2026-2028 Internship - STEM - Simulating Seismic Scattering on Titan

Are you interested in contributing to efforts that help us learn about the planets and moons in our solar system, even if you've never worked on space systems before?

The Dragonfly mission team is seeking a Student Guest Investigator to simulate seismic scattering processes within Saturn's largest moon, Titan, using computer-based modeling and supercomputing tools.

We're seeking Master's and PhD students in physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer science, or engineering who are strong analytical thinkers and eager to apply quantitative skills to complex planetary science challenges. This is a two-year hybrid commitment and you must remain actively enrolled for the full two-year duration of the project. Some work may be performed remotely during the academic year; however, summer work is conducted in person.

This is your opportunity to contribute to a mission to Titan while helping scientists better understand the structure and seismic activity of another world.

Project Overview

Like Earth, Titan is expected to experience seismic activity. These seismic waves travel through the moon's icy shell and contain valuable information about its interior structure. Dragonfly will carry a seismometer capable of detecting this activity. However, Titan's icy crust is expected to strongly scatter seismic waves, making interpretation more challenging. This project focuses on using existing high-fidelity computer models to simulate how seismic waves scatter within Titan's ice shell. Because Titan's internal structure is not well constrained, you will evaluate multiple interior models and compare results to seismic data and simulations from Mars, the Moon, and Earth.

As a Student Guest Investigator, You Will:

• Utilize modeling software developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
• Incorporate seismic scattering processes into Titan interior models
• Run simulations on high-performance computing systems
• Evaluate how structural variations affect seismic wave propagation
• Compare Titan simulations to Mars, Moon, and Earth models
• Analyze and visualize simulation results
• Document findings and technical progress for mentor review

Location: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Key Dates

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026
Selections Announced: September 30, 2026

You Must Meet All of the Following Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship (required for access to facilities and networks)
• Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD in physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, or engineering at a U.S. institution and must remain actively enrolled for the full two-year duration of the project
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of coursework in multivariable calculus (Calculus III / vector calculus)
• Completion of introductory coursework in mechanics, waves, or electromagnetism
• Some experience with coding (any programming language)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and within a technical team

Above and Beyond the Minimum Requirements:

• Experience with data visualization and graph plotting
• Familiarity with basic statistical analysis
• Experience working with computational modeling or simulation tools

Application Requirements

Submit the following materials:

• 1-2 page cover letter (per project applied to)
• Most recent transcripts (unofficial is fine)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including hardware and software project experience
• Faculty Mentor Requirement
  • Applicants must provide a name and contact information for their faculty advisor at their home institution along with a 2-3 sentence statement from that faculty advisor confirming that if the student is selected:
    • They will provide a workspace, internet access, facilities, etc. at their home institution so that the student can work on their Dragonfly project and communicate with the Dragonfly team during their 2-year tenure as a Guest Investigator
    • They will remotely attend the Fall 2026 Guest Investigator Kickoff Meeting (mid-late October)
    • They understand that this is a part-time, supplemental research project that does not replace their student's M.S. or PhD research

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.