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1. Conferences 1.1 LOOPS 11 (First announcement) 1.2 Advances in Computational Astrophysics: Methods, Tools and Outcomes 1.3 Essential Cosmology for the Next Generation: Cosmology on the Beach

2. Jobs 2.1 Postdoctoral Position in Quantum Gravity at UC Davis 2.2 Post-doctoral Research Associate in gravitational wave/LIGO science at the University of Mississippi 2.3 Lecturer in Theoretical Physics (Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology) at Christchurch (NZ) 2.4 Postdoctoral Position in Gravitational Physics at Washington University, St. Louis 2.5 Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Relativity or Computational Astrophysics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2.6 Postdoctoral VESF fellowship for Theoretical Gravitational-Wave Studies at Valencia 2.7 Postdoc position in early-universe, black-hole physics or quantum gravity at IISER-TVM 2.8 Senior and junior faculty positions in astroparticle physics at University of Amsterdam 2.9 Faculty Position in Computational Astrophysics and Cosmology at Georgia Tech 2.10 Postdoctoral position in theoretical gravity at University of Tartu

3. News 3.1 Living Reviews in Relativity: Updated Articles 3.2 Highlights and Conclusions of the 14th Paris Cosmology Colloquium Chalonge 2010

================================================================= 1. Conferences =================================================================

1.1 LOOPS 11 (First announcement) ---------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/30/loops-11-first-announcement/

Starting Mon, May 23, 2011 to Sat, May 28, 2011 Location: Madrid, Spain Additional Information: http://www.iem.csic.es/loops11/

LOOPS 11: "Celebrating 25 years of Loop Quantum Gravity" Madrid, Spain, 23-28 May 2011

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

The LOOPS 11 conference will take place at the main campus of the CSIC in Madrid (SPAIN) in May 23-28, 2011.

This edition will commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the publication by Abhay Ashtekar of the landmark paper on the "new variables" that sparked the loop quantum gravity (LQG) revolution. The meeting will be the fifth in the series of regular LOOP conferences that have been celebrated, to this date, in Marseille, Potsdam, Morelia and Beijing. In addition to the expected participation of LQG researchers, we would like to invite the quantum gravity community at large to be present in this occasion as this would provide a very fruitful exchange of ideas with researchers working on other approaches to the quantization of general relativity.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the state of the art in LQG research and review the open issues and problems that must be solved to complete the quantization of general relativity in this framework. However we would like to place special emphasis on the impact of LQG on other approaches to quantum gravity and, reciprocally, on the exploration of ideas originating in other frameworks that could be eventually beneficial for LQG.

SCIENTIFIC CONTENT

The main topics that will be covered in the conference will be:

• Foundations of Quantum Gravity. • Hamiltonian Loop Quantum Gravity. • Covariant Loop Quantum Gravity and Spinfoams. • Polymer Quantization and Quantum Field Theory. • Loop Quantum Cosmology. • Black Hole Physics. • Dynamical Triangulations and other discrete approaches. • Phenomenology derived from Quantum Gravity.

The schedule will be divided in morning plenary sessions and a number of parallel sessions covering the subjects listed above. These will take place during the afternoons.

INVITED SPEAKERS

• Abhay Ashtekar (Penn State University, USA). • Martin Bojowald (Penn State University, USA). • Alejandro Corichi (UNAM-Morelia, Mexico). • Bianca Dittrich (Albert Einstein Institute, Germany). • Kristina Giesel (TU Munich, Germany). • Jerzy Lewandowski (Warsaw University, Poland). • Renate Loll (Utrecht University, Netherland). • Yongge Ma (Beijing Normal University, China). • Don Marolf (Univ. California-Santa Barbara, USA). • Daniele Oriti (Albert Einstein Institute, Germany). • Tomasz Pawlowski (Univeristy of New Brunswick, Canada). • Alejandro Pérez (Univ. Méditerranée, Marseille, France). • Jorge Pullin (Louisiana State University, USA). • Carlo Rovelli (Univ. Méditerranée, Marseille, France). • Hanno Sahlmann (Karslruhe University, Germany). • Parampreet Singh (Perimeter Institute, Canada). • Lee Smolin (Permiter Institute, Canada). • Thomas Thiemann (Univ. Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany). • Madhavan Varadarajan (Raman Research Institute, India).

