########################################## Table of Contents ########################################### 1. Conferences 1.1. Sixth Tux workshop on Quantum Gravity 1.2. Niall Fest 2018 1.3. Black Holes All Over 1.4. International Conference on Quantum Gravity, Shenzhen, China 2. Jobs 2.1. Ph.D. and Postdoc positions in Gravitational Wave Physics at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Phsyics, Potsdam, Germany 2.2. Tenure-Track/Tenure Group Leader position at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam 2.3. PhD studentship in gravitational wave data analysis at Nikhef, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2.4. HKUST - SUSTech Joint PhD Program in Classical and Quantum Gravity, String Theory, and Cosmology, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, China 2.5. Postdoctoral positions Cosmology, Cape Town, South Africa 2.6. Research associate in theoretical and computational astrophysics at Michigan State University, USA 2.7. Two postdoc positions in primordial cosmology at IAP, Paris, France 2.8. Two lectureships in Theoretical Physics, Cambridge, UK 2.9. PhD position in gravitational physics at the RTG Models of Gravity 2.10. Postdoctoral position in Computational Astrophysics at the University of New Hampshire 2.11. Postdoctoral positions in GRMHD at the Rochester Institute of Technology 2.12. ICTS-SIMONS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN BANGALORE, INDIA 2.13. Postdoctoral position in Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics at Monash University 2.14. Ph.D. and Postdoctoral positions in Computational Relativistic Astrophysics division at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam 2.15. Postdoctoral Positions at the Raman Research Institute 2.16. Postdoctoral positions in gravitational physics at University of Zurich 2.17. Graduate studentships in gravitational physics at the University of New Brunswick 3. News 3.1. Living Reviews in Relativity: recent publications 3.2. GRG Editor's Choice: Higher curvature gravities cannot be bootstrapped 3.3. 2018 Universe Travel Awards (800 CHF) ============================================== 1. Conferences ============================================== 1.1. Sixth Tux workshop on Quantum Gravity --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13500 Starting: 2018-02-19 to 2018-02-23 Location: Tux, Austria Additional Information: https://www.gravity.physik.fau.de/events/tux6/ Contact: tuxworkshop@fuw.edu.pl The aim of this conference to bring together experts on loop quantum gravity and related topics, in the scenic village of Tux, in the Austrian alps. This year, we specifically invite contributions concerning the holographic aspects of loop quantum gravity. All further information can be found under the link. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2. Niall Fest 2018 --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13505 Starting: 2018-05-24 to 2018-05-25 Location: Cork, Ireland Additional Information: http://astro.ucc.ie/NiallFest2018 Contact: NiallFest2018@gmail.com The meeting is a Festschrift in honour of Niall O Murchadha’s career in general relativity. It will be an occasion for Niall’s students, collaborators and friends to enjoy discussions with Niall and with each other and to discuss current progress and prospects in the research areas to which he has contributed so strongly in his career, especially the initial value problem in GR. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.3. Black Holes All Over --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13506 Starting: 2017-11-24 to 2017-11-24 Location: Lisbon, Portugal Additional Information: https://centra.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/network/bhao/ Contact: ricadasilva@tecnico.ulisboa.pt The aim of the "Black Holes All Over" Symposium is to honor the scientific life of Professor José Sande Lemos and celebrate his 60 years, completed in November 18. The symposium is organized by the Center for Astrophysics and Gravitation - CENTRA and by the Portuguese Society on Relativity and Gravitation (Sociedade Portuguesa de Relatividade e Gravitação). The symposium is integrated in the actions of the National Day for Scientific Culture (Dia Nacional da Cultura Científica). Registration is required, there is no fee. There will be a symposium dinner at Restaurante Entrecopos. Please when registering confirm your presence in the dinner. The cost per person is 10 euros to be paid at the restaurant. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.4. International Conference on Quantum Gravity, Shenzhen, China --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/11/23/international-conference-on-q... Starting: 2018-03-26 to 2018-03-28 Location: Shenzhen, China Additional Information: https://lmodesto2.wixsite.com/quantumgravity Contact: bambi@fudan.edu.cn This conference is mostly about quantum gravity and its intrinsic nonlocal feature, but also about general gravitational theories beyond Eisntein's gravity, black holes, cosmology, and observational tests. It is well known that any fundamental theory is nonlocal at the quantum level, namely the quantum effective action is a "very nonlocal” functional. Moreover, quantum mechanics itself is intrinsically nonlocal. Furthermore, when we try to construct a consistent theory for quantum gravity non locality turns out to be unavoidable. Indeed, in our days we have several consistent proposals for quantum gravity: String Theory, Loop Quantum Gravity, Nonlocal Quantum Gravity, Asymptotically Safe Quantum Gravity, etc., and all of them are nonlocal. In this conference we will try to make the point of the current understanding of several approaches to quantum gravity with particular attention to the locality paradigm at short distance. In particular we will try to point out issues and ways to overcome them. However, besides the fundamental theoretical problems, other topics of the conference are about the spacetime singularitys' issue, black holes at the classical and quantum level, the information loss problem, and the cosmological implications at short and large distance of a large class of local and nonlocal gravitational theories. The key-topics of the conference are: - Nonlocal Quantum Gravity - Super-renormalizable Quantum Gravity Theories - String Theory - Loop Quantum Gravity - Theories Beyond Einstein Gravity - Spacetime Singularities - Classical and Quantum Black Holes - Cosmology - Gravitational Waves - Observational Tests Invited Speakers: Rong-Gen Cai (Institute of Theoretical Physics/CAS, China)* Xavier Calmet (Sussex University, UK)* John Donoghue (Massachusetts Amherst, US)* Yungui Gong (Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China) Alexy Koshelev (Universidade da Beira Interior, Portugal) Yongge Ma (Beijing Normal University, China) Anupam Mazumdar (University of Groningen) Yun-Soo Myung (Inje University, South Korea) Ilya Shapiro (Juiz de Fora University, Brazil) Terry Tomboulis (University of California Los Angeles, US) Richard Woodard (University of Florida