Applications from hosting scientists and postdoctoral fellows are invited to a new fellowship program designed to train the next generation of researchers in the emerging field of Heliophysics Science.   The program is sponsored by NASA Living With a Star (LWS) and administered by the UCAR Visiting Scientist Programs.

Heliophysics embraces all science aspects of the Sun-Earth connection, and includes many of the basic physical processes that are found in our solar system, the laboratory, and throughout the universe. These processes generally involve the interactions of ionized gases (plasmas) with gravitational and electro-magnetic (both radiation and DC) fields, and with neutral matter. The physical domain of interest ranges from deep inside the Sun to the Earth’s upper atmosphere, to the magnetospheres of the other planets, and extends out to the boundary between the solar wind and interstellar medium. Within this broad science discipline, LWS is a program designed to develop the scientific understanding required for the Nation to address effectively those aspects of the Sun-Earth system that affect life and society. See detailed information on LWS at: http://lws.gsfc.nasa.gov.

Two major topics of focus for LWS are the science of space weather and of the Sun-climate connection. Preference will be given to applicants whose proposed research addresses one of these two foci; but any research program relevant to LWS will be considered.

In order to succeed at such cross-disciplinary research, the host institution and the mentoring scientists(s) will play critical roles. Consequently, applicants must select a host scientist, and coordinate a joint application with the host scientist and institution. Hosts are expected to mentor the fellow, provide a reasonable office environment, which may include a workstation, and any other unique research costs. To assist applicants, a list of possible hosts may be found at: http://www.vsp.ucar.edu/HeliophysicsScience.

Applicants to this postdoctoral program are expected to have had a PhD for no more than five years at the start of tenure. Details about this program may be found at: http://www.vsp.ucar.edu/HeliophysicsScience.

The deadline for applications is January 8, 2010.

Need more information? Call 303-497-8649, email: vspapply@ucar.edu, or visit website: http://www.vsp.ucar.edu/HeliophysicsScience

NASA Living With a Star, Heliophysics Division sponsors this program. UCAR is an EE/AAE who values and encourages diversity in the workplace.

Mission of VSP

Enhance the readiness of scientists in the atmospheric and related Earth science communities through postdoctoral fellowship and visiting scientist programs, and educational workshops that will:

•    Lead to advancements in research
•    Develop the next generation of scientists
•    Provide an efficient mechanism to facilitate collaboration and exchange of ideas

VSP partners with federal agencies, universities, and other members of the atmospheric and related Earth science communities to provide a cost-effective and efficient means to achieve each program's goals.