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

• Abhay Ashtekar (Penn State University, USA). • J. Fernando Barbero González (IEM, CSIC, Spain). • John Barrett (Nottingham University, UK). • José Manuel Cidade Mourão (Instituto Superior Técnico de Lisboa, Portugal). • Laurent Freidel (Perimeter Institute, Canada). • Jerzy Lewandowski (Warsaw University, Poland). • Guillermo A. Mena Marugán (IEM, CSIC, Spain). • Jorge Pullin (Louisiana State University, USA). • Carlo Rovelli (Univ. Méditerranée, Marseille, France). • Thomas Thiemann (Univ. Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany)

LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

• Guillermo A. Mena Marugán (IEM, CSIC). • J. Fernando Barbero González (IEM, CSIC). • Luis J. Garay Elizondo (Univ. Complutense, Madrid). • Eduardo J. Sánchez Villaseñor (Univ. Carlos III, Madrid). • Iñaky Garay Elizondo (Univ. Erlangen-Nürnbeg) • Mercedes Martín-Benito (AEI-Potsdam). • Gonzalo Olmo Alba (IFIC, CSIC). • Tomasz Pawlowski (Univ. New Brunswick e IEM-CSIC). • Mikel Fernández Méndez (IEM, CSIC). • Daniel Martín de Blas (IEM, CSIC). • Javier Olmedo Nieto (IEM, CSIC).

ORGANIZATION

Detailed information about registration, abstract submission, accommodation, travel and financial support for participants can be found in the conference web page.

http://www.iem.csic.es/loops11/

This web page will be regularly updated with the necessary information. In particular the RELEVANT DATES and deadlines will be posted there.

Looking forward to meeting you all,

The local organizing committee.

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1.2 Advances in Computational Astrophysics: Methods, Tools and Outcomes -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/30/advances-in-computational-astrophysi...

Starting Mon, Jun 13, 2011 to Fri, Jun 17, 2011 Location: Cefalù (Sicily), Italy Additional Information: http://www.oa-roma.inaf.it/meetings/cefalu/2011/Home.html

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT

Scientific Rationale: Contemporary ground-based and space telescopes are fundamental tools for the study of the Cosmos. However, without a deep knowledge of the underlying physical processes, telescopes alone cannot help us to understand the physical Universe, the main topic of Astrophysics. Due to the complexity of the physical phenomena involved, from the atomic and molecular scales up to the large scales of the cosmic structures, as well as to the pervasive presence of gravity as a fundamental engine acting on all the spatial scales, this knowledge may be obtained through the use of massive simulations. This is made true thanks to the concurrent progress of computing machines and software. In this workshop, we intend to gather some of the most active researchers in various fields of computational Astrophysics (such as Stellar Formation and Evolution, Supernovae, Stellar Systems, Compact Interacting Objects, etc.) to talk about specific and common methods used in their studies, as well as abou t results and the way to make them available to the scientific community.

Scientific Topics: - Fundamental physical processes (transport, advection, convection, etc.); - Stars: formation, evolution and final phases; - Supernovae and progenitors; - Compact interacting objects and gravitational waves; - Stellar systems: from small to large N-body problems; - Large-scale Structure; - Supercomputing methods and visualization tools.

Organization SOC:

D. Arnett (Univ. of Arizona, USA), W. Benz (Univ. of Bern, CH), S. Borgani (Univ. di Trieste, Italy), R. Capuzzo Dolcetta (Univ. of Roma La Sapienza, Italy, co-chair), A. Chieffi (INAF-IASF, Roma, Italy), J. Isern (IEEC-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain), M. Limongi (INAF-OAR, Roma, Italy, co-chair), A. Mezzacappa (Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA), J. Monaghan (Monash Univ., Aus), B. Moore (ETH, Zurich, CH), E. Mueller (MPI, Garching, DE), L. Rezzolla (AEI, Potsdam, DE), R. Rosner (Univ. of Chicago, USA), T. Theuns (ICC, Durham, UK), A. Tornambe' (INAF-OAR, Roma, Italy)