Gainesville, US) Nico Yunes (Montana State University, US) ... and others * To be confirmed Scientific Organizing Committee: Cosimo Bambi (Fudan University, China; Chair) Rong-Gen Cai (Institute of Theoretical Physics/CAS, China) Gianluca Calcagni (IEM-CSIC Madrid, Spain) Valeri Frolov (University of Alberta, Canada) Miao Li (Sun Yat-sen University, China) Yongge Ma (Beijing Normal University, China) Anzhong Wang (Zhejiang University of Technology, China) Haitang Yang (Sichuan University, China) Shuang-Nan Zhang (Institute of High Energy Physics/CAS, China) Local Organizing Committee: Cosimo Bambi (Fudan University, China) Gianluca Calcagni (IEM-CSIC Madrid, Spain) Leonardo Modesto (SUSTech, China; Chair) Guanhao Xie (SUSTech, China) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 2. Jobs ============================================== 2.1. Ph.D. and Postdoc positions in Gravitational Wave Physics at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Phsyics, Potsdam, Germany ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13445 Deadline: 2017-12-15 Location: Potsdam, Germany Additional Information: www.aei.mpg.de/gwjobs2018 Contact: andre.schirotzek[AT]aei.mpg.de Ph.D. and postdoctoral positions in Gravitational Wave Astrophysics at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, www.aei.mpg.de) in Potsdam announces the opening of several postdoctoral appointments and Ph.D. positions. The postdoctoral positions will be available at different levels, depending on experience and seniority, and can last for different number of years. The division (www.aei.mpg.de/1282161/Astrophysical_and_Cosmological_Relativity) led by Dr. Alessandra Buonanno, is currently composed of 21 scientists, and one research group leader, Dr. Harald Pfeiffer. The division also hosts several long and short-term visitors. The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division focuses on several aspects of gravitational-wave physics and astrophysics, including (i) theoretical gravitational dynamics and radiation (effective field theory, post-Newtonian theory, gravitational self-force approach, perturbation theory and effective-one-body formalism), (ii) numerical relativity, most notably simulations of binary black holes and binary neutron stars, (iii) interpretation and analysis of data from gravitational-wave detectors on the ground (LIGO and Virgo) and in space (LISA), (iv) astrophysics of compact objects, (v) cosmography with gravitational waves from binary systems, and (vi) tests of strong gravity within General Relativity and alternative gravity theories. Members of the division have the opportunity to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration through the group's membership, the LISA Consortium, and also participate to building the science case for third generation ground-based detectors (Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer). The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division has two high-performance computer clusters (Minerva and Vulcan) to run numerical-relativity simulations, and to carry out source modelling and data-analysis studies. The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division has ties with the Physics Department at the University of Maryland, the Humboldt University in Berlin, and the University of Potsdam. For more information, a list of required documentation, and submission links to both postdoctoral and Ph.D. positions, please go to: www.aei.mpg.de/gwjobs2018 The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division also offers Max Planck Fellowships to non-German scientists. Information on those fellowships and explanations on how to apply are summarized at: www.aei.mpg.de/maxplanckfellowships Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration for both Ph.D. and postdoctoral positions is, December 15th, 2017. The positions are available as early as Spring 2018, but they can also start later, in Fall 2018. Applications will be considered until all positions are filled. The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. For further information please contact Dr. Andre Schirotzek: andre.schirotzek[AT]aei.mpg.de +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2. Tenure-Track/Tenure Group Leader position at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13449 Deadline: 2017-12-15 Location: Potsdam Additional Information: http://www.aei.mpg.de/en/gwgroupleaderpotsdam Contact: andre.schirotzek@aei.mpg.de The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) in Potsdam announces the opening of a group leader position either at tenure-track (5 years) or tenure (permanent) level depending on candidate’s qualifications and seniority. We are seeking highly qualified scientists with excellent research track record, committed to a career in research. The successful candidate is expected to play a key role in the discoveries and interpretations enabled by gravitational-wave detections, and be a leader in crafting the future of gravitational-wave science, whether performed on the ground or in space. She/he will lead a group of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and will take advantage of interactions and collaborations with other members of the division. The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division, led by Dr. Alessandra Buonanno, is currently composed of 21 scientists, and one Max Planck research group leader, Dr. Harald Pfeiffer. The division also hosts several long and short-term visitors. The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division focuses on several aspects of gravitational-wave physics and astrophysics, including (i) theoretical gravitational dynamics and radiation (effective field theory, post-Newtonian theory, gravitational self-force approach, perturbation theory and effective-one-body formalism), (ii) numerical relativity, most notably simulations of binary black holes and binary neutron stars, (iii) interpretation and analysis of data from gravitational-wave detectors on the ground (LIGO and Virgo) and in space (LISA), (iv) astrophysics of compact objects, (v) cosmography with gravitational waves from binary systems, and (vi) tests of strong gravity within General Relativity and alternative gravity theories. Members of the division have the opportunity to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration through the group's membership, the LISA Consortium, and also participate in building the science case for third generation ground-based detectors (Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer). The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division has two high-performance computer clusters (Minerva and Vulcan) to run numerical-relativity simulations, and to carry out source modelling and data-analysis studies. The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" division has ties with the Physics Department at the University of Maryland, the Humboldt University in Berlin, and the University of Potsdam. For more information, a list of required documentation, and submission please go to: http://www.aei.mpg.de/en/gwgroupleaderpotsdam Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration is December 15th, 2017. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3. PhD studentship in gravitational wave data analysis at Nikhef, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13450 Deadline: 2018-01-03 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Additional Information: https://www.nikhef.nl/jobs/vacatures/ Contact: vdbroeck[AT]nikhef.nl The Virgo group at Nikhef has an opening for a PhD student in gravitational wave data analysis. Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in The Netherlands, where approximately 175 physicists and 75 technical staff members work together in an open and international scientific environment. Together they perform excellent theoretical and experimental research in the fields of particle and astroparticle physics. Among the research collaborations Nikhef participates in are the ATLAS, LHCb and ALICE experiments at CERN, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean, the Virgo interferometer in Pisa, the XENON Dark Matter detector in Gran Sasso and the Pierre Auger cosmic rays observatory in Argentina. Nikhef is a collaboration between 5 major Dutch universities and the Nikhef research institute. The successful candidate will work on the development of novel methods for analysing gravitational wave data from the LIGO and Virgo detectors, with a view on directly probing the structure of compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars. Understanding the neutron star equation of state is a major open problem in astrophysics, which can now be addressed by studying gravitational wave signals from binary neutron star mergers. The student will work on this as part a collaborative effort of the Virgo and ALICE groups at Nikhef. He or she will be a member of the Virgo Collaboration, and will have full access to all Virgo and LIGO data. The successful candidate has a master in physics. Strong software skills are highly desirable. The student will be employed by the NWO-I-foundation as a junior scientist. He or she will receive a 4 year contract with a competitive salary. The conditions of employment of the NWO-I-foundation are excellent and can be found on the website of the employer: http://www.nwo-i.nl. The educational programme of the Dutch research school for subatomic physics offers annual graduate schools for PhD students, as well as frequent series of lectures on advanced topics in (astro)particle physics. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply through the online portal: https://www.nikhef.nl/jobs/vacatures/. Please be prepared to upload a curriculum vitae and have the email address ready of at least one referee who is willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The deadline for applications is January 3rd, 2018. Further information on this position can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Chris Van Den Broeck (vdbroeck@nikhef.nl). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4. HKUST - SUSTech Joint PhD Program in Classical and Quantum Gravity, String Theory, and Cosmology, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, China ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13451 Deadline: 2017-11-30 Location: Shenzhen and Hong Kong (China) Additional Information: https://lmodesto2.wixsite.com/lmodesto Contact: lmodesto[AT]sustc.edu.cn We are selecting a motivated candidate for the Joint Phd Program between Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech, Shenzhen, China) and Hong Kong Science and Technology University and Institute of Advanced Studies (HKUST and IAS, Hong Kong, China). The PhD candidate is suppose to start the program next academic year (September 2018) and the completion of the program will take 4 years. We are particularly interested in candidates with advanced knowledge of General Relativity and Quantum Field Theory. Title of the project: Classical and Quantum Gravity, String Theory, and Cosmology. Research Plan — The candidate is suppose to address the cosmological implications of effective string field theory and/or a class of nonlocal gravitational theories finite and unitary at quantum level. Two are the main issues to address: the cosmological constant's problem and the physics of the early Universe. The consistent theories mentioned above should provide a mechanism for fixing the cosmological constant to the observed value and solve the problem of the initial Big Bang singularity, while also provide a natural mechanism for inflation. Since the nearby location of the two Universities the student will be co-supervised by both the supervisors during the all duration of the PhD program. However, the Phd candidate will have also to attend courses and other duties if required by the agreement of the two Universities: HKUST and SUSTech. In the first two years we will mostly concentrate on the Dark energy problem and possibly Dark matter problem, while in the second part of the Phd program we will focused on inflations and the computation of two and eventually three point correlation's functions. The candidate will work under the supervision Prof. Henry Tye (HKUST and IAS) and Prof. Leonardo Modesto (SUSTech). The Gravitational and High Energy Physics at SUSTech consist on 1 Research Associate Professor, 3 PostDocs, and several undergraduate students. Interested candidates should send their CV (including, among other things, date of birth and nationality) and a short statement of research interests and/or experience to: Prof. Leonardo Modesto E-mail: lmodesto[AT]sustc.edu.cn Please arrange also at least 2 recommendation letters to be sent separately to the same email address. Applications received by November 30 will receive full consideration. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5. Postdoctoral positions Cosmology, Cape Town, South Africa ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13463 Deadline: 2018-01-05 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Additional Information: http://uwcastro.org Contact: mariogrs[AT]gmail.com POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN COSMOLOGY CENTRE FOR RADIO COSMOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed from 5 January 2018. Later applications may be considered until decisions are made. The Centre for Radio Cosmology (CRC) at the University of the Western Cape is internationally recognized for its research on cosmology. CRC faculty are closely involved in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the South African SKA precursor MeerKAT and other telescopes such as HERA. There are currently 16 postdoctoral researchers, 9 PhD students and 9 MSc students in the group. (See uwcastro.org for further details.) UWC is located in the beautiful city of Cape Town, with excellent cultural and outdoor activities. We invite applications for up to two postdoctoral positions in cosmology from candidates keen to work in one or more of the following areas: * HI intensity mapping with MeerKAT (data analysis – see http://arxiv.org/abs/1709.06099 for details) * Cosmology with the SKA and its precursors (theory/simulations), including continuum, HI and synergies with other surveys. The selected candidates will work more closely with Prof Mario Santos or Prof Roy Maartens, depending on the subject but will also be encouraged to collaborate with other faculty members (Prof Russ Taylor, Dr Ed Elson, visiting Profs Romeel Davé and Matt Jarvis). The group also has strong links with the South African SKA Project headquarters, the optical observatory SAAO, the University of Cape Town and The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) (all within less than 30 minutes from the University). Applicants must hold a PhD by the anticipated start date and should preferably have obtained the degree less than five years ago. The appointment will be for 2+1 years. The nominal start date is September 2018, but other dates can be negotiated (earlier is preferred). Applications consisting of a CV, publication list and a short statement of research interests, should be emailed to mariogrs@gmail.com. Applicants should arrange for a minimum of two letters of recommendation to be sent the same way. Applications received by 5 January 2018 will receive full consideration, although later applications may be considered. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to the same email. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6. Research associate in theoretical and computational astrophysics at Michigan State University, USA ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13469 Deadline: 2018-01-08 Location: East Lansing, Michigan, USA Additional Information: http://careers.msu.edu/cw/en-us/job/497984/research-associatefixed-term Contact: couch[AT]pa.msu.edu Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in theoretical and computational astrophysics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. The successful candidate will collaborate with Profs. Sean Couch, Luke Roberts, and Andrew Christlieb. The successful candidate will lead an effort to characterize the impact of rotation and magnetic fields on the core-collapse supernova mechanism, and related topics. Responsibilities will include implementation of new methods for magnetohydrodynamics, transport, and microphysics, as well execution of cutting-edge simulations. Experience in large-scale numerical simulation and code development is required. The successful candidate will be expected to effectively use local and NSF/DOE supercomputing platforms. This position is part of the US Department of Energy Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) TEAMS nuclear astrophysics project. MSU boasts excellent resources for research in computational nuclear astrophysics, including the 400-teraflop Laconia supercomputer, the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory/Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics—Center for the Evolution of the Elements. The appointment is initially for one year, renewed annually for up to four years, based on performance and the availability of funding. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a full background check. Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. in a related discipline by the start of the appointment. Applicants should submit a CV and a statement of research interests to the associated URL. In addition, applicants should arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation to be submitted to the same posting. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7. Two postdoc positions in primordial cosmology at IAP, Paris, France ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13482 Deadline: 2017-12-01 Location: Paris, France Additional Information: http://inspirehep.net/record/1632523 Contact: iap.erc.2017[AT]gmail.com In connection with the new ERC Starting Grant GEODESI (Principal Investigator: Sebastien Renaux-Petel), the Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in primordial cosmology, to start indicatively in Fall 2018. Earlier starting dates are welcome and negotiable. The positions are for two years initially, with the possibility of a third year extension based on performance. Applicants must have a PhD by the time the contact starts. The main scientific objective of the project is to determine the theoretical and observational consequences of the geometrical destabilization of inflation, a recently discovered instability of inflationary models that can have far-reaching implications for cosmology and theoretical high-energy physics. Applicants with interests in the field of primordial cosmology broadly defined are encouraged to apply. Lattice field-theory simulations will be a pivotal aspect of one of the position, for which relevant experience is highly desirable. The successful candidates will benefit from the lively and internationally visible research environment of IAP, with rich intellectual and computational resources. The members of the theory group of IAP are interested in a wide range of topics, including cosmology, gravitational waves, modifications of gravity and astroparticles. More generally, IAP plays a central role in several observational programs (notably Planck and Euclid). Further information can be found on the IAP website: http://www.iap.fr/?langue=en The postdocs will also benefit from the very large cosmology/astrophysics and theoretical physics communities in the Paris region. The salary is competitive, depending on experience, and a generous travel allowance will be provided. The positions also include transportation and lunches subsidies. Applications consisting of a CV, publication list, and a brief statement of research interests should be sent into one pdf file via email to iap.erc.2017[AT]gmail.com before the 1st of December, 2017. Applicants should also arrange for 3 recommendation letters to be sent to the same e-mail address by this date. Late applications may be considered until the positions have been filled. For informal inquiries about the positions please contact Dr. Sebastien Renaux-Petel (iap.erc.2017[AT]gmail.com). