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
The Postdoc Academy - Free online courses
The Postdoc Academy offers two free online courses on edX featuring asynchronous, self-paced content: "Succeeding as a Postdoc" and "Building Skills for a Successful Career."
Europa Clipper Cam Moderated Chat - Tuesdays @ 12:00 p.m. CT
Watch live as NASA's next outer solar system mission, Europa Clipper, is built and tested in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. NASA's Europa Clipper mission will perform dozens of close flybys of Jupiter’s moon Europa, gathering detailed measurements to investigate whether the moon could have conditions suitable for life. Moderated chats will take place in the comments on the Clipper Cam YouTube stream every Tuesday from 12-12:30 p.m. CT.
LPI Planetary Science Weekly Seminar - Thursdays @ 3:00 p.m. CT
Tune in to LPI's virtual planetary science seminars to hear about cutting edge research from scientists around the world. To receive detailed information about upcoming webinars, as well as directions for how to join, sign up for our 'LPI Seminars' newsletter.
Internships and Fellowships
Dragonfly Student and Early Career Investigator Program - Deadline: June 16
Student Investigators will work with Dragonfly mission team members to conduct Titan research, help formulate Dragonfly mission science and operations plans, or assist in the development of instrumentation, hardware, or testing. A cohort of up to three qualified graduate students from U.S. colleges and universities will be selected annually for two-year terms to work with the Dragonfly team. The next application cycle will begin on/around January 2023. Program updates and available project descriptions will be posted soon.
Opportunities to Participate
Workshops in 2023: 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 2023 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.
Scientists in Parks
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 May 2023 for positions starting between October 2023 - April 2024.
NASA Exploration Science Forum (NESF) - July 18-21
The NASA Exploration Science Forum features scientific discussions about the Moon and other exploration targets of interest, such as near-Earth asteroids and the moons of Mars. Participants learn about recent mission results and in-depth analyses of science and exploration studies that reflect the direction of the Agency and community. Dedicated side conferences for students and young professionals, along with public engagement discussions, are interwoven among science topics.
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.
National Postdoctoral Association
The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) was established with the goal of fostering necessary improvements to the postdoctoral situation in the United States. With a focus on advocacy, resource development, and commitment to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion, the NPA strives to improve the postdoctoral experience at the individual, organizational, and national levels. Join a community of over 70,000 scholars across more than 300 institutions.
Future Leaders of Ocean Worlds
Future Leaders of Ocean Worlds (FLOW) is a multidisciplinary group of early career scientists and engineers (undergrads, grad students, postdocs, research scientists and others <10 years post terminal degree) interested in ocean worlds and actively engaged in research relating to planetary science, origins of life, astrobiology, cryospheres, and/or oceanography. We seek to foster collaboration, develop community, and advance the interests of early career ocean world researchers.
Científico Latino
Científico Latino aims to help undergraduate, graduate, and professional students by providing mentorship, open-access resources on scholarships, fellowships and blog posts on professional development.
Resources
Professional Advancement Workshop Series (PAWS) from the Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (NExSS)
PAWS (Professional Advancement Workshop Series) is a program designed to teach astrobiology and planetary science students the insights, tools, and actions for effectively navigating a career in academia, non-profits organizations, government, NASA management, national labs, industry, or somewhere else. These monthly, 90-minute interactive seminars are led by experts and cover many different topics. Explore the PAWS website to find recordings, resources, and upcoming webinars.
Career Resources from AGI
Check out the AGI's (American Geosciences Institute) compilation of information about geoscience careers, scholarships and grants, and internships.
Article - Leadership in Science: Mastering the art of saying no
In this episode of Nature Career's "Working Scientist" podcast, Spanish neuroscience and mental health researcher, Dr. Gemma Modinos talks about her own leadership journey, compares different leadership strategies, and discusses how to say 'no' effectively.
Article - Leadership in Science: "There is nothing wrong with being wrong"
In this episode of Nature Career's "Working Scientist" podcast, stem cell biologist Fiona Watt shares one of her leadership mantras is: "There is nothing wrong with being wrong," and that science is in good shape if it can acknowledge this.
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.
Jobs and Internships at US National Labs
The Department of Energy's National Laboratories offer jobs, internships, and fellowships to talented individuals. Many also have educational resources from community outreach programs to online learning modules.
Resources for Scholars
The Louis Stokes Center for Promotion of Academic Careers (LS-PAC) is a data-driven center dedicated to broadening participation in the STEM professoriate through mentoring, networking, and professional development. They provide resources for undergraduate and graduate students, post-docs, and faculty and staff.
Additional Information
LPI Postdoctoral Positions
Review postdoctoral researcher positions available at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. LPI's science team pursues innovative research, supports NASA programs, provides a connection to the university scientific community, and contributes scientific knowledge and expertise to all of the Institute's programs and activities.
Field Training and Research Program in the San Francisco Volcanic Field - Deadline: June 5
The Field Training and Research Program in the San Francisco Volcanic Field, near Flagstaff, Arizona, is a week-long field class and research project in the sites used to train astronauts and used by NASA for lunar mission simulations. The program will provide students with an opportunity to assist with a research project in the volcanic field. The next edition of this field course will be September 23-30, 2023. Applications close on June 5, 2023.
Internships and Fellowships at the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. Each year, the Smithsonian offers a broad range of research experiences for undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. Research themes include geology and mineral science, astrophysics, biology, and more. Browse the full list of internship and fellowship opportunites here.
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