Planetary Science News for Students
Find up-to-date information and resources for students and early career researchers in planetary science. To learn more about opportunities at the LPI, visit Internships or Postdoctoral Positions.
Student Workshops and Events Internships and Fellowships Scholarships and Awards Opportunities to Participate Resources Additional Information
Student Workshops and Events
2024 National Postdoc Appreciation Week (NPAW): September 16 - 20
Since 2009, the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) has sponsored National Postdoc Appreciation Day/Week to recognize the significant contributions that postdoctoral scholars make to U.S. research and discovery. Organizations from across the world participate by holding special events. In 2010, this week was officially recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives. Events will be held throughout the week and across the country to create awareness of postdocs. Check out NPAW 2024 to find events that are open to postdocs from across the world.
Science Webinar: Europa Clipper: First NASA Mission to an Ocean World - September 25 @ 8:00 p.m. CT
Join NASA’s Night Sky Network for a free, virtual seminar on Wednesday, September 25, at 8:00 PM Central Time with Dr. Bonnie Buratti. This talk will focus on Jupiter’s moon Europa, and what NASA’s Europa Clipper mission will investigate upon arrival in 2030. The talk will be live streamed on YouTube and recorded.
Professional Development Webinar: Navigating Election-Season Interviews: A Guide for Scientists - September 23 & October 8 @ 1:00 p.m. CT
Register for a virtual, no-cost media training from SciLine tailored to helping scientists navigate election-season interviews. SciLine is a free service for journalists and scientists based at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This session will cover: what you need to know about how journalists work; deciding whether to do a specific interview; preparing your talking points; getting out of uncomfortable interview situations; and increasing the odds that a story you’re featured in is accurate. The session is being offered on September 23, 2024, and again on October 8, 2024.
2024 Free Virtual Career Fair: October 10
Mark your calendars and register for the AWIS (Association for Women in Science) Virtual Career Fair on October 10! This is a great opportunity to connect with top employers, explore new job openings, and take the next step in your career - all from the comfort of your own home. Registration is free; you can browse employer's virtual booths, engage with company recruiters, and follow-up with employers. You do not need to be an AWIS member to attend, all are welcome!
Keck Institute for Space Studies: Upcoming Short Courses
The Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) offers lectures, workshops, and short courses on a variety of topics. Upcoming short courses include "Quantifying Emissions through Greenhouse Gases and Transport" on October 7, "Digital Twins for Solar System Exploration" on November 4, and "Interferometry Lands on the Moon" on November 18. For those unable to attend in person, the short courses will be recorded and available on the KISS website afterwards.
Europa Clipper 2024 Lecture Series
The Europa Clipper Project is happy to welcome the scientific community to the Europa Clipper Lecture Series. Speakers in this series include a variety of Europa enthusiasts ranging from, for example, the PIs of the recently awarded PSIE grants to the authods of recently published Europa-relevant papers to members of NASA HQ. Talks are typically held biweekly on Fridays from 1 - 2 p.m. CT. Sign up for the email distribution list to get updates about upcoming lectures.
Free Online Training from NASA: Open Science 101
NASA's Transform to Open Science (TOPS) initiative is designed to transform agencies, organizations, and communities to an inclusive culture of open science. TOPS's first priority is to develop the infrastructure to train scientists and researchers as part of our 5-year program. The open science curriculum will introduce those beginning their open science journey to important definitions, tools, and resources; and provide participants at all levels recommendations on best practices.
Internships and Fellowships
DEVELOP Internship Program - Deadline: October 4
As part of NASA’s Applied Sciences Program, DEVELOP addresses environmental and policy concerns through the practical application of NASA Earth observations. DEVELOP projects apply Earth observations to the application areas of agriculture, disasters, ecological forecasting, energy, health and air quality, transportation and infrastructure, urban development, and water resources. As an interdisciplinary program, DEVELOP accepts participants with skills in a variety of fields. Students, recent graduates, and early career professionals with an interest in Earth science are encouraged to apply. The Spring 2025 application window is open through Friday, October 4th, 2024.
51 Pegasi b Fellowship - Deadline: October 4
The 51 Pegasi b Fellowships provide six to eight postdoctoral scientists with the opportunity to conduct theoretical, observational, and experimental research in planetary astronomy. The fellowship recognizes early-career investigators of significant potential and provides them with the opportunity to conduct independent research. Each recipient will receive a three-year grant of up to $450,000 to cover salary, benefits, highly-flexible discretionary spending, and indirect costs. Awarded postdoctoral fellows are expected to carry out a strong, coherent research program in planetary astronomy. The application cycle is open from July 9, 2024 until October 4, 2024.
