ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Planetary Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Richmond, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Virginia Beach, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Charlottesville, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

All JobsPlanetary Science JobsPlanetary Science Jobs in Virginia

Planetary Science information

See Virginia salary details

$24.3K

$48K

$78.3K

How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary science in Virginia is $47,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $51,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is planetary science?

A Planetary Science job involves studying planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies to understand their composition, atmospheres, geology, and potential for life. Scientists in this field use data from telescopes, spacecraft, and lab experiments to analyze planetary systems. Careers in planetary science can be in academia, government agencies like NASA, or private space industries, focusing on research, exploration, and mission planning.

What are some typical projects or research areas that planetary scientists work on?

Planetary scientists commonly work on projects involving the study of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets both within our solar system and beyond. Their work may include analyzing data from space missions, simulating planetary environments, studying surface composition and atmospheric conditions, or investigating planetary formation and evolution. These projects often require close collaboration with astronomers, geologists, physicists, and engineers. Depending on your specific focus, you may spend your days in a lab, working with computer models, or participating in field studies to analog sites on Earth, offering a dynamic and varied work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the planetary science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Planetary Science, you need a strong background in physics, geology, astronomy, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a related scientific field. Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, laboratory instrumentation, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and experience with scientific data processing tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective written and verbal communication, and an aptitude for teamwork are essential soft skills. These competencies enable planetary scientists to conduct rigorous research, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute valuable insights to our understanding of planetary bodies.

Are planetary scientists in demand?

Planetary scientists are in moderate demand, primarily in research institutions, government agencies, and space agencies like NASA and ESA. Employment opportunities depend on research funding, project availability, and advanced skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and planetary geology.

What can you do with a degree in planetary science?

A degree in planetary science prepares individuals for careers in research, space agencies, and academia, focusing on planetary systems, celestial bodies, and space exploration. Graduates often work as planetary scientists, research analysts, or mission planners, utilizing skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and scientific instrumentation. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training in astrophysics or engineering.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planetary Science jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Planetary Science jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Planetary Science jobs in Virginia?

For Planetary Science jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Planetary Science jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Planetary Science jobs in Virginia are:

Planetary Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planetary Science job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,976 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Faculty Position in Climate Science

Hampton University Faculty

Hampton, VA • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description
The Hampton University (HU) Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) invites nominations and applications for a research faculty position in Climate Science. This is a research-only position, offering guaranteed funding for one year with the possibility of extension to two years based on performance and the availability of external support.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a leading historically black university (HBCU) located on the Virginia Peninsula in the City of Hampton. HU established the Center for Atmospheric Science (CAS) in 1996, which led to the creation of the Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (APS) in 2007. APS offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Atmospheric Science and Planetary Science. In 2023, the Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree (ICSD) was established in partnership with the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences to offer M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Climate Science with a strong interdisciplinary focus.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will continue and advance the groundbreaking work of CAS and APS, as well as pursue interdisciplinary connections within HU and the broader research community as part of the ICSD. This work includes building a portfolio of externally funded high-profile research in the field of climate science. A new, mid-sized (~7000-core) research cluster is in the process of being acquired and installed for student and faculty computational activities.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Oceanography, Physics, Geophysics, Computer Science, or a related discipline with demonstrated research experience in climate-related fields. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with demonstrated research productivity in one or more of the following areas:
  • Earth System & Climate Modeling - Coupled Earth system models, regional climate modeling, land-atmosphere-ocean interactions, and biogeochemical cycles.
  • Atmospheric & Ocean Sciences - Dynamics, thermodynamics, boundary layer processes, coastal meteorology, and ocean circulation.
  • Cryosphere & Polar Climate - Sea ice, snowpack, glaciers, and their role in global and regional climate systems.
  • Computational & Data-Driven Climate Science - High-performance computing, climate informatics, data assimilation, and AI/ML approaches applied to climate datasets.
  • Climate Impacts & Resilience - Urban and coastal climate impacts, sea-level rise, extreme events, climate adaptation, and energy transition.

The position is research-only, with no teaching responsibilities. Applicants should demonstrate:
  • A record of research productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, datasets, models, or software).
  • Evidence of independent and collaborative research capacity, including participation in externally funded projects.
  • Strong potential to secure external research funding from federal agencies, foundations, or industry.
  • National or international recognition in a climate-related research area.

Salary
Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and accomplishments in the field. $65,000-$80,000
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a Hampton University Application for Employment available at: https://home.hamptonu.edu/hr/employment/ , a letter outlining the candidate's professional and scholarly work; a curriculum vitae; and three letters of recommendation on company letterhead. Applications may be submitted electronically to william.moore@hamptonu.edu (with "ICSD research faculty search" in the subject line).

Apply