Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory · 8 hours ago
2026 Internship - Scientist - Planetary Exploration
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking aspiring scientists for an internship in their Planetary Exploration Group. The role involves using data and models to study planetary features and processes, conducting laboratory research, and assisting with instrumentation for upcoming missions.
EducationUniversities
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
Generous benefits
Robust education assistance program
Unparalleled retirement contributions
Healthy work/life balance
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
Company
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges with technical expertise and prototyping, research and development, and analysis.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
2023-01-17Grant
Leadership Team
Recent News
2026-01-11
2025-12-20
News Powered by Cision
2025-12-19
Company data provided by crunchbase