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) - Deadline: October 15
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) offers opportunities for independent research or study related to Smithsonian collections, facilities, and/or research interests of the Institution and its staff. Fellowships are offered to graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior researchers to conduct independent research and to utilize the resources of the Institution with members of the Smithsonian professional research staff serving as advisors and hosts. All applications must be submitted by October 15, 2024.
NASA Summer 2024 Internships - Deadline: October 25 (Early decision)
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college-level students to contribute to agency projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor. These internships are offered across NASA facilities in fall, spring, and summer sessions. Prior experience is not required. Opportunities are available at the high school, undergraduate, graduate, and educator levels. Applications are open for Summer 2025 internships! Submit an application for early decision by October 25, 2024. Final applications will close on February 28, 2025.
National Nuclear Security Administration 2025-2026 Internship Program - October 27
The National Nuclear Security Administration Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (NNSA-MSIIP) provides paid opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Students who are enrolled at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) during the Fall of 2024 and who are pursuing degrees in critical science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and other disciplines are encouraged to apply. The 2025-2026 cohort of MSIIP interns will have the option to participate in summer-only or year-long internships. The deadline to appy is October 27, 2024.
NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) - Deadline: October 30
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program (NHFP) supports promising postdoctoral scientists to pursue independent research which contributes to NASA Astrophysics, using theory, observation, experimentation, or instrument development. The duration of the fellowship is up to three years: an initial one-year appointment, and two annual renewals, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of NASA funds. The deadline is October 30, 2024.
NASA Postdoctoral Program - Deadline: November 1
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented U.S. and non-U.S. scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology. The application deadline is November 1, 2024.
Scholarships and Awards
HRP Investigators’ Workshop Travel Award 2025 - Deadline: October 4
To foster the next generation of human spaceflight researchers, NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP) invites eligible undergraduates to apply for a travel award to attend the 2025 HRP Investigators’ Workshop on January 28-31, 2025, in Galveston, TX. This yearly event showcases progress and results in HRP-funded research and technology tasks, and encourages collaboration and integration opportunities. Travel awards will be used to cover airfare, ground transportation, lodging, and meals for award recipients. The deadline to apply is October 4, 2024.
NASA Astrobiology Program Early Career Collaboration Awards - Deadline: October 1
The ECCA offers research-related travel support for undergraduate, graduate students, postdocs, and junior scientists. Applicants are encouraged to use these resources to circulate among two or more laboratories supported by the NASA Astrobiology Program, however any travel that is critical for the applicant’s research will be considered. Travelers must be formally affiliated with a U.S. institution. Requests are limited to $5,000. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2024.
Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) - Deadline: October 11
The NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000. Applications must be submitted by October 11, 2024.
Hertz Fellowship - Deadline: November 1
The Hertz Fellowship is awarded annually to the nation’s most promising graduate students in science and technology. Using a rigorous, merit-based process, we identify innovators with the greatest potential to create transformative solutions to the world's most urgent challenges. The 2025 Hertz Fellowship application is now open. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2024.
Opportunities to Participate
AGU Bright STaRS program - Call for volunteers
Every year, AGU invites middle and high school students to submit their research to the Bright STaRS program held in conjunction with the annual meeting. Hundreds of students participate. Organizing and supporting this program takes the efforts of multiple people - your assistance is needed! If you have the time and interest in assisting in the organizing and delivery of this inspiring program, please reach out to the Diana Ibarra, program chair, at Dlibarra@isf.edu.hk by November 15, 2024.
Scientists in Parks - Applications open in December
The Scientists in Parks Program seeks motivated applicants to complete numerous exciting projects in America's national parks. The program is committed to providing all aspiring professionals - especially those underrepresented in science - with a unique opportunity to work on important real-world projects while building professional experience and a lifelong connection to America’s national parks. The next application period will open in December 2024 for positions starting between May - September 2025.
Meetings in Earth, Space, and Planetary Science - LPI Calendar
Looking for ways to participate in the science community? There are tons of opportunities! Check out LPI's calendar of upcoming meetings, workshops, conferences, and more. You can find information about a wied range of upcoming events.
Discover NASA+
NASA is cutting the cord and going full-stream ahead for the benefit of all! NASA+, a new ad-free, subscription-free, family-friendly streaming service, embeds you into the agency's missions through original video series, documentaries, and on-demand mission coverage. Discover NASA+ today!
GSA Student Membership Dues Reduced to $25
The Geological Society of America (GSA) is excited to announce a significant reduction in membership fees for students. Effective 1 August 2024, undergraduate and graduate students majoring in geology or related sciences can sign up for an annual student membership for just $25. This initiative underscores GSA's commitment to supporting the next generation of geoscientists by making membership more accessible and affordable. Student members will continue to enjoy the full suite of benefits provided by GSA, including access to GeoCareers, Mentoring365, and GSA's premier journals.