LOC:

L. Burderi (Univ. of Cagliari, Italy), T. Di Salvo (Univ. of Palermo, Italy), G. Giobbi (INAF-OAR, Roma, Italy) , F. Lupinacci (Univ. of Roma La Sapienza, Italy)

Scientific Program: There will be a number of invited talks (see the conference website for the list of confirmed invited speakers) offering an overview of the various topics, as well as contributed talks and posters. Information on abstract submission can be found at the conference website (http://www.oa-roma.inaf.it/meetings/cefalu/2011/Home.html)

We plan to publish the conference proceedings with one of the main scientific publishers. The list of confirmed invited speakers and a preliminary programme will be made available on the conference website soon. We warmly invite interested people to fill the preregistration form in the conference website.

General Information: The Conference will be held in Cefalù, a beautiful ancient and touristic town located on the northern cost of Sicily, about 70 km east of Palermo. It will take place from Monday, June 13 until Friday, June 17 in the Sala delle Capriate of the Historical Cefalù Town Hall in the historical center of Cefalù, facing the Arab-Norman Cathedral (Duomo). Part of the conference will also be hosted in the close-by Sala S. Caterina (poster sessions and coffee breaks). Computers and web facilities will be available in the rooms of the historical building hosting the Fondazione Mandralisca. The two buildings are close to each other.

For general information about Cefalù, please consult the links of the conference website: http://www.oa-roma.inaf.it/meetings/cefalu/2011/Home.html

Contacts: See the conference web site http://www.oa-roma.inaf.it/meetings/cefalu/2011/Home.html

Refer also to the two conference chairmen:

Roberto CAPUZZO DOLCETTA Dep. of Physics, Univ. of Roma La Sapienza, Italy e-mail: Roberto.capuzzodolcetta[at]uniroma1.it Phone: +39-06-49914535 Fax: +39-06-4857697

Marco LIMONGI INAF, Astronomical Observatory of Roma, Italy e-mail: marco.limongi[at]oa-roma.inaf.it Phone: +39-06-94286443 Fax: +39-06-9447243

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1.3 Essential Cosmology for the Next Generation: Cosmology on the Beach -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/07/essential-cosmology-for-the-next-gen...

Starting Sun, Jan 09, 2011 to Sat, Jan 15, 2011 Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Additional Information: http://bccp.lbl.gov/beach_program/index2011.html

A range of topics in cosmology will be covered at the conference by eminent scholars in the field, with elements of both a winter school and the latest research topics. Students and postdocs will present posters and gave short talks. We hope that the beauty of the natural and cultural environment will act as a catalyst for young researchers to interact and generate new ideas. We encourage a diverse group of advanced graduate students and postdocs interested in attending to submit the Participant Application form, see more details in our web site.

================================================================= 2. Jobs =================================================================

2.1 Postdoctoral Position in Quantum Gravity at UC Davis ---------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/30/postdoctoral-position-in-quantum-gra...

Institution: Davis, CA, USA Deadline: Mon, Dec 06, 2010 Additional Information: http://particle.physics.ucdavis.edu/hefti/

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position at UC Davis in the area of quantum gravity theory and phenomenology, beginning in Fall 2011. We have two open positions, and candidates from both quantum gravity (this ad) and particle phenomenology/model building will be considered for both positions. We ask that applicants apply for only one of these positions.

The faculty members of the group include Steve Carlip, Hsin-Chia Cheng, Jack Gunion, Markus Luty, and John Terning. We also have close contact with the UC Davis cosmology group, which includes Andreas Albrecht and Nemanja Kaloper.

Applicants should send their CV, publication list, statement of research interests, and at least three letters of recommendation to Academic Jobs Online, http://academicjobsonline.org/

Review of applications will begin Dec. 6 2010, but late applications may be considered until the position has been filled. The initial appointment will be for two years, and may be extended to a third, contingent on performance and continued external funding. Further information may be found on our website: http://particle.physics.ucdavis.edu/hefti/

The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The University undertakes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for special disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized.

