanga, Colombia Deadline: Mon, Jun 13, 2011 Additional Information: http://cevale2.uis.edu.co The Relativity and Gravitation Research Group (GIRG), Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, invites applications for a postdoctoral research position for a one year period, beginning in Fall 2011.The GIRG group includes four faculty members of the School of Physics and its research interests cover a wide range of subjects from Astrophysics, General Relativity, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. Applicants who have received their Ph.D. in Physics or Astrophysics in the last five years are eligible for consideration. For this position, applicants will submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae with a list of publications, a brief description of research interests and arrange for three letters of recommendation. In order to receive the application format, please contact Prof. Guillermo A. Gonzalez, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, School of Physics guillego[at]uis.edu.co. Applicants selected for employment must complete a background check prior to employment. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 PhD Position in Theoretical Physics at Stockholm University ---------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/20/phd-position-in-theoretical-physics-... Institution: Stockholm, Sweden Deadline: Mon, May 02, 2011 Additional Information: http://www.fysik.su.se/om/tjanster/Announcement_friteo_ENG.pdf This position is within one of the research subjects Physics, Theoretical Physics, Chemical Physics or Medical Radiation Physics and is directed towards theoretical activity. The applicant may freely choose the research area and supervisor. For research in "Relativistic astrophysics" (within the subject Theoretical Physics) you may select myself (Kjell Rosquist) as supervisor. For an example of a possible thesis subject, see http://www.irap-phd.org/page17/page17.html Note the tight deadline for applicatons: 2 May 2011. For any questions, please contact: Prof. Kjell Rosquist kr[at]fysik.su.se Tel: +4670 755 7649 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 Postdoctoral position in cosmology at University of Oslo ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/20/postdoctoral-position-in-cosmology-a... Institution: Oslo, Norway Deadline: Thu, Jun 30, 2011 Additional Information: http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/546081/64278?iso=no Position as postdoctoral research fellow is available at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics of the University of Oslo (http://www.astro.uio.no/). The fellowship period is 2 years and will start on 01.08.2011 or as soon as possible thereafter. The cosmology group has joined the proposed European cosmology space mission Euclid. Special scientific interest are within testing modified gravity and dark energy models, and constraining the neutrino masses, with results from large-scale galaxy surveys, including Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations, power spectra, large-scale flow patterns and weak lensing. This postdoctoral fellowship, which is funded by the Research Council of Norway, is dedicated to research in connection with this project, and we seek candidates who can contribute significantly within this field. The candidate must have a PhD or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in astronomy/astrophysics, physics or a related discipline and should have research experience of relevance for Euclid. Salary: Pay Grade: 57 – 64 (NOK 448 200 – 510 000 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority). Application to be sent electronically via: http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/546081/64278?iso=no The application must include: • Application letter • Project description • CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity) • Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation • A complete list of publications and copies of up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee • Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Lecturers in Mathematical Physics at University of Southampton ------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/18/lecturers-in-mathematical-physics-at... Institution: Southampton, UK Deadline: Thu, May 19, 2011 Additional Information: http://www.jobs.soton.ac.uk We are seeking to appoint up to two outstanding mathematical physicists with excellent track records of research and the potential for research leadership in areas which will enhance and extend our current interests. We are looking to appoint candidates who undertake internationally leading research at the interface between Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy. These lectureships are central to the activities of the Southampton Theory Astronomy and Gravity (STAG) centre for fundamental physics. Preference will be given to an individual with a record of excellent research in either theoretical/computational relativistic astrophysics (particularly in modelling gamma-ray bursts, supernova core collapse, accretion onto compact objects or relativistic jets, phenomena relevant for multimessenger astronomy and astrophysics of black hole and neutron stars) or theoretical/mathematical physics (particularly in string inspired gravity, theoretical cosmology, dark matter, dark energy, AdS-CFT correspondence, holography and relativistic fluids). To be considered you should have a PhD in mathematical physics or a related area. You should have experience of solving problems, organising research and pursuing new research directions. You should also be able to demonstrate a high-quality research track-record and the potential to be an excellent teacher. Duties, as determined by the Head of Academic Unit, will include: conducting research of international standing in mathematical physics, applying for externally funded research grants and enhancing the international profile of the research group, undergraduate teaching and supervision of research students. As part of the role you will also be expected to support effective management and administration of the academic unit. The position is available from 1 August 2011 or as soon as possible thereafter. It is expected that interviews will be held in June 2011. As part of the interview process, candidates will be invited to give a research presentation. Informal enquiries can be made at any time to: Professor Nils Andersson email: N.A.Andersson[AT]soton.ac.uk tel. +44 (0)23 8059 4551 or to: Professor James Vickers email: J.A.Vickers[AT]soton.ac.uk tel +44(0) 23 8059 5113. Please visit http://www.jobs.soton.ac.uk and apply on-line, or call 023 8059 2750. The closing date for applications is 19 May 2011 at 12.00 noon. Please quote reference number 5466-11-J in all correspondence. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Postdoc Position in Dynamics of Relativistic Magnetised Flows ----------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/09/postdoc-position-in-the-dynamics-of-... Institution: Leeds, UK Deadline: Wed, Jun 01, 2011 Additional Information: http://ambio1.leeds.ac.uk/~serguei/ Applications are invited for a research fellowship funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). A major part of the post involves development of computer code for 3D Relativistic Magnethohydrodynamics with adaptive mesh refinement which will run on parallel computers. The other part of this job involves numerical study of the complex dynamics of magnetically-dominated relativistic plasma, with focus on the effects of non-axisymmetric instabilities, and with applications in the astrophysics of Pulsar Wind Nebulae, relativistic jets, and central engines of Active Galactic Nuclei and Gamma-Ray Bursts. You will work in close contact with the Principal Investigator (PI) Professor Serguei Komissarov as well as with Professor Samuel Falle of The University of Leeds and the other researches from USA and Belguim named in the project. You will have a PhD (or be close to completing) in the relevant discipline, e.g. Computational MHD, Plasma physics, Fluid dynamics, Astrophysics. Excellent computational skills, Fortran and/or C, experience in computational fluid dynamics and practical knowledge of parallel programming are essential. University Grade 6 (£24,370 - £29,099 p.a.) or University Grade 7 (£29,972 - £35,788 p.a.) Due to funding limitations it is likely the appointment will not be made above £31,798 p.a. Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Serguei Komissarov, tel +44 (0)113 343 5127 email Serguei[at]maths.leeds.ac.uk. Closing Date: 1 June 2011 Anticipated Interview Date: 20 June 2011 Applications should be made via http://www.leeds.ac.uk/universityjobs +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Postdoc position in numerical relativity at University of Burgundy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/09/postdoc-position-in-numerical-relati... Institution: Dijon, France Deadline: Thu, Jun 30, 2011 The Institut de Mathématiques de Bourgogne, Université de Bourgogne (Mathematical Institute of Burgundy, University of Burgundy at Dijon) offers a 1-year post-doctoral position by the Conseil Régional de Bourgogne (Regional council of Burgundy) in numerical relativity. A renewal of the position is possible. The successful candidate is supposed to work in the numerical treatment of PDEs related to general relativity. The candidate is expected to have experience in the numerical treatment of PDEs, especially in the use of spectral methods. A knowledge in C++ and/or Matlab and parallel computing is welcome. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 W2-Professorship in Theoretical Physics at University of Erlangen-Nuremberg ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/06/w2-professorship-in-theoretical-phys... Institution: Erlangen, Germany Deadline: Mon, May 02, 2011 Additional Information: http://theorie3.physik.uni-erlangen.de/opportunities.html The Faculty of Natural Sciences offers at the Institute of Theoretical Physics in the Department of Physics the position of a tenured W2-Professorship in Theoretical Physics, succession of Prof. Dr. M. Dilig. Duties include teaching and research in Theoretical Physics. The successful candidate is expected to have a strong research record in the quantum field theoretical generalisation of General Relativity. His or her research field should enhance the institute's activities in this field and in Mathematical Physics. Interest in phenomenological aspects of Quantum Gravity is desirable. Opportunities of cooperation exist, among others, with the Department of Mathematics, in particular with the Emmy Noether Centre for Algebra, as well as with the Erlangen Centre for Astroparticle Physics (ECAP). Qualifications include university undergraduate and doctoral degrees, good teaching skills, and a habilitation or equivalent other qualification, which may have been gained outside the University or within a Juniorprofessur. The successful candidate will be expected to take over administrative duties and also to attract external funding. At the time of appointment the candidate must not be older than 52 years of age. The Ministry for Science, Research and Art may allow an exception in special cases, which has to be approved by the Ministry of Finance. This appointment will be made by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is comitted to a profamily policy and an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage women to apply in an effort to increase a female representation in research and teaching. The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg persues a policy of intensive study support of its students and expects therefore that its teaching staff maintain a substantial student contact time by being present at the university. All other qualifications being equal handicapped persons will be given priority. The position is to be filled as soon as possible. Application documents (curriculum vitae, photograph, list of publications and teaching activities, certified copies of the degree certificates but no publications) and a brief statement of research interests must be sent not later than May 2nd, 2011, to: Dekan der Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsstraße 40, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. ================================================================= 3. News ================================================================= 3.1 2010 GWIC Thesis Prize -------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/04/13/2010-gwic-thesis-prize/ Additional Information: https://gwic.ligo.org/thesisprize/ I am pleased to announce that the Gravitational Wave International Committee (GWIC) Thesis Prize for 2010 is awarded to Haixing Miao from the University of Western Australia, for his thesis "Exploring Macroscopic Quantum Mechanics in Optomechanical Devices". We hope that we will be able to give Haixing his award at the Amaldi9 meeting in Cardiff. This year, we again set a record for the number of nominations: seventeen theses from six countries. Moreover, with this award, Australia becomes the fourth continent to host a winner in the five year history of the GWIC Thesis Prize, demonstrating in the clearest fashion the truly global nature of gravitational wave research. The nominees and their theses can be found at https://gwic.ligo.org/thesisprize/ We are most grateful to chair Viviana Fafone and the Selection Committee (Duncan Brown, Chris van den Broeck, Neil Cornish, Andreas Freise, Dick Manchester, Masa-Katsu Fujimoto, and Peter Shawhan) for their hard work.