################################################################# Table of Contents ################################################################# 1. Conferences 1.1 Thirteenth Marcel Grossmann Meeting (MG13) in Stockholm 1.2 14th Canadian Conference on General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics 1.3 16th Paris Cosmology Colloquium "The New Standard Model of the Universe: Lambda Warm Dark Matter. Theory and Observations" 1.4 First Dutch Gravitational Wave Meeting in Amsterdam 1.5 Chalonge School Meudon Workshop 2012 "Warm Dark Matter Galaxy Formation in Agreement with Observations" 1.6 2nd Iberian Gravitational-Wave Meeting 2012 in Barcelona 2. Jobs 2.1 Postdoctoral positions at the Center for Gravitation, Cosmology and Astrophysics at UW-Milwaukee 2.2 Full-time lecturer in Physics at UMass Dartmouth 2.3 Ph.D. Fellowships in Gravitational-Wave Science at the University of Birmingham 2.4 Postdoctoral positions in black-hole/neutron-star research at Amsterdam 2.5 Postdoctoral position at Beijing Normal University in Quantum Gravity and Quantum Cosmology 2.6 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theoretical Gravitational Physics at the University of Nottingham 2.7 Postdoctoral Position in Numerical Relativity at Jena 2.8 Postdoctoral Position in Computational and Theoretical Black Hole Astrophysics at Georgia Tech 2.9 PhD Position in Relativity at Jena 2.10 Postdoctoral positions in astrophysics at SISSA 2.11 International Relativistic Astrophysics Ph.D. Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate Program 2.12 Postdoctoral position in general relativity/quantum gravity at the University of New Brunswick 2.13 Postdoctoral position in black-hole physics at the University of Aveiro 3. News 3.1 New book on Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy ================================================================= 1. Conferences ================================================================= 1.1 Thirteenth Marcel Grossmann Meeting (MG13) in Stockholm ----------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/30/thirteenth-marcel-grossmann-meeting-... Starting Sun, Jul 01, 2012 to Sat, Jul 07, 2012 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Additional Information: http://www.icra.it/mg/mg13 MG13 will take place at Stockholm University in Stockholm, Sweden on July 1-7, 2012. Preregistration will take place Sunday, July 1, and the meeting will officially open Monday morning, July 2, when the Marcel Grossmann prizes will be awarded. During the six day conference a wide variety of topics will be discussed in the morning plenary sessions beginning with mathematical topics on Monday, quantum aspects of gravity on Tuesday, precision tests of general relativity on Wednesday, relativistic astrophysics on Thursday, cosmology and astroparticle physics on Friday and the latest scientific news and the history of physics Saturday. There will be five plenary lectures each morning and up to twenty parallel sessions in the four weekday afternoons excluding Wednesday, which is left free for a trip and the evening conference banquet. The plenary lectures will be held in the Aula Magna lecture hall and the parallel sessions at the AlbaNova University Center, both easily reachable b y public transportation from the city center. The local organizing committee is chaired by Prof. Kjell Rosquist. Together with the chairs of the International Organizing Committee, Prof. Remo Ruffini, and the International Coordinating Committee, Prof. Robert Jantzen, the first actions will be to announce a first draft of the plenary and parallel session programs including some chairpersons who have already volunteered, with others to be added later. Major international sponsors, in addition to the Swedish universities, are IUPAP, ICRA and ICRANet, ICTP, TWAS, and all the universities and research centers participating in the joint Ph.D. program in relativistic Astrophysics: the IRAP PhD Erasmus Mundus program. Early registration at 350€ will be available online December 15th 2011 through June 15th 2012, after which the registration fee will be 400€. The student fee is 150€. New members have been added to the International Committees and the final version of the poster is now available for download at the meeting website. Since 1975, the Marcel Grossmann Meetings (on Recent Developments in Theoretical and Experimental General Relativity, Gravitation, and Relativistic Field Theories) have been organized in order to provide opportunities for discussing recent advances in gravitation, general relativity and relativistic field theories, emphasizing mathematical foundations, physical predictions and experimental tests. The objective of these meetings is to elicit exchange among scientists that may deepen our understanding of spacetime structures as well as to review the status of ongoing experiments aimed at testing Einstein's theory of gravitation either from the ground or from space. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2 14th Canadian Conference on General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/29/14th-canadian-conference-on-general-... Starting Mon, Jul 09, 2012 to Thu, Jul 12, 2012 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada Additional Information: http://www.ccgrra14.ca This is the first announcement for the the 14th Canadian Conference on General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics which will take place July 9-12, 2012 in St. John's, Newfoundland. CCGRRA14 is the latest in a biennial series of meetings that bring together Canadian and international relativists for scientific discussion and exchange. These meetings are broadly based, covering the wide range of research done in Canada including mathematical and numerical relativity, quantum gravity, string-theoretic approaches to gravity, relativistic astrophysics and cosmology. Invited lectures will be given by: Patrick Brady (U. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Robert Brandenberger (McGill U.), Sergio Dain (U. Nacional de Cordoba), Andrew Frey (U. of Winnipeg), Valeri Frolov (U. of Alberta), Veronika Hubeny (Durham U.), Hari Kunduri (Memorial U.), Robert Mann (U of Waterloo), Harald Pfeiffer (U. of Toronto), Eric Poisson (U. of Guelph) and Sanjeev Seahra (U. New Brunswick, Fredericton). In addition to these plenary lectures, time will be allotted in the afternoons for contributed talks from members of the national and international community. Post-docs and grad students are especially encouraged to contribute talks. The meeting will begin with an opening reception on Monday, July 9th. Talks will happen from Tuesday morning (the 10th) until Thursday evening (the 12th), including a public lecture on Tuesday night. On Wednesday afternoon there will be an organized whale-watching trip to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve followed by a banquet on the beach. For more information please see the website http://www.ccgrra14.ca or contact ccgrra14[AT]gmail.com. Registration will open in January. Organizing Committee: Ivan Booth (ibooth[AT]mun.ca), Hari Kunduri (hkkunduri[AT]mun.ca), Ben Tippett (bktippett[AT]mun.ca). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.3 16th Paris Cosmology Colloquium "The New Standard Model of the Universe: Lambda Warm Dark Matter. Theory and Observations" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/21/ecole-internationale-dastrophysique-... Starting Wed, Jul 25, 2012 to Fri, Jul 27, 2012 Location: Paris, France Additional Information: http://www.chalonge.obspm.fr/colloque2012.html Ecole Internationale d'Astrophysique Daniel Chalonge Chalonge School 16th Paris Cosmology Colloquium 2012 "The New Standard Model of the Universe: Lambda Warm Dark Matter. Theory and Observations" 1. SUMMARY Recently, Warm (keV scale) Dark Matter emerged impressively over CDM (Cold Dark Matter) as the leading Dark Matter candidate. Astronomical evidence that Cold Dark Matter (LambdaCDM) and its proposed tailored cures do not work at small scales is staggering. LambdaWDM solves naturally the problems of LambdaCDM and agrees remarkably well with the observations at small as well as large and cosmological scales. LambdaWDM numerical simulations naturally agree with observations at all scales, in contrast to LambdaCDM simulations which only agree at large scales. In the context of this new Dark Matter situation, which implies novelties in the astrophysical, cosmological and keV particle physics context, this 16th Paris Colloquium 2012 is devoted to the LambdaWDM Standard Model of the Universe. In summary, the aim of the meeting is to put together real data: cosmological, astrophysical, particle, nuclear physics data, and hard theory predictive approach connected to them in the framew ork of the Lambda WDM Standard Model of the Universe. 2. THIS COLLOQUIUM This Colloquium is within the astrofundamental physics spirit of the Chalonge School, focalised on recent observational and theoretical progress in the CMB, dark matter, dark energy, structure formation, and the theory of the early universe inflation with predictive power in the context of the LambdaWDM Standard Model of the Universe. The Colloquium addresses as well the theory and experimental search for the WDM particle physics candidates (keV sterile neutrinos). Astrophysical constraints including Lyman alpha bounds put the sterile neutrino mass m in the range 1< m < 13 keV. WDM predictions for EUCLID and PLANCK start to to be available. MARE and an adapted KATRIN experiment could detect a keV sterile neutrino. It will be a fantastic discovery to detect dark matter in a beta decay. A formidable WDM work to perform is ahead of us. 3. TOPICS Observational and theoretical progress on the nature of dark matter: keV scale warm dark matter. Cored density profiles in agreement with observations. Large and small scale structure formation in agreement with observations at large scales and small (galactic) scales. Warm (keV scale) dark matter from theory and observations. Warm (keV scale) dark matter N-body simulations in agreement with observations. Neutrinos in astrophysics and cosmology. The new serious dark matter candidate: Sterile neutrinos at the keV scale.Neutrinos mass bounds from cosmological data and from high precision beta decay experiments. Dark energy: cosmological constant: the quantum energy of the cosmological vacuum. The analysis of the CMB+LSS+SN data with the effective (Ginsburg-Landau) effective theory of inflation: New Inflation (double well inflaton potential) strongly favored by the CMB + LSS + SN data. The presence of the lower bound for the primordial gravitons (non vanishing tensor to scalar r atio r) with the present CMB+LSS+SN data. CMB news and polarization. Forecasts and Planck results, and Other Topics. FORMAT and EXHIBITION Sessions last for three days in the beautiful Parisian campus of Observatoire de Paris (built on orders from Colbert and to plans by Claude Perrault from 1667 to 1672). All sessions take place at the Salle Cassini (Cassini Hall) in the historic Perrault building ("Bâtiment Perrault") of Observatoire de Paris HQ, just upstairs "Salle du Conseil" (Council Room). All Coffee-Tea breaks take place at the "Salle du Conseil" under the portraits of Laplace, Le Verrier, Lalande, Arago, Delambre and Louis XIV. The Registration desk and the Secretariat of the Colloquium take place at the "Grande Galerie" (Great Gallery) just aside facing Salle du Conseil An exhibition at the "Grand Galerie" (Great Gallery) and "Salle Cassini" (Cassini Hall) will retrace the 21 years of activity of the Chalonge School and "the Golden Days" in "Astrofundamental Physics": The Construction of the Standard Model Of the Universe. The World High Altitude Observatories Network: World Cultural and Scientific Heritage. All Lectures are followed by a discussion. All participants are invited to take part in the discussions. The Meeting is open to all scientists interested in the subject. Information about this Colloquium, participation information and background information are displayed at the Chalonge School web site: http://www.chalonge.obspm.fr/colloque2012.html Information on the previous Paris Cosmology Colloquia and of the school events (lecturers, lists of participants, lecture pdf files and photos during the Colloquia) are available at http://www.chalonge.obspm.fr Early registration is strongly encouraged. With compliments and kind regards, Chalonge.Ecole[AT]obspm.fr http://chalonge.obspm.fr +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.4 First Dutch Gravitational Wave Meeting in Amsterdam ------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/17/first-dutch-gravitational-wave-meeti... Starting Thu, Jan 19, 2012 to Thu, Jan 19, 2012 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Additional Information: http://indico.astro.ru.nl//conferenceDisplay.py?confId=6 Gravitational wave research in the Netherlands is rapidly taking shape and is becoming increasingly diverse. In order to bring together astronomers and physicists interested in gravitational wave science and to inform each other of the current status of the various projects we organize the first Dutch National GW Meeting, to be held on Thursday January 19, 2012 at Nikhef in Amsterdam. The day will start with a keynote lecture by Prof. Bangalore Sathyaprakash from Cardiff University, after which there will be overview talks on Pulsar Timing Arrays, Advanced Virgo/LIGO, and the new ELISA mission, as well as contributed talks. The meeting is open to all interested researchers, also from outside the Netherlands. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.5 Chalonge School Meudon Workshop 2012 "Warm Dark Matter Galaxy Formation in Agreement with Observations" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/07/chalonge-school-meudon-workshop-2012... Starting Wed, Jun 06, 2012 to Fri, Jun 08, 2012 Location: Meudon, France Additional Information: http://www.chalonge.obspm.fr/Cias_Meudon2012.html Ecole Internationale d'Astrophysique Daniel Chalonge 1. Summary: A Turning Point operated recently in the Dark Matter research: Warm Dark Matter (WDM) emerged impressively over Cold Dark Matter (CDM) as the leading Dark Matter candidate. WDM solves naturally the problems of CDM and agrees with the observations at small as well as large and cosmological scales. This workshop addresses WDM putting together astrophysical, cosmological and particle WDM, astronominal observations, theory and WDM numerical simulations which naturally reproduce the observations at all the scales. The Workshop addresses as well the experimental search for the WDM particle candidates (keV sterile neutrinos). 2. The New Dark Matter Situation Today: Warm Dark Matter (WDM) research is progressing fast, the subject is new and WDM essentially works, naturally reproducing the astronomical observations over all scales: small (galactic) and large (cosmological) scales (LambdaWDM). Astronomical evidence that Cold Dark Matter (LambdaCDM) and its proposed tailored cures do not work at small scales is staggering. Astrophysical constraints including Lyman alpha bounds put the sterile neutrino mass m in the range 1< m <13 keV. WDM predictions for EUCLID and PLANCK start to to be available. MARE and an adapted KATRIN experiment could detect a keV sterile neutrino. It will be a fantastic discovery to detect dark matter in a beta decay. A formidable WDM work to perform is ahead of us. 3. History, Context and the CDM crisis (abridged): This Workshop is the third of a new Chalonge series in Meudon dedicated to Dark Matter. The first Workshop of this series (June 2010) allowed to identify and understand the issues of the serious problems faced by Cold Dark Matter (CDM) to reproduce the galactic (and even cluster of galaxies) observations. The 2010 and 2011 Workshops served as well to verify and better understand the confusion in the CDM research, namely the increasing number of cyclic arguments, and ad-hoc mechanisms introduced in the CDM simulations over most of twenty years, in trying to deal with the CDM small scale crisis: Cusped profiles and overabundance of substructures are predicted by CDM. Too many satellites are predicted by CDM simulations while cored profiles and no such overabundant substructures are seen by astronomical observations. Read more on the www of this Workshop. 4. The Workshop addresses the last progresses made in Warm Dark Matter and the Universal and Non Universal properties of Galaxies. In the tradition of the Chalonge School, an effort of clarification and synthesis will be made by combining in a conceptual framework, theory, analytical, observational and numerical simulation results that reproduce observations. The subject will be approached in a threefold way: (I) Conceptual context and keV WDM particle candidates, sterle neutrinos (II) Astronomical observations linked to the galaxy structural properties, surveys, clusters and to structure formation at different (large and small (galactic) scales). (III) WDM Numerical simulations which reproduce observations at large and small (galactic) scales. TOPICS: Recent progress in solving the Boltzmann-Vlasov equation to obtain the observed properties of galaxies (and clusters of galaxies). N-body numerical simulations with Warm Dark Matter. The surface density. The phase-space density. Particle model independent analysis of astrophysical dark matter. The impact of the mass of the dark matter particle on the small scale structure formation. The radial profiles and the Dark Matter distribution. Cored DM observed profiles. The keV scale Dark Matter (Warm Dark Matter): Observational and theoretical progresses. Large and small scale structure formation in agreement with observations at large and small (galactic) scales. The new serious dark matter candidate: Sterile neutrinos at the keV scale. Sessions last for three full days in the beautiful green Meudon campus of Observatoire de Paris, where CIAS "Centre International d´Ateliers Scientifiques" is located. All sessions take place in the historic Château building, (built in 1706 by great architect Jules-Hardouin Mansart in orders by King Louis XIV for his son the Grand Dauphin). The Meeting is open to all scientists interested in the subject. The format of the Meeting is intended to allow easy and fruitful mutual contact and communication. Informations about the Workshop, participation information and background information are displayed at http://www.chalonge.obspm.fr/Cias_Meudon2012.html Early Registration is strongly encouraged. With compliments and kind regards, Chalonge.Ecole[AT]obspm.fr http://chalonge.obspm.fr/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.6 2nd Iberian Gravitational-Wave Meeting 2012 in Barcelona ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/05/2nd-iberian-gravitational-wave-meeti... Starting Wed, Feb 15, 2012 to Fri, Feb 17, 2012 Location: Barcelona, Spain Pre-announcement of the Iberian Gravitational-Wave Meeting 2012 Dear Colleagues, it is a pleasure to announce that the 2nd Iberian Gravitational-Wave Meeting 2012 will be organized by the Gravitational Wave Astronomy - LISA Group of the Institut de Ciències de l'Espai (CSIC-IEEC) in Barcelona. Following the format of the first meeting we plan to organize a 3-day meeting starting on February 15th and ending on February 17th, 2012. The style of the meeting will be informal, with significant time for discussions, and there will be no registration fee. In future communications