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2.2 Post-doctoral Research Associate in gravitational wave/LIGO science at the University of Mississippi --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/30/post-doctoral-research-associate-in-...

Institution: Oxford, MS, USA Deadline: Wed, Dec 01, 2010 Additional Information: https://jobs.olemiss.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=12...

A one-year post-doctoral research position is available for work in gravitational waves and experimental gravity within the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) group at the University of Mississippi.

The LIGO group at the University of Mississippi contributes to the LIGO experiment in the areas of data analysis, detector characterization and outreach. The successful candidate for the position is expected to work effectively within the LIGO Scientific Collaboration in these areas. The appointment will be for one year, with extension possible upon continued funding. Actual salary will depend on experience, qualifications, and departmental budget.

Candidates must have a PhD in physics and have prior experience in experimental gravity, gravitational-wave physics and data analysis. They should also have excellent programming skills, good communication skills and must be willing to work in a collaborative team environment.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, a resume, a statement of research achievements and proposal for upcoming research online at http://jobs.olemiss.edu and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent by email to Dr. Marco Cavaglia at cavaglia[AT]olemiss.edu. At least one of the letters of recommendation must be from the candidate's current institution. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled or until an adequate candidate pool is obtained.

Prior to applying for the position, please prepare the electronic versions of the resume and cover letter to upload or to "copy and paste" when prompted. You will not have the opportunity to attach them after you apply.

The University of Mississippi is an EOE/AA/TitleVI/TitleIX/Section504/ADA/ADEA employer. Women and members of minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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2.3 Lecturer in Theoretical Physics (Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology) at Christchurch (NZ) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/30/lecturer-in-theoretical-physics-astr...

Institution: Christchurch, New Zealand Deadline: Fri, Nov 26, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/hr/job_vacancies.shtml

Applications are invited for a continuing position of Lecturer in Theoretical Physics.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. and post-doctoral or equivalent experience in an area of theoretical physics relating to particle physics, gravity and cosmology, or quantum field theory and quantum gravity, with demonstrated potential for excellent teaching and a record of high research productivity. The appointee will be required to teach and co-ordinate undergraduate courses in physics, to teach post-graduate courses in theoretical physics, to contribute to teaching in other core areas as appropriate, and to supervise research students. Research interests in cosmology or astroparticle physics which complement existing interests in the theoretical physics group would be advantageous.

The successful applicant should be able to inspire and motivate students and work within a collegial environment. The appointee will be expected to publish regularly in high-impact journals, to contribute to collaborative research, and to actively seek and obtain funding in support of research.

The University of Canterbury offers generous leave provisions, support for attendance at international conferences, and superannuation benefits. It also has excellent childcare, recreation and staff club facilities on campus.

Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, the University of Canterbury is known for its world class research, inspirational teaching, vibrant campus environment and diverse academic community. Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts which embraces a cosmopolitan lifestyle and rich art and culture. Internationally famed “The Garden City”, Christchurch is the international gateway to the South Island and is a place where you are able to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty.

Located on a picturesque campus, the University offers an extensive range of services and facilities including library and art collections, child-care centres, health centre, recreation centre, pharmacy, book shop and cafés. You’ll have opportunities to work alongside members of a world class, diverse academic community and enrich your own professional and personal development.

Enquiries of an academic nature may be made to Associate Professor David Wiltshire, at david.wiltshire[AT]canterbury.ac.nz . Further details about the Department of Physics and Astronomy can be found at http://www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz .

To apply on-line see Position 1088 at http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/hr/job_vacancies.shtml

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2.4 Postdoctoral Position in Gravitational Physics at Washington University, St. Louis --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/28/postdoctoral-position-in-gravitation...

Institution: St. Louis, MO, USA Deadline: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 Additional Information: http://physics.wustl.edu/cmw

WUGRAV POSTDOCTORAL POSITION McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences Department of Physics Washington University, St. Louis

A postdoctoral position will be available in the Gravitation Group WUGRAV of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences and the Department of Physics beginning in the fall of 2011. Applications are invited from theorists with research interests in the area of general relativity, with specific emphasis on theoretical aspects of gravitational radiation, post-Newtonian theory, strong-field tests of GR, or numerical relativity. The appointment is for one year, with renewal possible, subject to satisfactory performance and continued funding.