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8. Two lectureships in Theoretical Physics, Cambridge, UK ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/11/14/2-lectureships-in-theoretical... Deadline: 2018-01-08 Location: Cambridge, UK Additional Information: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/15171/ Contact: LE13482[AT]maths.cam.ac.uk Applications are invited for two University Lectureships in Theoretical Physics to commence on 1 October 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter. Appointments will be made at an appropriate point on the scale for University Lecturers and will be for a probationary period of five years with appointment to the retiring age thereafter, subject to satisfactory performance. The successful candidates will have a PhD in Mathematics, Physics or equivalent and have an outstanding record of research in any area of theoretical physics which lies within the scope of our research portfolio, to be interpreted in the broadest sense. For more information about theoretical physics research in DAMTP please see: http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/hep/ and http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/gr/ . Applicants will be expected to give undergraduate and Masters-level lectures (including in particular being able to contribute to the very popular theoretical physics courses within Part III Mathematics, see http://www.maths.cam.ac.uk/part-iii-prospective ), taking feedback from students and providing them with career or pastoral advice, and perform other usual departmental duties such as those associated with examinations. They will be expected to investigate new areas of research and funding opportunities, and submit grant applications. They will also be required to write papers for, publication attend conferences, network with national/international colleagues and give presentations. In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to offer a supplement to the salary range stated for these roles of up to GBP 10,000. Any such supplement would be awarded on the basis of a demonstrable history of exceptional achievement and is entirely at the discretion of the University. To submit an application for these vacancies and for further information about these posts, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/15171/. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. You will need to upload a letter of application, a full curriculum vitae, a list of publications and one page of A4 detailing research interests and future plans. You should also include the contact details of three academic referees. Please ensure that your referees are contactable at any time during the selection process, and are made aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and please encourage them to do so promptly. Informal enquiries about these posts may be made to LE13482[AT]maths.cam.ac.uk . Further general information regarding the Department can be found at: http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference LE13482 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The deadline for applications is 8 January 2018. The University of Cambridge values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Department would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented on our academic staff. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9. PhD position in gravitational physics at the RTG Models of Gravity ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13499 Deadline: 2017-12-15 Location: Uni Bielefeld/ Uni Bremen ZARM/ Uni Oldenburg, Germany Additional Information: www.models-of-gravity.org Contact: secretariat@models-of-gravity.org The DFG Research Training Group 'Models of Gravity' invites applications for positions of Research Assistants, Salary Group (Entgeltgruppe) 13 TV-L 66%, to be appointed April 1, 2018. The positions are limited up to three years. The Research Training Group consists of gravity groups working at the Universities of Bremen, Oldenburg, Bielefeld, Hannover, Copenhagen, as well as at the Jacobs University Bremen. We intend to obtain a better understanding of Einstein's General Relativity and of generalised theories of gravity as given by, e.g., string theory. These investigations are also related to observations. More information can be found on the website http://www.models-of-gravity.org Responsibilities and Duties: The successful applicants will have the opportunity to work towards a doctoral degree in Gravitational Physics. They are expected to contribute to the teaching programme of the Research Training Group. Employment conditions: To qualify for the position, applicants must hold a Master's degree or a Diploma in Physics, Mathematics or any other relevant discipline, with an above-average success in the present courses of studies. We expect high dedication and teamwork. All participating universities aim, in particular, to promote women within the scope of the statutory provisions and, hence, emphatically invite qualified women to apply for these positions. Severely disabled applicants are given preferential consideration in the event of equal qualification. Applicants with a migration background are highly welcome. Application: The application with a curriculum vitae, certifications, a description of the scientific interest, a conception of the own career, and, if applicable, a list of publications should be sent as one single pdf document via field e-mail to secretariat@models-of-gravity.org Also two letters of reference should be sent. Closing date is December 15, 2017, although applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10. Postdoctoral position in Computational Astrophysics at the University of New Hampshire ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13502 Deadline: 2018-01-15 Location: Durham, NH, USA Additional Information: https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/28124 Contact: francois.foucart@unh.edu The Department of Physics at the University of New Hampshire invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The successful candidate will be involved in our numerical relativity program, which currently focuses on studies of merging compact objects and of accreting supermassive black holes. Applicants working at the interface between numerical relativity and the theoretical modeling of gravitational waves and electromagnetic signals are also encouraged to apply. For full consideration, applications should be submitted before January 15th 2018. The position will however remain open until filled. Any question regarding this posting should be directed to Dr Francois Foucart (francois.foucart[AT]unh.edu). The University of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action institution and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran’s status, physical or mental disability, or marital status. Candidates of all genders and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11. Postdoctoral positions in GRMHD at the Rochester Institute of Technology ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/11/20/postdoctoral-positions-in-grm... Deadline: 2018-01-31 Location: Rochester, NY, USA Additional Information: http://ccrg.rit.edu/spotlight/jobs Contact: manuela@astro.rit.edu Postdoctoral positions at the Rochester Institute of Technology The Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (CCRG) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) anticipates filling several postdoctoral positions in the coming year. We are looking for postdoctoral candidates interested in working in the areas of modeling and simulation of gravitational waves sources and their electromagnetic counterparts, including binary black holes and neutron stars, and their astrophysical interpretation in the context of the LIGO-Virgo observations. We are also interested in candidates working in relativistic magneto-hydrodynamics simulations of accretion disks around supermassive black hole mergers, and their