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Salaried Planetary Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rutgers University

Postdoctoral Associate

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$63K/yr

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Department Earth & Planetary Sciences Salary Details minimum $63968 Offer Information The final salary offer may ...

Leidos

Spaceflight Data Scientist (NASA HHPC)

Houston, TX · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... Planetary Protection efforts to support the Statistics and Data Science team for the Biomedical ... salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to ...

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$50.5K

$111.3K

$137.5K

How much do salaried planetary scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for salaried planetary scientist in the United States is $111,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Salaried Planetary Scientist vs Salaried Astronomer?

AspectSalaried Planetary ScientistSalaried Astronomer
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in planetary science, geology, or related fieldsMaster's or Ph.D. in astronomy, astrophysics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, space agencies, universitiesResearch institutions, observatories, universities
Industry UsageFocuses on planetary surfaces, geology, and missionsFocuses on celestial objects, stars, and galaxies

While both roles require advanced degrees and involve research in space sciences, Salaried Planetary Scientists specialize in planetary surfaces and geology, often working on space missions and planetary data. Salaried Astronomers focus on celestial bodies like stars and galaxies, analyzing astronomical data. The choice depends on your specific interest in planetary geology versus broader astronomical phenomena.

Are salaried planetary scientists in demand?

Salaried planetary scientists are in moderate demand, primarily within government agencies, research institutions, and space agencies like NASA and ESA. Employment opportunities depend on funding for space exploration and planetary research projects, and the role often requires advanced degrees and specialized skills in planetary geology, remote sensing, or astrophysics.

What jobs can I get with a salaried planetary scientist degree?

A salaried planetary scientist can pursue careers in research institutions, government agencies like space agencies or NASA, and private aerospace companies. They often work as research scientists, planetary geologists, data analysts, or mission specialists, utilizing skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and scientific instrumentation.
More about Salaried Planetary Scientist jobs

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Cities with the most Salaried Planetary Scientist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Planetary Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Salaried Planetary Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Salaried Planetary Scientist jobs include:

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Salaried Planetary Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Salaried Planetary Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,343 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor - Astrophysics and Planetary Science

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 620 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:
20241139F
Position Title:
Assistant Professor - Astrophysics and Planetary Science
Position Type:
Faculty
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
full-time/9-months
Department:
182-Astronomy and Planetary Science
Position Summary:
The Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science at Villanova University invites applications for a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor starting in August 2025. We seek highly qualified candidates in theoretical and/or observational Astrophysics or Planetary Science, who will enhance the research directions and existing expertise in the Department. Applicants who demonstrate an outstanding track record of independent research skills in the fields of Stellar Astrophysics, Planets (both inside and outside the solar system), Space Weather, or Astrobiology are particularly encouraged. In their Research Plan, applicants should indicate how their specific research interests complement and/or expand the general research directions of the Department.
Applicants must be strongly committed to the teacher-scholar model within a Liberal Arts & Sciences environment in a primarily undergraduate institution. The successful candidate must demonstrate a high potential for initiating and maintaining an active and productive research program at Villanova involving undergraduate students, and the ability to attract external funding.
Villanova University is located in a suburban setting 12 miles from downtown Philadelphia, PA. The Department of Astrophysics & Planetary Science offers a Bachelor of Science degree. Current departmental resources include a dedicated high performance computing cluster, guaranteed access to the 1.3 meter Robotically Controlled Telescope located at Kitt Peak National Observatory, onsite research telescopes, and a public observatory. Startup funds will be available to the successful candidate.
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:
In addition to maintaining an active research program leading to external grant funding, professional conference contributions, and publication in the peer-reviewed literature, our new colleague will teach undergraduate courses in his/her area of expertise, as well as other departmental courses, in a way that fosters connections across the discipline and the Villanova community. Teaching will be 6 contact hours one semester and 9 the other; committee responsibilities consistent with rank.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Astrophysics or related fields.
Preferred Qualifications:
Post-doctoral experience in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or Planetary Science. Undergraduate teaching or public outreach experience.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.villanova.edu/. Documents which cannot be submitted through this site should be submitted directly to kathleen.demara@villanova.edu
All applications are to include:
• Application letter.
• Current and complete curriculum vitae.
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Research Plan
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts
• Contact information for at least three references who will receive a secure email link to upload confidential
Posting Date:
06/24/2024
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
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.

Industry

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Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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