The WUGRAV group consists of Professors Clifford Will and Wai-Mo Suen, research scientist Hui-Min Zhang, and three graduate students. The main foci of the group are the post-Newtonian study of inspiralling binary systems, issues in gravitational-wave data analysis, numerical simulations of coalescing and collapsing compact bodies, the interface between post-Newtonian theory and numerical relativity, and theoretical aspects of tests of GR. We have strong collaborations with the Institute of Astrophysics of Paris and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Applications received before December 15, 2010 will receive full consideration. Applicants will also be considered for the prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences (http://mcss.wustl.edu/fellowships).

Send curriculum vita, statement of research interests, and three letters of reference via email, to cmw[AT]wuphys.wustl.edu.

If regular mail or FAX is the only means available, send to the Paris address below.

Professor Clifford M. Will Institut d'Astrophysique 98 bis, Boulevard Arago 75014 Paris, France +33 1 44 32 80 01

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2.5 Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Relativity or Computational Astrophysics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/27/postdoctoral-research-associate-in-n...

Institution: Urbana, IL, USA Deadline: Wed, Dec 01, 2010 Additional Information: https://my.physics.illinois.edu/join/

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Relativity or Computational Astrophysics

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position with Professor Stuart L. Shapiro. The candidate should have research experience in numerical relativity, computational hydrodynamics or computational MHD. A background in general relativity and relativistic astrophysics would be useful.

Applicants should go online to: https://my.physics.illinois.edu/join/ and choose the appropriate job ad to submit their application, which must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, brief description of research interests, and the names, mailing and email addresses of three references. Please contact Linda Thorman (thorman[at]illinois.edu) if you have any questions. Applications should be posted by DEC 1, 2010 for full consideration. The starting date of the position is AUGUST 16, 2011, but earlier dates will be considered.

The Illinois Gravity Group is developing the tools of numerical relativity, computational hydrodynamics and computational MHD to tackle diverse problems in general relativity and astrophysics. Recent topics include the inspiral and coalescence of binary compact objects (binary black holes (BHs), binary neutron stars (NSs), binary BH-NSs, and binary white dwarf-NSs); the generation of gravitational waves; magnetorotational stellar collapse; accretion onto BHs and binary BHs; and the formation and cosmological growth of supermassive BHs in galaxies and quasars. Some of our work is geared to identifying astrophysically plausible, strong-field sources of gravitational waves and calculating gravitational waveforms for detection by laser interferometers, such as LIGO and LISA. For such sources we are also exploring correlations between gravitational wave and electromagnetic signals, including UV and X-ray emission and gamma-ray bursts.

The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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2.6 Postdoctoral VESF fellowship for Theoretical Gravitational-Wave Studies at Valencia ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/20/postdoctoral-vesf-fellowship-for-the...

Institution: Valencia, Spain Deadline: Tue, Mar 01, 2011

The relativistic astrophysics group at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Valencia "UVEG" (http://www.uv.es/daa) is seeking applications from highly motivated and competitive candidates for one VESF-funded postdoctoral position for a duration of two years in the area of gravitational-wave astrophysics. The successful candidate is expected to conduct numerical simulations in general relativity in order to build an improved catalog of gravitational waveforms from neutron star mergers. The study will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. José A. Font. Work on this topic will be performed in close collaboration with Prof. Luciano Rezzolla at the Albert Einstein Institute (Germany).

The UVEG group conducts research aimed at understanding the physics and dynamics of some of the most representative scenarios in the field of relativistic astrophysics, namely relativistic jets (in active galactic nuclei, or in progenitors of gamma-ray bursts), and compact stellar objects (neutron stars and black holes), as well as at analyzing the electromagnetic and gravitational radiation emitted from such sources. In order to achieve these goals the UVEG group strongly relies on multidimensional numerical magneto-hydrodynamical simulations in general relativity.