jet dynamics. The successful postdoctoral candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate on a broad range of research topics in gravitational physics. Our group is involved in several large collaborations, including the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC), The Einstein Toolkit Consortium (http://einsteintoolkit.org), and a Petascale computing project with NCSA. There are many senior researchers working in a broad range of areas of gravitational physics and astrophysics at the CCRG. This includes Manuela Campanelli (Director), Sukanya Chakrabarti, Joshua Faber, Carlos Lousto, Richard O'Shaughnessy, Jason Nordhaus, Yosef Zlochower, John Whelan, and Hans-Peter Bischof, several postdoctoral fellows and Ph.D. students (see http://ccrg.rit.edu/people for an overview on who is or has been at CCRG). The group also collaborates with many faculty, postdocs and graduate students in the larger astrophysics group (http://www.rit.edu/cos/astrophysics/), the school of Mathematical Sciences (http://www.rit.edu/cos/sms/) and the School of Physics and Astronomy (http://www.rit.edu/cos/physics/). The positions are for two or three years and renewable depending on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. CCRG researchers have access to several computing cluster facilities at national computing centers such as XSEDE and BlueWaters as well as two dedicated 1300 and 1600-core clusters hosted at the Center. More information about the CCRG is available at http://ccrg.rit.edu/ And about Rochester at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochester,_New_York Applications should consist of a cover letter, a brief statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae including publication list, and at least three letters of recommendation. All materials should be sent electronically as soon as possible to: ccrg-postdoc[AT]ccrgweb.rit.edu For an overview of all job openings at CCRG please go to: http://ccrg.rit.edu/spotlight/jobs. Enquiries can be addressed to the center's Director: Manuela Campanelli, manuela[AT]astro[dot]rit[dot]edu Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation, School of Mathematical Sciences, and School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) 85 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, New York 14623 USA Review of completed applications will begin as soon as available and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Deadline for applications is January 31st, 2018. Starting date can be as early as September, 2018. RIT is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12. ICTS-SIMONS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN BANGALORE, INDIA ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/11/24/icts-simons-postdoctoral-fell... Deadline: 2017-12-15 Location: Bangalore, India Additional Information: https://forms.icts.res.in/postdoc_app/ Contact: ajith@icts.res.in The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) invites applications for the ICTS-Simons postdoctoral Fellowship Program, 2017-2018. This program, funded by a targeted grant to ICTS by the Simons Foundation, is aimed at attracting world-leading young researchers to ICTS as postdoctoral fellows. ICTS provides a stimulating intellectual atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities for academic research. In addition to the vibrant in-house research program, fellows will also have opportunity to interact with leading scientists from all over the world through collaborative visits, workshops and conferences, funded by the program. ELIGIBILITY Applications are invited from highly qualified young scientists with proven track record. Candidates must have a PhD degree in physics, mathematics, astronomy, theoretical physical chemistry, theoretical physical biology and related fields. Individuals who have submitted their doctoral thesis are also encouraged to apply. SALARY AND BENEFITS The salary will Rs. 60,000 per month and the fellows can also opt for free Institute accommodation or a house rent allowance of Rs. 15,000 per month. In addition, Fellows receive health insurance, travel support up to Rs. 200,000 per year and a research grant of Rs. 200,000 per year for computing services, publications, relocation, and other direct costs. Fellows will also have the opportunity to apply for additional travel and research grants offered by the national funding agencies..The initial appointment will be for two years, with possibility of extension up to a third year. Renewal for the third year will depend on a comprehensive review of the scientific activity of the Fellow. HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates should apply online with their curriculum vitae, list of publications, a research proposal (not more than two pages) and a covering letter. Three recommendation letters also have to be uploaded online by the referees. The deadline is 15 December 2017, but applications will be considered until the positions are filled. The nominal starting date of 1 September 2018 is negotiable. ABOUT ICTS ICTS is a new initiative in Indian science with a mandate to contribute to frontier research by providing a platform devoted to theoretical natural sciences and interdisciplinary and applied mathematics through its various programs. The current in-house research program focusses on astrophysical relativity, numerical linear algebra, computational science, data assimilation, dynamical systems, non-linear dynamics, fluid mechanics, mathematical physics and geometry, physical biology, statistical mechanics and turbulence, condensed matter physics, and string theory (www.icts.res.in/research). ICTS hosts strong visitors and associates driven programs, a highly competitive graduate school as well as a devoted postdoctoral program that forms an integral part of the in-house research. A state-of-the-art residential campus is ready to provide vibrant academic environment. Located in Bangalore, the garden city of India, with pleasant and moderate climate, ICTS maintains close ties with the world-class scholastic ambience of the city. ASTROPHYSICAL RELATIVITY AT ICTS The ICTS Astrophysical Relativity group (https://www.icts.res.in/research/astrorel) includes Parameswaran Ajith (faculty), Bala Iyer (Simons visiting professor), Sumit Kumar, Haris M K, Rahul Kashyap, Gayathri Raman (postdocs), Yamuna Swami (research associate) Abhirup Ghosh, Ajit Kumar Mehta (graduate students) and several visiting undergraduate students. K. G. Arun, Sascha Husa, Mark Hannam and Badri Krishnan are visiting associates. The group’s research interest include gravitational-wave source modeling, data analysis including parameter estimation, tests of general relativity using gravitational-wave observations and astrophysics. The group is an active member group in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the IndIGO consortium. The group hosts a 1000 core LIGO Tier-3 grid computing cluster and has access to other high-performance facilities at ICTS. We organize several ICTS programs every year, including the annual ICTS summer schools on gravitational wave astronomy. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13. Postdoctoral position in Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics at Monash University ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13520 Deadline: 2018-02-14 Location: Melbourne, Australia Additional Information: http://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/570205/research-fellow-in-grav... Contact: paul.lasky@monash.edu Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellow in gravitational-wave astrophysics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. We are seeking applicants to work directly with Dr Paul Lasky on astrophysics and modelling of gravitational-wave sources and/or analysis of data from LIGO. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with members of the gravitational-wave and high-energy astrophysics groups in the Monash Centre for Astrophysics, and also the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational-wave Discovery (OzGrav), which brings together gravitational-wave researchers across six Australian Universities. The position is for two years. Enquiries should be sent directly to Paul Lasky +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14. Ph.D. and Postdoctoral positions in Computational Relativistic Astrophysics division at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13522 Deadline: 2018-01-15 Location: Potsdam, Germany Additional Information: http://www.aei.mpg.de/2176900/nrjobs2018 Contact: mshibata@yukawa.kyoto-u.ac.jp The "Computational Relativistic Astrophysics" division at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (the Albert Einstein Institute) in Potsdam announces the opening of several postdoc appointments and Ph.D. positions. The postdoctoral positions will be available at different levels, depending on experience and seniority, and can last for different number of years. This new division, led by Dr. Masaru Shibata, will be established on January 1st 2018. The "Computational Relativistic Astrophysics" division will focus on several research topics in general relativity and relativistic astrophysics, including (i) numerical relativity with matter, in particular, neutrino-radiation-hydrodynamics, magneto-(radiation-)hydrodynamics, and viscous-radiation-hydrodynamics, for mergers of neutron-star binaries (binary neutron stars and black hole-neutron star binaries), long-term evolution of the merger remnants, and stellar collapse to a black hole and a neutron star, (ii) modeling of gravitational waves from neutron-star binaries based on numerical-relativity gravitational waveforms, (iii) modeling of electromagnetic counterparts (macronovae/kilonovae, short gamma-ray bursts, etc.) associated with neutron-star mergers, including the studies of r-process nucleosynthesis, (iv) studies of the formation processes for a variety of black holes (stellar-mass, intermediate-mass, and supermassive black holes), and gravitational-wave and electromagnetic signals associated with the formation processes, (v) studies of phenomena associated with supermassive black holes, e.g., tidal disruption of stars by supermassive black holes and emission of gravitational waves by EMRI, (vi) numerical relativity beyond general relativity. For more information, a list of required documentation, and submission links to both postdoctoral and Ph.D. positions, please go to: http://www.aei.mpg.de/2176900/nrjobs2018 The deadline for full consideration is January 15th, 2018. The positions are available from August 2018, but may be earlier. Applications will be considered until all positions are filled. The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. For further information please contact Dr. Masaru Shibata: mshibata[at]yukawa.kyoto-u.ac.jp . +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.15. Postdoctoral Positions at the Raman Research Institute ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13523 Deadline: 2018-03-15 Location: BANGALORE, INDIA Additional Information: http://www.rri.res.in/post_doctoral_fellowships.html Contact: ssurya@rri.res.in Applications are invited for postdoctoral positions and for the Pancharatnam fellowship at the RAMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE (RRI), Bangalore, India. The theoretical physics group at the RRI has members working actively in General Relativity and Quantum Gravity. We encourage young independent researchers to apply with a background in either of these areas. The appointment for the postdoctoral position is initially for two years, and usually extended to a third year, following review. Selected candidates will be paid a Fellowship of Rs.36,000 to Rs.40,000, depending on their experience. They will also be provided accommodation and partial assistance with relocation. (http://www.rri.res.in/post_doctoral_fellowships.html) Pancharatnam Fellowship appointments are for three years. Selected candidates will be paid a Fellowship, between Rs.50,000 and Rs.55,000, depending on their experience. Provisions are made for accommodation and partial assistance with relocation. (http://www.rri.res.in/pancharatnam_fellowships%20.html). Post-doctoral Fellows are expected to be able to work independently at the Raman research Institute and have the academic freedom of choice in research area and collaboration: it is not mandatory that they work in any specific research program or attached to specific research staff of the Institute. Nevertheless, it is desirable that applicants have professional research interest and proven track record in areas with significant overlap or association with the ongoing and envisaged activities at the Institute so that scientific interactions and collaborations take place. RRI values interactions and does not desire that Post-doctoral Fellows work in isolation: participation in the academic activities of the Institute and collaboration with other research staff is encouraged. Many of the research groups are engaged in experimental activities and opportunities may exist for post-doctoral fellows to participate. The appointments do not entail any teaching responsibilities. There is no official deadline for these positions, but the applicants should allow 4-6 months for a decision to be made and additional delays if a work-visa is required. Applications should be sent to director@rri.res.in. Please look at the links provided (above) for both positions for further details about the documents required. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.16. Postdoctoral positions in gravitational physics at University of Zurich ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=13527 Deadline: 2018-01-31 Location: University of Zurich (Switzerland) Additional Information: http://www.physik.uzh.ch/groups/jetzer/ Contact: jetzer@physik.uzh.ch The Physics Institute of the University of Zurich (UZH) is inviting applications for postdoctoral positions in the Gravitation and Astrophysics group. Candidates should have a background in gravitational physics or relativistic astrophysics. Our group is working on a broad range of research topics in the field of gravitational-wave (GW) science and general relativity (GR), in- cluding GW source modeling, GW data analysis, tests of GR and alternative theories of gravity. The successful candidates are expected to pursue an independent research program in the field of gravitational physics, and will have the opportunity to collaborate on a broad range of topics with our group. The Gravitation and Astrophysics group at UZH is involved in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) missions, and we are a member group of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC). For more details on the group and our research interests, see: http://www.physik.uzh.ch/groups/jetzer/ We are offering up to two postdoctoral positions, pending approval of funding by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The nominal earliest starting date is 1 September 2018, but can be postponed if needed. The positions are appointed for a minimum of two years and can be extended depending on performance and the availability of funds. The successful candidates can expect an annual gross salary of ca. 90’000,- Swiss Francs. Applications should be sent electronically to jetzer@physik.uzh.ch and should include: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae (including a list of publications), a brief statement of research interests and three letters of recommendation. Applicants should note that following the regulations of the SNSF, postdoctoral researchers are only eligible for funding for a maximum duration of 5 years after the defense of their PhD. Therefore, applicants that are currently in the early stages of their postdoctoral career are preferred. We also encourage applications from individuals who are about to finish their doctoral work. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2018. Further enquiries can be addressed to: Philippe Jetzer (jetzer@physik.uzh.ch) or Maria Haney (mhaney@physik.uzh.ch) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.17. Graduate studentships in gravitational physics at the University of New Brunswick ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/11/30/graduate-studentships-in-grav... Deadline: 2018-01-31 Location: Fredericton, Canada Additional Information: https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/11271 Contact: sseahra@unb.ca The gravity group at the University of New Brunswick (www.math.unb.ca/~gravity/) is seeking students to begin masters (MSc) or doctoral studies (PhD) in September 2018 (or sooner). Applicants should have a degree in physics or mathematics from a recognized university. The group consists of three faculty members: Viqar Husain, Sanjeev Seahra and Edward Wilson-Ewing. Typically, the group also includes 1-2 postdoctoral researchers, 2-4 graduates students and 1-3 undergraduate student members. Our main areas of research are general relativity and its modifications, quantum gravity and cosmology. Please submit a complete CV, a cover letter describing your research interests, and a copy of your academic transcripts to MathJobs.org (link above at "External Link"). Additionally, you may also submit a publication list and arrange for up to three referees to submit reference letters to MathJobs.org directly. Informal enquires may be directed to any gravity group faculty member. Applications received by January 31, 2018 will receive full consideration, although later applications may also be considered. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 3. News ============================================== 3.1. Living Reviews in Relativity: recent publications ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/11/30/living-reviews-in-relativity-... Additional Information: https://link.springer.com/journal/41114 The open-access journal Living Reviews in Relativity has published three new review articles in November 2017: Paschalidis, V. &; Stergioulas, N., "Rotating stars in relativity", Living Rev Relativ (2017) 20: 7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41114-017-0008-x Frolov, V.P., Krtouš, P. &; Kubizňák, D., "Black holes, hidden symmetries, and complete integrability", Living Rev Relativ (2017) 20: 6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41114-017-0009-9 Liebling, S.L. &; Palenzuela, C., Dynamical boson stars, Living Rev Relativ (2017) 20: 5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41114-017-0007-y Please, visit frequently our relativity channel (http://www.springer.com/livingreviews/relativity) at http://livingreviews.org for other news. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.2. GRG Editor's Choice: Higher curvature gravities cannot be bootstrapped ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/11/30/grg-editors-choice-higher-cur... Additional Information: www.springer.com/livingreviews/relativity/news/grg-editor-s-choice-higher-curvature-gravities-and-bootstrap/15200672 Deser, S., Higher curvature gravities, unlike GR, cannot be bootstrapped from their (usual) linearizations, Gen Relativ Gravit (2017) 49: 149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10714-017-2308-6 Editor's Choice (Research Article) First Online: 07 November 2017 "This paper extends the author's original contribution from 1970 to a broad class of theories that modify general relativity. The result is a paper that provides a continuation of the 1970 story. The author's style and commitment to exposing the structural elements of the procedure make for a very nice article that reads well and serves a useful and illuminating purpose in the 'extensions of GR' literature." Abstract: We show that higher curvature order gravities, in particular the propagating quadratic curvature models, cannot be derived by self-coupling from their linear, flat space, forms, except through an unphysical version of linearization; only GR can. Separately, we comment on an early version of the self-coupling bootstrap. GRG Editor's Choice: In each volume of GRG, a few papers are marked as “Editor’s Choice”. The primary criteria is original, high quality research that is of wide interest within the community. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.3. 2018 Universe Travel Awards (800 CHF) ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: https://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2017/12/01/2018-universe-travel-awards-8... Additional Information: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/universe/awards Dear Colleague, 2018 Universe Travel Award is opening. This awards will be granted to two postdoctoral researchers or PhD students to attend an international conference in 2018, consisting of 800 Swiss Francs each. We are accepting applications for this award until 15 December 2017. We would be happy if you can distribute this information among your colleagues. For detailed information, please visit http://www.mdpi.com/journal/universe/awards. We look forward to receiving your nominations and applications! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++