we will describe the details of the scientific program. The idea of the meeting is to bring together researchers with interest in the development of Gravitational Wave Astronomy, including researchers from related areas of Astrophysics, Cosmology, and Fundamental Physics. Please, feel free to send this announcement to scientists that may be interested in attending. In order to make concrete plans, please let us know if you are interested to attend (just reply to sopuerta[AT]ieec.uab.es). The organizing committee Ivan Lloro Alberto Lobo Miquel Nofrarias Carlos F. Sopuerta Ulrich Sperhake ================================================================= 2. Jobs ================================================================= 2.1 Postdoctoral positions at the Center for Gravitation, Cosmology and Astrophysics at UW-Milwaukee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/30/postdoctoral-positions-at-the-center... Institution: Milwaukee, WI, USA Deadline: Sun, Jan 15, 2012 Additional Information: http://gravity.phys.uwm.edu The Center for Gravitation and Cosmology 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 some cases, a third) year contingent on continued funding and satisfactory performance. The Center for Gravitation and Cosmology at UWM is one of the nation's largest and most active research groups in gravity, cosmology, astronomy, and astrophysics with ten faculty members, Luis Anchordoqui, Patrick Brady, Philip Chang, Jolien Creighton, Dawn Erb, John Friedman, David Kaplan, Leonard Parker, Xavier Siemens, and Alan Wiseman, senior scientist Scott Koranda, visiting professor Warren Anderson, and several postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. The group also maintains a close relationship with the Albert Einstein Institutes in Hannover and Golm through Bruce Allen and Maria Alessandra Papa who hold Adjunct appointments at UWM and visit regularly. More information about the people and the research can be found at http://gravity.phys.uwm.edu. The group performs research that spans most aspects of LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) gravitational-wave data analysis activities, including searches for binary neutron star and black hole inspirals, continuous waves from isolated neutron stars, development and support of Einstein@Home, bursts, and stochastic background. The group is also active in several scientific computing collaborations. The group is recruiting postdoctoral research associates to work in any of these areas, and we have one position specifically for Einstein@Home science development. Applicants with a backgrounds in gravitational-wave physics, theoretical relativity, numerical relativity, cosmology, or high energy physics (theory and experiment) are welcome to apply. In addition, the CGC is recruiting for a postdoctoral position in the areas of theoretical and/or computational astrophysics. The successful applicant will work in conjunction with Prof. Philip Chang. The position is initially for two years with a possible third year (contingent on funding and performance). The successful applicant will have a choice of problems to work on including aspects of Type Ia progenitor evolution, instabilities in plasma astrophysics, and/or any other research topic of mutual interest. Prior experience in running large numerical simulations is preferred but not required. The postdoc will also be encouraged to pursue independent lines of research with other CGC postdocs and faculty. Applicants whose work overlaps any of the research interests of the group should send a C.V., publication list, and a brief statement of their research interests by email to cgcpd[AT]gravity.phys.uwm.edu, or by ordinary mail to: Ms. Stefanie Pinnow, CGC Postdoc Search Committee Department of Physics University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee PO Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA (Phone 414-229-4960 Fax: 414-229-5589) Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent by e-mail or to this address. The deadline for applications will be January 15th, 2011 but early applications are encouraged. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Full-time lecturer in Physics at UMass Dartmouth ---------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/30/full-time-lecturer-in-physics-at-uma... Institution: North Dartmouth, MA, USA Deadline: Sun, Jan 01, 2012 Additional Information: http://www.umassd.edu/hr/employmentopportunities/facultyjobopportunities/ind... The Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth invites applications for a Full-Time Lecturer position beginning January or September 2012. This is a renewable, non-tenure-track position with responsibilities for undergraduate laboratory and classroom teaching. Applicants must: (1) hold an earned doctorate in Physics or allied field (or a masters degree with substantial teaching experience); (2) be proficient in course content and fluent in the English language; and (3) have a strong demonstrated commitment to teaching, especially at the undergraduate level. Preferred candidates will have (1) outstanding credentials that clearly demonstrate their ability and commitment to undergraduate teaching, including laboratory work; and (2) experience in physics education research and/or astronomical observation. Successful candidates must show that they will be able to effectively teach a wide selection of undergraduate courses. Applicants are invited to submit electronically a letter of application which includes a description of courses qualified to teach; detailed curriculum vitae; names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references; and a one-page statement of teaching interests and philosophy to: PHY-FTL Search email coefacultysearch[AT]umassd.edu. Employment is contingent upon verification of background/credentials and work authorization. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is an EEO/AA Employer +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 Ph.D. Fellowships in Gravitational-Wave Science at the University of Birmingham ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/29/ph-d-fellowships-in-gravitational-wa... Institution: Birmingham, UK Deadline: Fri, Jan 06, 2012 Additional Information: http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/gwgroup/jobs.php The Birmingham Gravitational Wave Group expects to fill several Ph.D. positions starting in Autumn 2012. We encourage applications to pursue projects in any of the research areas of the group (experiments, astrophysics and observations). Studentships are assigned on a competitive basis within the School of Physics and Astronomy and, where relevant, the University of Birmingham. In addition to studentships funded by research councils, this year additional funding opportunities are available for outstanding candidates through the following programs: (a) Ten Elite Researcher Scholarships, for students of any nationality; (b) Ten Birmingham Brazil Scholarships, for applicants that are Brazilian residents at the time of the application; (c) Partial scholarships available for students from China, which are meant to supplement awards from the China Scholarship Council. Students of any nationality are encouraged to apply. We are seeking Ph.D. students to work with Dr. Andreas Freise, Dr. Ilya Mandel, and Prof. Alberto Vecchio. The group currently consists of 17 people, with staff, post-docs and students from around the world. Further information about the group is available at http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/gwgroup Applications should be submitted in electronic form to gwave-phd[AT]star.sr.bham.ac.uk and must include: - A cover letter briefly stating the research area(s) of interest. A concise description of the research areas is provided at http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/gwgroup/research.php - A Curriculum vitae; - University transcripts (scanned versions are acceptable); - Applicants should also arrange for two reference letters to be sent to the above address. The deadline for application, including reference letters, is Friday 6th January 2012 at 2pm (GMT). We encourage non-UK residents to notify us at gwave-phd[AT]star.sr.bham.ac.uk as early as possible of their intent to apply. Further details are available at http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/gwgroup/jobs.php +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Postdoctoral positions in black-hole/neutron-star research at Amsterdam --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/23/postdoctoral-positions-in-black-hole... Institution: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Deadline: Thu, Dec 15, 2011 Additional Information: http://www.astro.uva.nl/jobs/postdoctoral-positions-in-black-hole-neutron-st... Three postdoctoral research positions are available with prof. M. van der Klis at the Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek (API) of the University of Amsterdam in connection with the programme "Signals from Strong-Field Gravity: Getting to the Physics" with funding by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and the Netherlands Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences. Requirements include a PhD in (astro)physics, demonstrable talent for research and a clear vision of how to contribute to the programme. Projects should be observational/interpretative in nature and aim at aspects of black-hole and neutron-star astrophysics such as strong gravity and ultradense matter. They would include some of state-of-the-art X-ray observations, developing and trying out new approaches and methods for understanding the data, and creating new computer code. There is ample opportunity to participate in directing PhD and MSc student projects. You will join a rapidly growing lively international research group focusing on observations and theory of accreting compact objects, with faculty Michiel van der Klis, Rudy Wijnands, Anna Watts, Phil Uttley and ~12 postdocs and graduate students. There are close ties with other groups at API in relativistic jets, gamma-ray bursts, astroparticle physics, and with groups abroad. Appointments are typically for 3 years with mid-term evaluation and possibilities for obtaining personal grants depending on circumstances. Applications should comprise resume, research statement, publication list and (separately) two letters of reference. Positions are to be filled in 2012 / early 2013; applications will be considered continuously starting December 15, 2011 until all positions are filled. Salary dependent on experience according to Netherlands university pay scales. Comprehensive social benefits. Universal health care insurance typically 100 euro/month/person. Closing date: June 30th, 2012 Address to: M. van der Klis, Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94249, 1090 GE Amsterdam, Netherlands; m.b.m.vanderklis[AT]uva.nl +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Postdoctoral position at Beijing Normal University in Quantum Gravity and Quantum Cosmology ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/22/postdoctoral-position-at-beijing-nor... Institution: Beijing, China Deadline: Thu, Mar 01, 2012 Additional Information: http://physics.bnu.edu.cn/application/research/gravity/ The Center for Relativity and Gravitation at Beijing Normal Univerisity has one post-doctoral position opening from fall 2012 in the areas of quantum gravity and quantum cosmology. Successful candidate will work with Yongge Ma. The appointment will be for two years. The gravity group consists of Sijie Gao, Wenbiao Liu, Yongge Ma, Bin Zhou and Jianyang Zhu. In addition, the retired professors Canbin Liang and Zheng Zhao join the academic activities frequently, and professors 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, de Sitter spacetime, higher dimensional gravity and cosmology. For further information on the group, see the webpage: http://physics.bnu.edu.cn/application/research/gravity/ 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: Prof. Yongge Ma Department of Physics Beijing Normal Univeristy Beijing 100875 CHINA E-mail applications are also accepted. They should be sent to: mayg[AT]bnu.edu.cn, yonggema[AT]yahoo.com The deadline for receipt of all application material is March 1st, 2012. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theoretical Gravitational Physics at the University of Nottingham ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/22/postdoctoral-research-fellow-in-theo... Institution: Nottingham, UK Deadline: Wed, Dec 21, 2011 Additional Information: http://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/vacancies.aspx?cat=160#j10685 Applications are invited for an ERC-funded post based in the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidate will work with the ERC-funded research group on “Diffeomorphism invariant gauge theories, asymptotic safety and geometry” in the School of Mathematics as well as with the Particle Theory Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy. The successful candidate's research will focus on topics related to gravitational physics, quantum gravity and unification of fundamental interactions. In particular, the successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the development of the gauge-theoretic description of General Relativity (and related modified gravity theories). This could include work on quantum renormalisation group flow calculations and/or on gravity/gauge theory unification within this approach. Candidates with research experience in modified gravity, the asymptotic safety approach to quantum gravity and/or unification of fundamental forces are encouraged to apply. Salary will be within the range £27,428 - £32,751 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the starting date October 1, 2012, and will be renewable for up to three years contingent on satisfactory performance. Candidates must have a PhD in physics, mathematics or a related area at the time the appointment begins. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Kirill Krasnov, Email: kirill.krasnov[AT]nottingham.ac.uk Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted. For more details, as well as instructions on how to apply please access: http://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/vacancies.aspx?cat=160#j10685 Closing date: 21 December 2011. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 Postdoctoral Position in Numerical Relativity at Jena --------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/18/postdoctoral-position-in-numerical-r... Institution: Jena, Germany Deadline: Tue, Jan 31, 2012 Additional Information: http://cse.mathe.uni-jena.de The scientific computing group at the University Jena expects a postdoctoral opening beginning in 2012. The position will be within the Collaborative Research Center SFB/Transregio 7 Gravitational Wave Astronomy, including the gravity group at Jena Marcus Ansorg, Bernd Brügmann, Reinhard Meinel, and Gerhard Schäfer. There is the opportunity to participate in a wide range of research activities offered by the SFB/Transregio, see http://wwwsfb.tpi.uni-jena.de. The successful candidate will work on numerical and computational methods for solving Einstein’s field equations of general relativity in a broader sense, which may include topics like numerical discretization schemes (e.g. discontinuous Galerkin method) or parallel computing (domain decomposition methods, GPU computing), see http://cse.mathe.uni-jena.de. Applicants should email a curriculum vitae including full list of publications and a brief description of research interests. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Prof. Gerhard Zumbusch, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik, Universität Jena, D-07743 Jena, Germany gerhard.zumbusch[at]uni-jena.de +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 Postdoctoral Position in Computational and Theoretical Black Hole Astrophysics at Georgia Tech -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/17/postdoctoral-position-in-computation... Institution: Atlanta, GA, USA Deadline: Tue, Jan 31, 2012 Additional Information: http://www.cra.gatech.edu/ Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the area of computational and theoretical black hole astrophysics including numerical relativity at the Georgia Tech Center for Relativistic Astrophysics (CRA). The successful candidate will work with Dr. Tamara Bogdanovic, who will join the CRA faculty in 2012, and have opportunity to collaborate with other members of the CRA. We are particularly interested in a candidate that will work on interaction of single and binary black holes with their environment, electromagnetic counterparts and black hole growth. Experience in running and analyzing parallel (magneto)hydrodynamical simulations is desired. The successful candidate will receive research and travel support as well as access to the local high-performance computing facilities and a new dedicated computer cluster. The appointment will initially be for two years with a possible extension to a third year, depending on funding availability and satisfactory progress. The expected starting date of the position is September 2012. Current research interests at the CRA include theoretical topics in black hole and accretion physics, galaxy formation and cosmology, numerical relativity, gravitational waves and particle astrophysics. Center faculty working on these areas include David Ballantyne, Tamara Bogdanovic, Pablo Laguna (director), Nepomuk Otte, Deirdre Shoemaker, Ignacio Taboada, and John Wise. For more information visit http://www.cra.gatech.edu. Applicants should email to cra[AT]physics.gatech.edu the following documents in PDF format: 1) cover letter with names of three references, 2) curriculum vitae including full list of publications, and 3) a brief description of research interests (maximum 3 pages). In addition, applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference emailed separately to cra[AT]physics.gatech.edu . Review of applications will begin on January 31, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. Georgia Tech is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce. Attention To: Dr. Tamara Bogdanovic Department of Astronomy University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742 Phone:1 301 405 6651 Submission Email: cra[AT]physics.gatech.edu +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 PhD Position in Relativity at Jena -------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/15/phd-position-in-relativity-at-jena/ Institution: Jena, Germany Deadline: Wed, Feb 01, 2012 Additional Information: http://wwwsfb.tpi.uni-jena.de Applications are invited for a PhD position within the SFB/Transregio 7 Gravitational Wave Astronomy at the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena. The successful candidate will work on analytical and numerical methods for solving Einstein’s field equations of general relativity. The gravity group at Jena includes Marcus Ansorg, Bernd Brügmann, Reinhard Meinel, and Gerhard Schäfer, and also involves applied mathematician Gerhard Zumbusch. There is the opportunity to participate in a wide range of research activities offered by the SFB/Transregio grant on “Gravitational Wave Astronomy”, see http://wwwsfb.tpi.uni-jena.de. As an equal opportunities employer, the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena wishes to support women in the context of statutory requirements. For this reason suitably qualified women are specifically invited to apply. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preferential treatment. Please send your application with a curriculum vitae and a description of your research interests compiled in one single pdf document to Marcus.Ansorg[at]uni-jena.de. In addition, we request two letters of recommendation. Applications are invited to arrive before February 1, 2012, although later applications will be considered until the position is filled. For further questions please contact: Professor Marcus Ansorg Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut Max-Wien-Platz 1 07743 Jena, Germany Marcus.Ansorg[at]uni-jena.de +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Postdoctoral positions in astrophysics at SISSA ------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/11/postdoctoral-positions-in-astrophysi... Institution: Trieste, Italy Deadline: Sun, Jan 15, 2012 Additional Information: http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/1269 The Astrophysics Sector (http://www.sissa.it/ap) of the International School for Advanced Studies of Trieste (SISSA, Italy) expects to have an opening for up to three research associate (postdoc) positions starting in Fall 2012. The positions are for two years and can be possibly extended for a third year. A further opening starting in Fall 2012 or earlier is available for a two year research associate working specifically in the field of large-scale structure effects on the CMB. SISSA is a multidisciplinary PhD school, unique in Italy, pursuing research in the areas of physics, mathematics and neuroscience and is located close to the main scientific institutions of the region (ICTP, Trieste University and the Trieste Observatory). The Astrophysics Sector currently consists of eleven staff members, nine postdocs and eighteen graduate students (http://www.sissa.it/ap/people.html). Our research interests include: analysis and interpretation of cosmic microwave background and sub-mm surveys (Planck and Herschel), large-scale structure and cluster physics, galaxies, dark matter, galactic and extragalactic black holes, stellar structure and evolution, high-energy astrophysics, relativistic astrophysics, early universe physics and gravitation theory. We welcome applications from all candidates whose research interests complement or enhance those of our group. The selected candidates are expected to take part in the scientific activity of the sector and to carry out their own independent research. There are no compulsory teaching duties. SISSA also offers good local computer facilities and access to regional supercomputing resources. All of our scientific activity is carried out in English (as is the administrative support) and we provide local assistance for all members: a housing office, Italian classes, a nursery for children of SISSA members and a gym. Applicants should register with academicjobsonline.org and then submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a research statement giving a brief description of past research and future plans, and provide the names and email addresses of two referees who we will automatically contact. The online application form for these posts is at http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/1269 For further information you can contact Lorena Bencina via email: bencina[AT]sissa.it Completed applications should be received no later than January 15, 2012. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 International Relativistic Astrophysics Ph.D. Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate Program ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/11/international-relativistic-astrophys... Institution: IRAP PhD Institutions Deadline: Sun, Feb 19, 2012 Additional Information: http://www.irap-phd.org Following the successful scientific space missions by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile, as well as the high energy particle activities at CERN in Genève, we have initiated a Ph.D. programme dedicated to create a pool of scientists in the field of relativistic astrophysics. After taking full advantage of the observational and experimental facilities mentioned above, the students of our programme are expected to lead the theoretical developments of one of the most active fields of research: relativistic astrophysics. This program provides expertise in the most advanced topics of mathematical and theoretical physics, and in relativistic field theories, in the context of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. It provides the ability to model the observational data received from the above laboratories. This activity is necessarily international as no single university can have a scientific expertise in such a broad range of fields. We announce two calls: one with a deadline on 19 February 2012, sponsored by Erasmus Mundus, and the other with a deadline on 30 September 2012. The Erasmus Mundus program has a very competitive salary as well as comprehensive benefits. The Institutions participating in the IRAP PhD are: the international organization ICRANet as coordinating institution and the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis as the host Institution; the Albert Einstein Institute, Potsdam; the Brazilian Center for Physics Research (CBPF) and ICRA Brasil; the Free University of Berlin; Indian Centre for Space Physics, Kolkata; Observatoire de la Cote D’Azur, Nice; Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, China; University of Ferrara, Italy; University of Rome, la Sapienza, Italy; University of Savoie, Annecy, France; University of Stockolm, Sweden, Tartu Observatory, Estonia. The Final Ph.D. degree will be jointly delivered by the Academic Institutions participating in the program. We encourage applications from the best candidates worldwide, independent of nationality, gender or background. The Courses: Each student will have to follow 180 hours of courses during the three years of the Ph.D. program. There is also a possibility to follow courses from other Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrophysics Ph.D. programs in each participating institution, after approval by the Faculty. Courses can be chosen from the following list: VERY HIGH ENERGY PHENOMENA IN ASTROPHYSICS - Felix AHARONIAN; COSMOLOGICAL SINGULARITY - Vladimir BELINSKI; RELATIVISTIC EFFECTS IN ASTROPHYSICS - Carlo Luciano BIANCO; OBSERVERS AND OBSERVABLES IN BLACK