Senior members of the UVEG relativistic astrophysics group are Miguel-Angel Aloy, Jose A. Font, Jose M. Ibañez and Jose M. Marti. The group also includes a number of research students and postdocs.

The positions will become available in the next few weeks (deadline March 1st, 2011), the exact starting date being negotiable. Gross salary is 35.000 euros/year.

Interested candidates please contact:

Prof. Jose Antonio Font Departamento de Astronomia y Astrofisica Edificio de Investigacion Universidad de Valencia Dr. Moliner, 50 E-46100 Burjassot (Valencia), Spain Phone: +34-963-54-3074 Fax: +34-963-54-3084 mailto: j.antonio.font[AT]uv.es

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2.7 Postdoc position in early-universe, black-hole physics or quantum gravity at IISER-TVM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/17/post-doctoral-position-in-early-univ...

Institution: Trivandrum, India Deadline: Sun, Oct 31, 2010

One postdoctoral position is available in the area of early-universe cosmology, black-hole physics or quantum gravity at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Thiruvananthapuram. A Ph.D. degree and relevant research experience are required for this position.

The position is available for a period of up to two years. Informal enquiries about the position can be made to S. Shankaranarayanan (shanki[AT]iisertvm.ac.in)

The fellowship is awarded as part of the Ramanujan Fellowship under Department of Science and Technology, India. The selected candidate can take up the position by December, 2010.

Salary: Rs. 2,64,000 – Rs. 2,88,000 per annum

Deadline: 31 October 2010

To apply please send CV, and have at least two letters of reference sent by email to S. Shankaranarayanan (shanki[AT]iisertvm.ac.in) with the subject “Application for PDF position – Candidate name”.

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2.8 Senior and junior faculty positions in astroparticle physics at University of Amsterdam -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/14/senior-and-junior-faculty-positions-...

Institution: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Deadline: Wed, Dec 01, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.uvaapp.nl

The Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam has launched a major new initiative: GRAPPA - GRavitation and AstroParticle Physics in Amsterdam, and is hiring at least four new faculty for that initiative.

GRAPPA is a collaboration between the Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek (API), the Institute for High-Energy Physics (IHEF) and the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA). Each of these institutes already has a programme of research into the fundamental laws of physics using a variety of observational probes of the cosmos and theoretical developments inspitred by these. The intention of the programme is to provide a focused research centre in which these efforts are brought to an even higher level by interdisciplinary collaboration. Some further information on the programme may be found at http://www.uvaapp.nl .

To jump-start the programme, we are searching at least four new faculty members in senior and junior ranks, tenured or tenure-track. A full professorship is available for an inspiring candidate with leadership qualities and a clear vision on how to make the initiative a world-leading programme in the field by joining the participating institutes' efforts into a coherent programme, as well as proven ability to teach and to attract substantial external research funding. Junior faculty positions are available to candidates with a proven record of interdisciplinary research in this field, an excellent publication record, and ability to teach inspiringly and attract external research funding. The subfields of research into which the candidates will be hired are not fixed; excellence of the candidates, interdisciplinary interests, and overlap and affinity with the existing work at the UvA will be used to select the candidates, in addition to the above criteria.

Within the context of GRAPPA, we currently focus on the following areas of research:

At API, GRAPPA researchers focus on the formation and properties of extreme matter and magnetic fields in strongly curved spacetime, near black holes and neutron stars, and the high-energy messengers emanating from them (X and gamma rays, cosmic rays, neutrinos, gravity waves, radio waves). We are involved in numerous major instrumental initiatives, such as LOFAR, CTA, and many current space instruments, and in theoretical studies of these issues.

At IHEF, GRAPPA researchers focus on the study of cosmic neutrinos using the ANTARES and KM3NeT detectors, as well as on accelerator studies of physics beyond the standard model.

At ITFA, GRAPPA researchers focus on fundamental aspects of quantum gravity and black-hole physics, and on studies of the physics of the early universe and its measurable impact on present-day observables.

