Tenure-Track Faculty - Planetary Sciences

Employer: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS)
Location: Cambridge, United States of America
Sector: Academic
Division: Planetary and Solar System Sciences (PS)
Type: Full time
Level: Experienced (tenure‑track faculty)
Preferred education: Ph.D. in earth and planetary sciences or a closely related field
Application deadline: 11 October 2026 (full consideration by 15 October 2026)
Posted: 11 September 2026

About the role

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at MIT invites applications for a tenure‑track faculty position in planetary science. The appointment may be at the assistant professor level or higher, depending on the candidate’s experience. The successful faculty member will join a community of roughly 40 faculty, 100 research staff, and 180 students, and will collaborate across MIT’s physics, chemistry, aeronautics and astronautics departments, the Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, Wallace Observatory, Haystack Observatory, and the MIT‑Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program. MIT participates in the Magellan and Giant Magellan Telescope consortia. The role emphasizes research innovation, leadership, and a commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an independent research program in planetary science, encompassing Solar System and/or exoplanet studies.
• Secure external funding and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across MIT and partner institutions.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in earth and planetary sciences.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.
• Contribute to departmental service, outreach, and other activities that support the educational environment.
• Participate in the broader MIT planetary science community, including joint programs with WHOI and telescope consortia.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in earth and planetary sciences or a closely related field by the start of employment.
• Demonstrated excellence and potential for innovation in planetary science research.
• Strong record or potential for securing research funding.
• Commitment to high‑quality teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Ability to contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant academic environment.

Pay

Base salary for a 9‑month academic appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is $143,200 – $154,000. This range reflects MIT’s good‑faith estimate and does not include additional benefits or compensation.