HOLE SPACETIMES - Donato BINI; ACCRETIONS ON BLACK HOLES - Sandip Kumar CHAKRABARTI; PARTICLE PHYSICS APPLIED TO ASTROPHYSICS - Pascal CHARDONNET; GENERAL RELATIVITY - Thibault DAMOUR; SUPERNOVAE AND GRBS - Massimo DELLA VALLE; LARGE SCALE STRUCTURE - Jaan EINASTO; TOPICS IN COSMOLOGY AND PARTICLE ASTROPHYSICS - Li Zhi FANG; X/GAMMA-RAY INSTRUMENTATION - Filippo FRONTERA; HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS: X-RAYS CLUSTERS - Riccardo GIACCONI; ON THE KERR SOLUTION - Roy KERR; RELATIVISTIC FIELD THEORY - Hagen KLEINERT; BOUNCING COSMOLOGY - Mario NOVELLO; BKL COSMOLOGY AND HIDDEN SYMMETRIES IN GRAVITY - Hermann NICOLAI; THE HIGH-ENERGY GAMMA-RAY UNIVERSE - Marco TAVANI; SPECTRAL TIMING FROM BLACK HOLE SOURCES - Lev TITARCHUK; SINGULARITIES AND GENERAL RELATIVITY - Kjell ROSQUIST; BLA CK HOLES AND FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS - Remo RUFFINI; RELATIVISTIC KINETIC THEORY - Gregory VERESHCHAGIN; STRONG COUPLING QED AND ELECTRON-POSITRON PLASMA - She-Sheng XUE; THEORIES ON GAMMA-RAY BURSTS - Bing ZHANG; X-RAY ASTROPHYSICS - Shuangnan ZHANG The Faculty: Giovanni Amelino-Camelia (SAPIENZA Università di Roma) - Vladimir Belinski (SAPIENZA Università di Roma and ICRANet) - Carlo Luciano Bianco (SAPIENZA Università di Roma and ICRANet) - Donato Bini (CNR – Istit. per Applicaz. del Calcolo “M. Picone”) - Sandip Kumar Chakrabarti (Indian Centre For Space Physics, India) - Pascal Chardonnet (Erasmus Mundus Coordinator) - Université de Savoie; Christian Cherubini - Università “Campus Biomedico” di Roma; Pierre Coullet - Université de Nice - Sophie Antipolis; Thibault Damour - IHES, Bures-sur-Yvette; Jaan Einasto - Tartu Observatory; Simonetta Filippi - Univ.“Campus Biomedico” di Roma and ICRANet; Sergio Frasca - SAPIENZA Università di Roma; Filippo Frontera - Università di Ferrara; Yipeng Jing - Shanghai Astronomical Observatory; Hagen Kleinert - Freie Universitat Berlin; Gian Luca Lippi - Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis; Francois Mignard - Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur; Hermann Nicolai - Max Planck Inst. for Gravitational Physics, Potsdam; Mario Novello - Brazilian Centre For Physics Research, Brazil; José Pacheco - Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur; Kjell Rosquist - Stockolm University; Remo Ruffini (Director) - SAPIENZA Università di Roma and ICRANet; FarrokhVakili - Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur; Gregory Vereshchagin - SAPIENZA Università di Roma and ICRANet; She Sheng Xue - SAPIENZA Università di Roma and ICRANet; Shuangnan Zhang - Institute of High Energy Physics – Chinese Academy of Science The Host Institution for the call of 2012-2015 is the Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis; Grand Château 28 Avenue Valrose 21 - B.P. 2135 - 06103 NICE CEDEX 2 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Postdoctoral position in general relativity/quantum gravity at the University of New Brunswick ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/07/post-doctoral-position-in-general-re... Institution: Fredericton, NB, Canada The gravitation and cosmology group at the University of New Brunswick expects up to two postdoctoral openings beginning in Fall 2012. The group consists of three faculty (Jack Gegenberg, Viqar Husain and Sanjeev Seahra), 3-4 graduate students and 2 post-docs. Our present pdfs are Dawood Kothawala and Tomasz Pawloswki. Our research interests are in classical and quantum gravity and cosmology. To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, and have 3 reference letters sent to one of our faculty (geg, sseahra or vhusain [AT] unb.ca) by November 30, 2011. To apply for an AARMS PDF (http://aarms.math.ca/pdf/rules.html), the deadline for us to receive an application is November 30, 2011. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Postdoctoral position in black-hole physics at the University of Aveiro ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/04/postdoctoral-position-in-black-hole-... Institution: Aveiro, Portugal Deadline: Sat, Dec 31, 2011 Additional Information: http://gravitation.web.ua.pt/ We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the area of black hole physics (including exact solutions, perturbative aspects, gravitational radiation, numerical relativity, black holes in string theory, alternative theories of gravity and other related areas). The appointment is for two years, subject to funding renewal and satisfactory performance. A tentative date for the appointment is Mar 1st, 2012 (with possible variations to be agreed upon with the successful applicant). All candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Physics. The successful applicant will be integrated in the Gr@v group at the University of Aveiro. More information on the group can be found at http://gravitation.web.ua.pt/ The applicant is expected to contribute to the efforts of the group and to the training of students. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a statement of research interests and two letters of recommendation to the following e-mail address: herdeiro[AT]ua.pt Please use the subject “post-doctoral application”. Applications should be received by Dec 31st, 2011. Incomplete applications shall not be considered. Screening of applicants will begin on Jan 1, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. For more information please contact Carlos Herdeiro (herdeiro[AT]ua.pt). This position is financed by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) e co-financed by the European Fund of Regional Development, through COMPETE – Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade (POFC). The eracareers announcement can be found in http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=showAnuncioOportunities&jobId=25731&idc=1 ================================================================= 3. News ================================================================= 3.1 New book on Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy -------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2011/11/28/new-book-on-gravitational-waves/ Additional Information: http://www.wiley-vch.de/publish/en/books/bySubjectPH00/availableTitles/3-527... "Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy: An Introduction to Theory, Experiment and Data Analysis." This is a graduate-level textbook. Authors: Jolien D. E. Creighton, Warren G. Anderson. Publisher: Wiley-VCH (Weinheim, Germany) ISBN: 978-3-527-40886-3