Further information is available at http://www.uvaapp.nl . Enquiries about the positions may be made with profs. Stan Bentvelsen (IHEF, stanb[AT]nikhef.nl), Jan de Boer (ITFA, j.deboer[AT]uva.nl), and Ralph Wijers (Ralph.Wijers[AT]uva.nl). Evaluation of the applications will start on December 1, 2010, and continue until the positions are filled.

Applicants should send their CV, a research and teaching statement and three letters of reference, as well as the level of position they are applying for to itf[AT]science.uva.nl.

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2.9 Faculty Position in Computational Astrophysics and Cosmology at Georgia Tech --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/07/faculty-position-in-computational-as...

Institution: Atlanta, GA, USA Deadline: Tue, Nov 30, 2010 Additional Information: http://www.cra.gatech.edu

As part of the ongoing expansion of the Center for Relativistic Astrophysics (http://www.cra.gatech.edu), the School of Physics of the Georgia Institute of Technology invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the junior or senior level in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology with emphasis on computation and simulation. All sub-fields will be considered, but we are particularly interested in candidates with a strong background in areas that complement and enhance our current efforts in gravitational wave physics, accretion astrophysics, galaxy and black hole evolution, numerical relativity and particle astrophysics.

Applicants should email to astro.search [at] physics.gatech.edu the following documents in PDF format: 1) cover letter with names of references, 2) curriculum vitae including full list of publications and relevant teaching experience, 3) a research plan for the next five years, and 4) a statement of teaching philosophy and experience. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference emailed separately to astro.search [at] physics.gatech.edu. Review of applications will begin November 30, 2010.

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2.10 Postdoctoral position in theoretical gravity at University of Tartu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/10/02/postdoctoral-position-in-theoretical...

Institution: Tartu, Estonia Deadline: Mon, Oct 25, 2010 Additional Information: http://hexagon.fi.tartu.ee/

Estonian Science Foundation (ESF) runs two programs offering postdoc grants at Estonian research institutions: MOBILITAS (Researcher Mobility Programme) and ERMOS (Estonian Research Mobility Scheme), the latter is financed in conjunction with FP7 Marie Curie COFUND "People".

The gravitation theory group at the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Estonia is looking for a suitable postdoc candidate to apply for one of these grants, who would be able to contribute to or complement the ongoing research of the group.

Key points

General research area: theoretical aspects of gravity; Preferred topics: extensions of Einstein's general relativity (e.g. scalar-tensor gravity), theoretical cosmology beyond the concordance model (especially dark energy).

Duration of the grant: 2 or 3 years.

Amount of the grant: 19,200 EUR per year for salary (pre-tax), 3,200 EUR per year for research costs, and a one-time relocation allowance to move in to Estonia.

Eligibility: The post-doctoral research grant can be applied for by a person who has been awarded a doctoral degree or an equivalent qualification not earlier than five years before the start of the grant. (In case that, after obtaining the degree, the applicant was on parental leave or in compulsory military service, the period of qualification is extended by the period of the parental leave or compulsory military service.)

Application

The deadlines for MOBILITAS applications are usually in October/November and March, and for ERMOS in April.

NB! The postdoc application to ESF is submitted together by the applicant and the host institution.

Therefore interested candidates are first invited to send a CV, a list of publications, a brief research proposal, and a letter of recommendation to Dr. Piret Kuusk (piret[AT]fi.tartu.ee), head of the gravitation theory group.

The next round of MOBILITAS applications closes on 10 November 2010, but in order to have sufficient time to prepare the joint application to ESF, we expect the candidates to make contact by 25 October 2010 the latest.

================================================================= 3. News =================================================================

3.1 Living Reviews in Relativity: Updated Articles --------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/27/living-reviews-in-relativity-updated...

Additional Information: http://relativity.livingreviews.org/

Living Reviews in Relativity has published a major update of the review "Brane-World Gravity" by Roy Maartens and Kazuya Koyama on 14 September 2010.

The original article by Roy Maartens from 2004 ranks number 13 on SPIRES "Top Cited Articles of All Time (2009 edition) in gr-qc".

Please, note also the revision of the review "Analytic Black Hole Perturbation Approach to Gravitational Radiation" by Misao Sasaki and Hideyuki Tagoshi.

