AASWomen for November 20, 2009

Here is a list of 10 suggestions for postdocs and graduate students who would like to do something to promote women in astronomy and help create a female-friendly workplace:

http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/

Number 10 reads, "Make a suggestion to add to this list." Post your contributions on the blog site or send them to AASWOMEN_at_aas.org. We'll compile them and add the list to the Advice section of our web page.

This list is available in a brochure format. Check out the "What's New" section of the CSWA home page for the link:

http://www.aas.org/cswa

In last week's issue of AASWomen (Issue of November 13, 2009), we listed some items that women can negotiate in their job offer. What we did not address is who should ask for what that depends on which job. For example, what should graduate students negotiate in their job offer for a post-doc position? What should post-docs negotiate in their job offer for faculty positions? What should someone negotiate in a job offer at a planetarium, for an outreach position, at a museum, at a laboratory, at a telescope, for a government position, for a policy position, for a teaching position, etc? We asked for suggestions, and several of you responded with some excellent ideas, which we have compiled and posted on the Women in Astronomy blog ( http://womeninastronomy.blogspot.com/ ).

We'll be adding these suggestions to the CSWA Advice webpage ( http://www.aas.org/cswa/advice.html ); where you can already find advice for postdocs applying for tenure-track positions.

If you are applying for a faculty position, then you might want to read a fantastic article in Science Careers, "Taken for Granted: Shocked, Shocked! to Find Disappointment on Campus" (http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2009_11_13/caredit.a0900141).

This article provides good insight into the happiness of faculty at different types of colleges and universities. Bottom line is that your happiness is what you make of it in your position. However, negotiating the job offer can ease some stressors.

Thanks to Wallace Sargent for sending us this timely link.

Here is a recently released study from Goulden, Frasch and Mason and the Center for American Progress http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/11/women_and_sciences.html .

Their latest data examine the "leaky" pipeline for women and lack of advancement into tenure positions compared with men. They find the biggest differences for married women with children, and suggest that the lack of family-friendly policies is one of the biggest hurdles for graduate students and postdocs to advance in their careers.

She's an Astronomer: GEMS Leadership

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism SMEX (GEMS) mission, which was selected competitively as a Small Explorer mission by NASA in July 2009. This mission, selected in the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) 2009, will not only produce cutting edge science, but is a historic first for NASA space science in having an all female and ethnically diverse leadership team. Dr. Jean Swank (Goddard Space Flight Center), is the Principal Investigator, Ms. Sandra Cauffman, Project Manager, Ms. Aprille Ericsson, Integration Manager, Dr. Joaanne Hill, Polarimeter Systems Scientist, and Dr. Helen Hwang, Observatory Manager. NASA Headquarters oversight is provided by Ms. Lia Lapiana, Program Executive, and Dr. Hashima Hasan, Program Scientist. GEMS will lead to a major advance in our understanding of extreme conditions and physics of black holes, magnetars and supernova remnants.

The GEMS Leadership Team has been chosen by the IYA She's an Astronomer cornerstone project for the Picture of the Day posting on the IAU IYA website.

I think many of your readers would be interested in the tribulations and successes of biochemist Dr. Mildred Cohn, as shown in this New York Times article.

SCIENCE | November 11, 2009 Mildred Cohn, Biochemist, Is Dead at 96 By DOUGLAS MARTIN Dr. Cohn was a leading researcher whose work contributed to the development of medical technologies like M.R.I.'s.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/science/11cohn.html?emc=eta1

The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Department of Astronomy invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Solar/Stellar astrophysics beginning August 2010. We expect that this appointment will be filled at the level of Assistant Professor, but appointment at the Associate Professor level may be possible in exceptional cases.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a closely related field. Candidates with a demonstrable research record in fields associated with work done at the National Solar Observatory (NSO) are encouraged to apply. Example fields include solar/stellar structure and dynamics, solar activity, space weather, spectropolarimetry, MHD, and the solar-stellar connection. See the NSO Long Range Plan FY2009-2013 available on the NSO web site for further details. Of particular interest are candidates with expertise in solar or stellar pulsations and also high-resolution solar observations and their interpretation. The successful candidate will ideally provide evidence of their ability to deliver high quality instruction at the graduate and undergraduate levels, a sustained external research funding record, and experience as an advisor to MS and PhD students.

The Department is involved in a wide range of astronomical research. We also benefit from membership in the Astrophysical Research Consortium (ARC) and its Apache Point Observatory (APO) 3.5-meter telescope. The Department operates its own 1-meter telescope at APO, is a member of the Sloan III project, and is a user of numerous ground based observatories and NASA scientific satellites. Additional Department information can be found at http://astronomy--dev.nmsu.edu .

NMSU serves a diverse undergraduate and graduate population of 18,500 students. Located in Las Cruces (the state's second largest city), NMSU is within driving distance of: the Apache Point Observatory, the National Solar Observatory, the NRAO Very Large Array, the McDonald Observatory, and Kitt Peak National Observatory.

