"How many years would a radio signal from earth take to reach the Andromeda galaxy?"
Welcome to the NAI Newsletter! The Newsletter is a compendium of announcements, events, updates, and news items related to the NAI and its research. If you have news items or suggestions you can send them to the editor, Marco Boldt at: Marco.Boldt@nasa.gov.
Newsletter for August 30, 2006
University of Washington: Astrobiology - Assistant/Associate Professor
The Astrobiology Program (http://depts.washington.edu/astrobio) at the University of Washington invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor or tenured Associate Professor position. The Program has 20 graduate students from six different departments. We will consider strong candidates in any area bearing on Astrobiology, either providing new astrobiological expertise to our Program or strengthening areas of current research, which include: early solar system dynamics, habitability of planets, Martian surface features and atmospheric processes, extrasolar planets, comets and interplanetary dust particles, magnetospheres, mass extinctions, life and the early Earth, evolution of metabolic processes, microbial life under extreme conditions, and life detection techniques. Depending on a candidate's background, the appointment can be in Astronomy, Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, or Earth & Space Sciences.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a field relevant to Astrobiology by the date of appointment. Duties include undergraduate and graduate teaching, vigorous independent research, and service. A strong record of published research and a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research and education are essential. In exceptional circumstances, appointment as a Full Professor may be considered for candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring underrepresented students in the sciences.
Applications must include curriculum vitae and list of publications, a statement of research and teaching experience and interests, and three letters of reference (sent directly to the search committee by the referees). Electronic application is strongly preferred and must be in PDF format and sent to: astrobio-search@ess.washington.edu, with subject line "ASTROBIO-Application, (your name)." Hard-copy applications and reference letters may be sent to: Astrobiology Search Committee, c/o Dept. of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, Box 351310, Seattle, WA 98195-1310. Priority will be given to applications, including recommendations, received by October 31, 2006.
The University of Washington is building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and minority candidates. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Recently Published Research from the NAI
Earth's Ancient Atmosphere: the Rise of Oxygen
Most geologists agree that Earth's atmosphere was oxygen-free until 2.4 billion years ago. But the latest research from NAI's Pennsylvania State University team provides new evidence for alternative viewpoints. Ohmoto et al have published their latest results in this week's Nature. Ohmoto's team took samples from western Australia as a part of NAI's Astrobiology Drilling Program.
Sulfur Cycling and Snowball Earth
Pennsylvania State University Team members, Matt Hurtgen and colleagues, have just published a new paper in Earth and Planetary Science Letters on continental glaciers in the Neoproterozoic.
Astrobiology EPO, Undergrads, Grads, Postdocs
Fall AGU Session: Biofilms in the environment: Adaptive roles, microbe-mineral interfaces, and contributions to global biogeochemical cycles
In most natural environments microbial communities are associated with surfaces in structures known as "biofilms". Numerous observations from terrestrial and marine subsurface settings, hot springs, and acidic mine drainage attest to the importance of the biofilm mode-of-life. Detailed studies of microbial biofilms in the laboratory have shown that they harbor a number of characteristics that vary from more extensively studied planktonic growth phases, including physiological differences, cooperative interactions, and impacts upon micro-environmental conditions. Due to their prevalence in many ecosystems, the relationship of biofilms with their environments is a topic that has increasingly attracted the attention of investigators from a wide range of disciplines. In this session, studies of biofilms with relevance to natural ecosystems will be highlighted, including linkages between sessile communities and their physical-chemical surroundings, and their impacts upon biogeochemical cycles. The organizers hope to receive reports specifically describing biofilms in the context of their physical-chemical environments. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following attributes of biofilms:
* roles in the sequestration or transport of nutrients, energy sources, and toxins
* bio-mineralization and bio-weathering
* community stratification and cell-cell communication
* adaptations to "extreme" environments
* contributions of biofilms to global biogeochemical cycles
Of particular interest are studies that apply innovative and cross-disciplinary approaches to the study of surface-associated communities. Invited speakers will highlights some of the key advancements being made in the field of biofilm geo-microbiology from both ecological and geochemical perspectives.
For more information: http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm06
or contact
D'Arcy Renee Meyer-Dombard
Massachussets Institute of Technology
drmd@mit.edu
Matthew Schrenk
Carnegie Institution of Washington
m.schrenk@gl.ciw.edu
Planetary Protection: Policies and Practices
November 14, 2006-November 16, 2006
Space Life Sciences Laboratory
Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
Registration Form
Brochure
Registration Deadline: October 27, 2006
NASA has developed this course on planetary
protection policies and practices to familiarize
current and future practitioners with NASA and
COSPAR planetary protection programs. The
course provides a comprehensive review of all
applicable policies, practices and procedures
necessary to implement a successful planetary
protection program, emphasizing integration of
managerial, administrative, and laboratory
aspects of planetary protection.