Workshops in 2024: Culturally Inclusive Planetary Engagement
Planetary scientists and astrobiologists (including graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, engineers and technicians) and informal (out-of-school time) educators are invited to apply to attend a 2024 Culturally Inclusive Planetary Engagement professional development workshop organized by the LPI. During these workshops, scientists and educators are paired together and supported in bi-directional conversations around diversity and inclusion in engaging Black and Latinx audiences in planetary science.
NASA's Citizen Science Projects
NASA’s citizen science projects are collaborations between scientists and interested members of the public. Through these collaborations, volunteers (known as citizen scientists) have helped make thousands of important scientific discoveries.
Resources
U.S. Space Grant Consortiums - Local Resources and Opportunities
Space Grant is a national network of colleges and universities working to expand participation in NASA's projects by supporting education, research, and public outreach. The Space Grant national network includes over 850 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies. Follow the link below to learn more about the Space Grant network in your area.
Article: "10 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for a NASA Internship"
Every year, NASA looks for talented candidates to bring their talents and ideas to their internship program. #NASAInterns contribute directly to missions like the Artemis program and the Mars Exploration program. Ready to launch your NASA career? Here are 10 things you can do now to prepare for a NASA internship.
AGU Career Guides
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) offers a range of career guides to help students and scientists prepare for professional success. Review these free guides to learn more about topics like Publishing, Non-Technical Skills, Mentoring, Data Sharing, and more.
The POSTDOCket - New Issue
The National Postdoctoral Associataion (NPA) releases a quarterly newsletter, The POSTDOCket, covering news items and features of interest to the postdoctoral community. Check out the current issue to find articles about using social media to advance your career, how to be strategic with managing your time, how learning 'R' can transform your research, and more.
The SciComm Academy - New Science Communication Newsletter, Resources, and Courses
Explore the newly-launched SciComm Academy, an online communication training forum for scientists. Find mini-courses, free tools, and other resources to guide scientists on the strategies and techniques of sharing complex ideas.
Article: "How to Become a More Empathetic Listener"
When the subject of how to be a good listener comes up, psychologists often talk about the value of "perspective-taking" - that is, projecting ourselves into the lives of those we’re listening to. What truly good listeners do, however, is work collaboratively with other people to understand them. Scientists call this "perspective-getting." This article from the Harvard Business Review offers guidance on how to practice perspective-getting and get better at it over time.
Careers at NASA
NASA is more than astronauts. We are scientists, engineers, IT specialists, human resources specialists, accountants, writers, technicians and many other kinds of people working together to break barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible.
Additional Information
Solar System School: Multiple PhD Positions in Planetary Science
The Planetary Science department at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research at the University of Göttingen in Germany offers a wide spectrum of PhD projects. Research generally focuses on the terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) and the gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) as well as planetary building blocks including comets and asteroids. Positions are open to students from all countries. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2024.
Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Planetary Sciences
The Department of Earth and Space Sciences, in the College of the Environment at the University of Washington, is soliciting applications for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track assistant professor in planetary sciences to study processes on the origins, evolution and diversity of planetary bodies. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2025. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2024.
Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Geosciences
Trinity University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Geosciences. The successful candidate must have a commitment to undergraduate teaching and will be expected to develop an active research program that involves undergraduates. The position will start in August 2025. Applications are open now.
Assistant/Associate/Professor of Geomechanics - Tenure Track
The Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah invites applications for an open-rank faculty position (Assistant/Associate/ Full Professor) in the area geomechanics, with emphasis on rock and fracture mechanics, fracture networks, and/or fracture characterization and modeling. Review of applications will begin on October 14, 2024.
Tenure Track Faculty Positions in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech
"The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech has two open faculty positions: Tenure-track Faculty Position in Atmospheric Sciences & Tenure Track Faculty Position in Planetary Science. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled and reviews are anticipated to begin on October 15, 2024.
Tenure-Track Faculty Position at the Assistant Professor Level- Focus Planetary Science
The Astronomy Department at Cornell University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level. The Department will prioritize candidates whose research focus is on our solar system, whether through participation in solar system exploration missions, telescopic observations, experimental or theoretical studies in any relevant planetary science discipline. The target start date for the appointment is July 1, 2025. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
NSF ETAP (Education and Training Platform)
Browse a searchable database of NSF Opportunities to discover what could be the next step in your academic journey. Search by keyword or use the filters to find Opportunities relevant to your interests. Start your application when you find a good fit or save it to come back to when you’re ready.
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