ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Planetary Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin

Embedded Software Engineer IV

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$197K - $276K/yr

At our Southern California location, we look to "Touch Life" by supporting planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity. We aim to "Mine the Sky" through the ...

Blue Origin

Engineer - Test III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

At our Southern California location, we look to "Touch Life" by supporting planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity. We aim to "Mine the Sky" through the ...

Blue Origin LLC

Engineer - Test III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$121.02 - $169.43/hr

At our Southern California location, we look to "Touch Life" by supporting planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity. We aim to "Mine the Sky" through the ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsScience JobsPlanetary Science Jobs

Planetary Science information

See salary details

$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.
More about Planetary Science jobs

What cities are hiring for Planetary Science jobs?

Cities with the most Planetary Science job openings:

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

The most popular types of Planetary Science jobs are:

What states have the most Planetary Science jobs?

States with the most job openings for Planetary Science jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Planetary Science jobs are:

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% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 22% 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 17 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 622 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:
20231097F
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 NASA-sponsored postdoctoral research fellowship. A successful applicant will join Andrej Prša's research team and work on the PHOEBE code, developing the modeling proxy based on artificial intelligence (AI). The goal of the AI-powered model is to enable the autonomous sampling of the parameter space of eclipsing binary observables, most notably photometric data from NASA's Kepler and TESS missions. In parallel, the applicant will be given an opportunity to teach an undergraduate core science course/lab, where the stress is on incorporating four critical components in a meaningful way: problem solving, laboratory experience, technology and quantitative tools, and interdisciplinary understanding. While the teaching component is entirely optional, it is offered to provide development and growth in the applicant's teaching. Finally, the applicant will join the Departmental ecosphere and participate in shaping the future of research and education at Villanova. The fellowship includes a 12-month salary, a travel budget and full employee benefits. The postdoctoral fellowship is a 2-year appointment, renewed annually under the condition of satisfactory performance and continued mutual interest.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University's mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A successful applicant will be expected to:
  • demonstrate the highest regard for the diverse, equitable and inclusive Departmental culture and uphold the true and complete respect for all students, staff and faculty;
  • work with PHOEBE developers and contribute significantly to the PHOEBE code base and to the organization of PHOEBE summer workshops;
  • focus on the state-of-the-art research in artificial intelligence approaches to building a modeling proxy based on PHOEBE;
  • apply the developed autonomous AI-powered system to photometric data from NASA's Kepler and TESS missions;
  • rigorously test and determine the limits of model applicability, and publish the results in top-tier peer-reviewed journals (such as AAS journals, A&A, MNRAS, or similar);
  • commit to writing or contributing to the quarterly general public education articles that explain the project deliverables in layman terms;
  • be proficient in computational astrophysics, astrostatistics, and/or exoplanetary science;
  • participate in Departmental affairs: meetings, colloquia, events and functions. This includes working with and advising undergraduate students, contributing to public events and advancing the Department's reputation and renown locally, nationally and internationally;
  • (optional) teach 1 or 2 sections of the core science courses or labs per semester (currently "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").

Minimum Qualifications:
  • A PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Data Science or a closely related discipline is required.
  • Strong proficiency with programming, especially in python and optionally in C/C++.
  • Strict adherence to open source software and open science models.
  • Ability and willingness to work as part of a large development team.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Teaching: prior experience in teaching STEM classes to non-STEM majors is desired.
  • Research: strong track record in physics, astrophysics, statistics and programming is desired.
  • Service: ability to work with colleagues and to demonstrate diversity awareness is desired.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
The Department of Astrophysics and Planetary Science will start reviewing applications on January 15, 2024, but will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The target starting date is March 1, 2024, with the possibility of shifting to both earlier and later dates, depending on the applicant needs/availability.
All applicants must apply online and complete a faculty profile. Applications must include:
  1. A cover letter expressing interest in the position.
  2. A current and complete resume/curriculum vitae.
  3. A research statement.
  4. A statement of commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
  5. A statement of contribution to Villanova's mission.
  6. Two letters of recommendation; the system will request the letters directly from the references when appropriate in the process.

If the applicant wishes to submit any other supporting documentation, they may submit them online in conjunction with the application.
Posting Date:
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Competitive.
Salary Band:
Job Classification:
faculty

What Villanova University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Villanova University logo

About Villanova University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Villanova University Jobs

Apply