Find the further details on these revisions below.

------------------ PUB.NO. lrr-2010-5 Maartens, Roy and Koyama, Kazuya "Brane-World Gravity"

ACCEPTED: 2010-09-06 PUBLISHED: 2010-09-14

FULL ARTICLE AT: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2010-5

UPDATE: Inserted subsections on numerical solutions in Sections 6 and 7 and five figures. Added new Subsection 2.2 on the Randall–Sundrum model in string theory. Added new Section 9 on Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati models and nine figures. Added new Section 10 on 6-dimensional models and one figure. Added about 100 new references.

------------------ PUB.NO. lrr-2003-6 Sasaki, Misao and Tagoshi, Hideyuki "Analytic Black Hole Perturbation Approach to Gravitational Radiation"

ACCEPTED: 2010-08-24 PUBLISHED: 2010-09-14

FULL ARTICLE AT: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2003-6

UPDATE: The main changes are new Sections 4.6, 5.3, 5.8, and 5.9, which show the progress since 2003. Added 46 new references.

------------------ UPCOMING ARTICLES AT: http://relativity.livingreviews.org/Articles/upcoming.html

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3.2 Highlights and Conclusions of the 14th Paris Cosmology Colloquium Chalonge 2010 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2010/09/22/highlights-and-conclusions-of-the-14...

Additional Information: http://www.chalonge.obspm.fr/colloque2010.html

Ecole Internationale d'Astrophysique Daniel Chalonge

The 14th Paris Cosmology Colloquium Chalonge 2010 "The Standard Model of the Universe: Theory and Observations"

Greetings from Paris. We are pleased to inform you that the Highlights and Conclusions of the Chalonge 14th Paris Cosmology Colloquium 2010 (54 pages, 19 figures) have appeared as http://arxiv.org/abs/1009.3494 and are also available (.ps printing format) on the web site of the Colloquium:

http://www.chalonge.obspm.fr/colloque2010.html

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Abstract (Abridged)

The Chalonge 14th Paris Cosmology Colloquium was held on 22-24 July 2010 in Paris Observatory on the Standard Model of the Universe: News from WMAP7, BICEP, QUAD, SPT, AMI, ACT, Planck, QUIJOTE and Herschel; dark matter (DM) searches and galactic observations; related theory and simulations; aiming synthesis, progress and clarification. P. Biermann, D. Boyanovsky, A. Cooray, C. Destri, H. de Vega, G. Gilmore, S. Gottlober, E. Komatsu, S. McGaugh, A. Lasenby, R. Rebolo, P. Salucci, N. Sanchez and A. Tikhonov present here their highlights of the Colloquium. Inflection points emerged: LambdaWDM (Warm DM) emerges impressively over LambdaCDM whose galactic scale problems are ever-increasing.

Summary and conclusions by H. J. de Vega, M. C. Falvella and N. G. Sanchez stress among other points: (i) Primordial CMB gaussianity is confirmed. Inflation effective theory predicts a tensor to scalar ratio 0.05-0.04 at reach/border line of next CMB observations, early fast-roll inflation provides lowest multipoles depression. SZ amplitudes are smaller than expected: CMB and X-ray data agree but intracluster models need revision and relaxed/non-relaxed clusters distinction. (ii) cosmic ray positron excess is explained naturally by astrophysical processes, annihilating/decaying dark matter needs growing tailoring. (iii) Cored (non cusped) DM halos and warm (keV scale mass) DM are increasingly favored from theory and observations, naturally producing observed small scale structures, wimps turn strongly disfavoured. LambdaWDM 1 keV simulations well reproduce observations. Evidence that LambdaCDM does not work at small scales is staggering. P Biermann presents his live minutes of the Colloquium and concludes that a keV sterile neutrino is the most interesting DM candidate.

Photos of the Colloquium are included.

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We thank all again, both lecturers and participants, for having contributed so much to this Colloquium and look forward to seeing you again in a next Meeting of this series.

With Compliments and kind regards

Norma G Sanchez, Hector J de Vega

http://chalonge.obspm.fr