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September 12,  2016
OPPORTUNITIES
Computational Science Postdoctoral Position
at the  Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar Program established by Penn State University addresses critical scientific, technology, and engineering needs for reducing the threat from Weapons of Mass Destruction. Postdoctoral Fellows are selected based on their responsive ability to enhance DTRA's mission requirements.The selected candidate will be placed at DTRA, located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Candidates must be able to obtain a security clearance.

The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent in computational sociology, computational social science, or a related field. Skills required include computational modeling and simulation (agent-based modeling, social network analysis, Monte Carlo methods, uncertainty quantification, etc.) and proficiency in HPC computer programming as well as a deep understanding of social sciences. Emphasis on human behavior during crisis and disaster scenarios is beneficial.  Candidates should have an interdisciplinary background and be willing and flexible at learning and reviewing concepts beyond their specialty. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. 

NORTH KOREA
Few Expect China to Punish North Korea for Latest Nuclear Test 
Jane Perlez, New York Times
September 11, 2016 

Although North Korea remains nearly 100 percent dependent on China for oil and food, Chinese analysts say Beijing will not modify its allegiance to North Korea or pressure the country to curtail its drive for a full-fledged nuclear arsenal, as the United States keeps requesting.


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North Korea Ready for Another Nuclear Test Any Time: South Korea
Ju-min Park and Jack Kim, Reuters
September 12, 2016 

North Korea is ready to conduct an additional nuclear test at any time, South Korea's Defense Ministry said on Monday, three days after the North's fifth test drew widespread condemnation.


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Q&A: Everything You Need to Know About the North Korean Nuclear Test
Anna Fifield, Washington Post
September 9, 2016 

North Korea conducted its fifth and "largest ever" nuclear test on Friday, Sept. 9. 


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THE UNITED STATES
Practical Nuclear Questions for the Presidential Candidates
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
September 6, 2016 

Given the debates over whether the United States should change its nuclear posture to "no first use" and the questions over whether US nuclear weapons in Turkey are secure, knowing the nuclear policy positions of potential commanders-in-chief has never been more important. A special issue of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists offers the types of questions we should be asking of the candidates as the election draws near.


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INDIA
India's Nuclear Riddle
September 1, 2016 

Deep in the rural plains of southern India, a mysterious government construction project is under way. Some allege the site will be a top secret "nuclear city", designed to produce highly enriched uranium and allow the country to develop thermonuclear weapons . . . 
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US NATIONAL LABORATORIES
Photos Show Nuclear Facilities in Dangerous Disrepair
September 7, 2016 

US nuclear security facilities are dangerously decrepit and putting national security goals at risk, according to nuclear officials who are asking Congress to back the administration's push to modernize the system. 
        
ARMS CONTROL AND DETERRENCE
Descending from the Summit: The Path Toward
Nuclear Security 2010-2016 and Beyond

 Stanley Foundation Policy Analysis Brief
August 2016 

In this brief for the Stanley Foundation, nuclear policy expert William Tobey reviews the motivations, strengths, and weaknesses of the nuclear security summits and provides recommendations for how governments can maintain momentum and awareness now that the summit process is over. 
        

State Department Official: Banning Nuclear Weapons "Unrealistic"
John Liang, Inside Defense
August 31, 2016 

"The United States calls on all states to reject unrealistic efforts to ban nuclear weapons," Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance Anita Friedt said in an Aug. 29 speech in Astana, Kazakhstan
       

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