To be considered for this position, send a cover letter, a brief statement of research interests and plans (including a discussion of anticipated research directions over the next five years), a brief description of teaching experience and philosophy, unofficial transcripts of PhD and a curriculum vitae to:

Dr. Bernard McNamara Chair, Faculty Search Committee Department of Astronomy New Mexico State University, MSC 4500 1320 Frenger St. Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

Applicants should arrange for three confidential letters of recommendation to be sent to the above address. Review of completed applications will begin January 1, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled or closed. Questions can be addressed to: astfaculty_at_nmsu.edu or (575) 646-4438.

New Mexico State University is an EEO/AA Employer. Offer of employment contingent upon verification of individual's eligibility for employment in the United States. All offers of employment, oral and written are contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal law, state law, and NMSU policies/procedures, and will include the completion of a criminal history check.

Faculty Position in Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, Department of Physics, The Ohio State University

The Department of Physics at The Ohio State University anticipates a tenure track faculty appointment effective Fall Quarter 2010. Highly qualified candidates in all areas of particle astrophysics and cosmology are invited to apply. While we are primarily searching for a junior experimentalist, exceptionally well-qualified candidates at all levels in either theory or experiment will be considered. The position is affiliated with the Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics, a joint venture between the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, and a joint appointment in the Department of Astronomy is possible. Additional information about CCAPP can be found at http://ccapp.osu.edu . Applicants should have a Ph.D. and an outstanding research record. A commitment to excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels is essential.

The Department currently has 55 faculty and approximately 60 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists, 160 graduate students, and 250 undergraduate majors. Our expanding research operation is located in the new Physics Research Building, which contains state-of-the-art office, meeting and laboratory space. Additional information about the department may be found at http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu.

All applications should be submitted electronically at http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/jobs/facultyapp/

Candidates should submit a letter of application, a complete curriculum vitae including a list of publications, a brief description of research plans, and a teaching statement. Senior applicants should provide contact information for at least four people from whom letters of reference may be requested. Junior applicants should arrange for at least four letters of reference to be sent to one of the addresses below:

astrosearch09_at_mps.ohio-state.edu (Please note applicant's name in subject line.)

Astrophysics Search Committee Department of Physics The Ohio State University 191 West Woodruff Avenue Columbus, OH 43210

Applications received by 1 December 2009 are assured of full consideration. Job application assistance is available for dual career situations.

To build a diverse workforce, Ohio State encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Flexible work options are available. Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE Institution, EEO/AA employer.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, WV, is seeking a Telescope Operator to safely and efficiently monitor and operate one or more telescopes, monitor the performance of telescope systems, and assist engineers and technicians in diagnosing telescope equipment failures. This position may be filled at the Telescope Operator III entry level depending on qualifications.

The Telescope Operator will work on a 24/7 rotating shift pattern (consisting of day and night shifts) operating and monitoring one or more telescopes and supporting equipment. Additional duties include receiving a schedule of observation programs or technical activities; reviewing the objectives and requirements; enabling required equipment, and then initiating and ending the observations; communicating with on-site or remote observers, receiving observing instructions from other observers, executing their programs, monitoring their data collection; and making changes and adjustments as needed.

The successful candidate must be able to operate a computer using process control software applications, and be able to use a Windows computer and word processing and spreadsheet software. Other requirements include experience with, or the ability to learn, a Unix operating environment; demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as schematics, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; ability to work safely near moving mechanical parts and around electrical equipment; ability to follow procedures and policies; calmly handle emergencies; communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; be attentive to detail; and be able to work well with others, sometimes in stressful situations.

A minimum of an Associate's degree or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school with training in math, physics, science or a related technical field is required.

For further requirements and to apply, please visit our Careers site at https://careers.nrao.edu . Include a resume. Review of applications will begin immediately; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. NRAO is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

In 2010, IBM will offer a Summer Research Internship for Undergraduate Women. These summer internships are salaried positions typically 10 weeks long, and include the opportunity to work with a mentor at one of three IBM research locations. Applications must be submitted by February 1, 2010. Complete details on the program and how to apply are available at http://www.aps.org/programs/women/scholarships/index.cfm

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Denver underwent strong expansion with six new Assistant Professor positions filled in the last three years. New positions were filled in condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and biophysics. This announcement invites applications for two positions: (1) a tenure-track assistant professorship in experimental condensed matter physics; (2) a tenure-track assistant or associate professorship in computational or theoretical condensed matter physics. For the second position, we will also consider exceptional candidates in astrophysics with overlapping interests in nanophysics or biophysics who can participate in the interdisciplinary initiatives mentioned below.

Both positions will begin in September 2010. We are especially interested in candidates with research relevant to our involvement in the university's new interdisciplinary initiatives, the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering and the Molecular Life Science and Biophysics Program.

The successful candidate will have a BS in physics and PhD in physics or related discipline, will develop an extramurally funded research program, will supervise undergraduate and graduate research, and will teach undergraduate and graduate courses. Individuals with postdoctoral experience are particularly encouraged to apply. More information about the department can be found at http://www.physics.du.edu . The Department offers degrees through the PhD.

Applicants must apply through the website: https://www.dujobs.org . The application should include: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements of teaching philosophy, proposed research program, and names of at least three references. The selection process will begin on January 15, 2010, and continue until the positions are filled.

The University of Denver is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages applications from women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans. DU is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

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