Job Description

Description

Do you want to become involved in groundbreaking research that will reveal new findings about planets, moons, and asteroids in our 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 help to detect and deflect and 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 icy moons of the outer solar system that have subsurface oceans; we collect data in our laboratories to simulate and understand processes small bodies and ocean worlds; and we help to operate and build a variety of relevant upcoming missions and the instruments hosted on them, 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 icy moons, comets, or asteroids.
• 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 icy worlds.
• Help to build or test instrumentation that someday will fly to Jupiter’s moon Europa, or Saturn’s moons Enceladus or Titan.
• Build or test software tools to analyze and visualize data returned from spacecraft instruments.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• 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 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, have U.S. Citizenship or permanent resident status.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

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.

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