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Interlune

Senior Materials Scientist or Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

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  • Life

  • PTO

D. in Materials Science, Planetary Sciences, Spacecraft Systems Engineering, or a related technical subject area. * Experience with material compatibility, tribology, or contamination control.

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How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 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 funding, project availability, and advanced skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and planetary geology, often requiring a Ph.D. and specialized training.

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 laboratory techniques. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training, and familiarity with tools like telescopes and spacecraft data is common.

What qualifications do you need to be a planetary scientist?

To become a planetary scientist, a bachelor's degree in planetary science, astronomy, geology, physics, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for research roles. Strong analytical skills, experience with data analysis and modeling, and proficiency in scientific tools and software are also important for the job.
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Planetary Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planetary Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stellar Astrophysics

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20251202F
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stellar Astrophysics
Position Type:
Faculty
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
full-time/12-months
Department:
182-Astronomy and Planetary Science
Position Summary:
Villanova University's Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science invites applications for the Mendel Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The Mendel Fellowship is a flagship postdoctoral opportunity for candidates seeking to advance their academic careers. The fellowship provides comprehensive training and development in research, teaching, and service. The successful applicant will join Dr. Kelly Hambleton's research group and work on cutting-edge projects in binary systems and asteroseismology. Current topics of interest include solar-like oscillators in binary systems, tidally excited pulsations, and RR Lyrae stars. Our research extensively utilizes data from Kepler, TESS, and Gaia, and we are actively involved in the Rubin LSST's Transiting and Variable Science Collaboration.
Alongside research, the fellow will teach undergraduate core science courses/labs for non-STEM majors, focusing on integrating problem-solving, laboratory experience, technology, quantitative tools, and interdisciplinary understanding. The fellow will also actively engage in departmental activities, contributing to research and education initiatives that shape the department's future.
The Mendel Postdoctoral Fellowship is a 2-year appointment with the possibility of extension for an additional year.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful applicant will:
  • Uphold and contribute to the department's culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrating respect for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • Conduct state-of-the-art research in computational stellar astrophysics.
  • Teach two sections of Mendel core science courses or labs per semester (current courses include "How Old is the Universe?", "Life in the Universe", "Planetary Skies and Landscapes", "Birth and Death of Stars", "Earth: Our Habitable World", and "Earth: A Cosmic Connection").
  • Mentor undergraduate students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
  • Participate in departmental affairs such as meetings, colloquia, public events, and outreach initiatives, contributing to the department's reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.

Minimum Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Physics, Astrophysics, Data Science, or a closely related discipline is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to inclusive environments in research, teaching, or outreach.
  • Experience advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within academic or professional settings.
  • Prior experience teaching STEM courses to non-STEM majors.
  • Strong background in physics, astrophysics, statistics, and programming.
  • Experience mentoring students or junior researchers, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
Villanova University is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment and strongly encourages individuals from historically underrepresented groups in STEM to apply. Applications will be reviewed starting March 1, 2025, but will be accepted until the position is filled.
Required Application Materials:
  1. A cover letter expressing interest in the position.
  2. A current and complete CV.
  3. A research statement (2-page maximum).
  4. A teaching statement (2-page maximum).
  5. A statement on your contribution to University's mission reflecting on how your teaching, research and service contributes to the University's value orientation as discussed in the University's mission (and enduring principles).
  6. Two letters of recommendation (the system will request these directly from referees).

Optional Supporting Documents:
Applicants may submit additional documents relevant to their application, such as examples of outreach activities, teaching evaluations, or publications.
Why Villanova University?
Villanova University fosters an inclusive academic environment where scholars from all backgrounds can thrive. The Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science is part of a vibrant academic and regional community dedicated to fostering belonging, supporting underrepresented groups in STEM, and advancing cutting-edge research. In addition to becoming a member of the Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science, the successful applicant will become part of the newly established Villanova One Sky Center for Astrophysics, an interdisciplinary center devoted to advancing equity in astrophysics. We further provide mentoring and professional development opportunities through university-wide initiatives including VISIBLE: Villanova Initiative to Support Inclusiveness and Build Leaders.
About the Fellowship:
The Mendel Postdoctoral Fellowship offers competitive salary with travel funds and benefits, access to professional development workshops, and opportunities to collaborate within a supportive academic community. Fellows will have access to resources that enhance research and teaching excellence, preparing them for the next stage of their academic careers.
Posting Date:
01/31/2025
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
03/15/2025
Salary Posting Information:
Competitive
Salary Band:
Job Classification:
faculty

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About Villanova University

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Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

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