2026 Internship - Scientist - Planetary Exploration

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

4h•$23 - $48

About The Position

Do you want to become involved in groundbreaking research that will reveal new findings about planets of the inner solar system? We are seeking aspiring 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 multidisciplinary Planetary Exploration 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 the inner solar system from Mercury to Mars; we conduct fundamental research on planetary processes; and we help to operate and build a variety of upcoming missions and the instruments hosted on them to visit the Moon and Venus. We'd love for you to join our team! As a budding planetary scientist, your work might include: Using flight data to study features and processes on Mercury, Venus, the Moon, or Mars. Performing analytical modeling to simulate how water is cycled on the surface of the Moon. Simulating the lunar surface environment through experiments or models to investigate material properties. Modeling the internal processes in planets and moons that ultimately shape their surfaces. Working in a laboratory to study how impact craters affect planetary surfaces. Assisting with state-of-the-art analyses in support of world-leading planetary research. Joining a team working to identify the technology hurdles needed to build a long-term human and robotic presence on the Moon. Helping to build or test instrumentation that someday will fly to Mercury, Venus, the Moon, or Mars. Building or testing software tools to analyze and visualize data returned from spacecraft instruments.

Requirements

Are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, astronomy, computer science, geology, or related science or engineering fields.
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Have proficiency in computer programming (any language) and/or a willingness to learn.
Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have enthusiasm for working within a team environment.
To access APL’s facilities and networks, have U.S. Citizenship or permanent resident status.

Nice To Haves

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.
Have experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) or image processing software such as ArcGIS, ENVI, etc.

Responsibilities

Using flight data to study features and processes on Mercury, Venus, the Moon, or Mars.
Performing analytical modeling to simulate how water is cycled on the surface of the Moon.
Simulating the lunar surface environment through experiments or models to investigate material properties.
Modeling the internal processes in planets and moons that ultimately shape their surfaces.
Working in a laboratory to study how impact craters affect planetary surfaces.
Assisting with state-of-the-art analyses in support of world-leading planetary research.
Joining a team working to identify the technology hurdles needed to build a long-term human and robotic presence on the Moon.
Helping to build or test instrumentation that someday will fly to Mercury, Venus, the Moon, or Mars.
Building or testing software tools to analyze and visualize data returned from spacecraft instruments.