2026-2028 Internship - STEM - Simulating Seismic Scattering on Titan

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

25d•$23 - $48•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you interested in contributing to efforts that help us learn about the planets and moons in our solar system, even if you’ve never worked on space systems before? The Dragonfly mission team is seeking a Student Guest Investigator to simulate seismic scattering processes within Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, using computer-based modeling and supercomputing tools. We’re seeking Master’s and PhD students in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer science, or engineering who are strong analytical thinkers and eager to apply quantitative skills to complex planetary science challenges. This is a two-year hybrid commitment and you must remain actively enrolled for the full two-year duration of the project. Some work may be performed remotely during the academic year; however, summer work is conducted in person. This is your opportunity to contribute to a mission to Titan while helping scientists better understand the structure and seismic activity of another world. Project Overview Like Earth, Titan is expected to experience seismic activity. These seismic waves travel through the moon’s icy shell and contain valuable information about its interior structure. Dragonfly will carry a seismometer capable of detecting this activity. However, Titan’s icy crust is expected to strongly scatter seismic waves, making interpretation more challenging. This project focuses on using existing high-fidelity computer models to simulate how seismic waves scatter within Titan’s ice shell. Because Titan’s internal structure is not well constrained, you will evaluate multiple interior models and compare results to seismic data and simulations from Mars, the Moon, and Earth.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship (required for access to facilities and networks)
Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD in physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, or engineering at a U.S. institution and must remain actively enrolled for the full two-year duration of the project
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Completion of coursework in multivariable calculus (Calculus III / vector calculus)
Completion of introductory coursework in mechanics, waves, or electromagnetism
Some experience with coding (any programming language)
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and within a technical team