2025 Internship - STEM - Small Bodies and Ocean Worlds
Job Description
DescriptionDo you want to become involved in groundbreaking research that will reveal new findings about comets, asteroids, and icy bodies of the outer solar system?
Are you excited for the search for life beyond Earth, and want to be a part of the field of Astrobiology?
Can you imagine working in the new field of Planetary Defense, and helping to detect and deflect an asteroid that is at risk of colliding with Earth?
We are seeking young scientists studying physics, chemistry, astronomy, computer science, geology, or related science or engineering fields, who are ready to take on new challenges with us as we lead APL efforts for the study of other worlds, the search of extraterrestrial life, and defense of Earth. You will join APL’s diverse, multidisciplinary Small Bodies and Ocean Worlds Group that provides the scientific background and support, laboratory work, and data analysis for these endeavors. Together we analyze and interpret data from past and active missions that have explored small bodies and the outer solar system; we use space telescopes to study distant asteroid and comets; we collect data in our laboratories to simulate and understand processes on other planetary bodies; and we help to operate and build a variety of upcoming missions including Europa Clipper, Dragonfly to Saturn’s moon Titan, Lucy to the Trojan asteroids, and Psyche to the asteroid of the same name.
As a budding planetary scientist, your work might include:
- Use flight data to study features and processes on asteroids or icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn.
- Model the internal processes in planets and moons that ultimately shape their surfaces.
- Work in a laboratory to study how impact craters affect planetary surfaces, how the interiors of asteroids evolve, or how to detect ices and minerals remotely on rocky and icy worlds.
- Help to build or test instrumentation that someday will fly to an asteroid, Europa, Enceladus or Titan.
- Build or test software tools to plan, analyze, and visualize data returned from spacecraft instruments.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
- Are pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field.
- Have proficiency in computer skills
- Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have enthusiasm for working within a team environment.
- To access APL’s facilities and networks, US Citizenship or permanent resident status is required, subject to applicable laws.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…
- Have strong past research experience as demonstrated in at least one internship, honors project, or project outside of the classroom.
- Have experience working in a research laboratory.
- Have strong expertise in one or more programming languages.
Why work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
About Us
APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$21.90 Hourly
Maximum Rate
$46.45 Hourly
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