NASA DEVELOP is currently recruiting for research and science communication positions for the Fall 2025 term, which are open to current students, recent graduates, and transitioning/early career professionals. The application window for Fall 2025 positions closes this Friday, June 13th. Please pass information about the program along with the attached flyer to those who may be interested.NASA DEVELOP is an applied science, capacity-building program in NASA’s Earth Science Division. In collaboration with partner organizations, NASA DEVELOP conducts 10-week feasibility studies that address local, state, and national environmental and policy concerns using data collected by NASA’s Earth-observing fleet of satellites. NASA DEVELOP operates at ten locations across the country at NASA Centers and other regional locations.As a capacity-building program, DEVELOP offers program participants opportunities to learn about Earth science and cultivate research, collaboration, and science communication skills. NASA DEVELOP research teams are interdisciplinary and built around members from diverse backgrounds, differing skill levels in Earth science research and science communication, and the unique experiences and strengths each participant brings to a team. No previous experience in Earth science research is necessary for these positions, and applicants with backgrounds in other fields of study are encouraged to apply.Details about this opportunity and how to apply can be found at https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/nasadevelop Applications for the Fall 2025 term (September 15th – November 21st) are due this Friday, June 13th, with recommendations due June 27th. Weekly work schedules are flexible, but applicants should be able to commit to 20 – 29 hours of work per week during the project term. These positions are paid on an hourly basis, and pay rates are determined by education level and geographic location. A full list of planned projects with their associated NASA DEVELOP locations can be found on our website. Please note that some DEVELOP locations allow for in-person opportunities while others are virtual. For virtual locations, all accepted participants must work remotely from within the United States. Non-US citizens are welcome to apply to all virtual projects and in-person projects at certain locations.
Our program
Three times a year, participants apply through a competitive application process. Those selected conduct 10-week research projects in interdisciplinary teams of 4-5 people. They work closely with DEVELOP science advisors and mentors to apply Earth observations to address real-world problems. Through this process, participants build both research and science communication skills. These skills and project experience help set them up for success in the workforce.
Apply: Apply to DEVELOP | NASA Applied Sciences
The fall 2025 term application will open on May 5th, 2025.
Interested CANDIDATES, please take the following steps:
- Read through this page and our Online Application Guidelines in full.
- Browse the Proposed Project List (updated 5/4/25) to understand the tentative list of opportunities. This list identifies which projects will be conducted in-person or virtually.
- Learn about the different project locations on the Inside DEVELOP page. DEVELOP offers both in-person and virtual opportunities, depending on the project. The Proposed Project List will list the location of each project. Be sure to check whether a location is offering in-person or virtual projects.
- Questions? First read our FAQs. If you are not able to find the answer you’re looking for, contact us at NASA-DL-DEVELOP@mail.nasa.gov
- Apply! Use the DEVELOP Application portal linked below to apply. Please note the time and time zone for the application deadline. Applications cannot be submitted after 11:59pm EST on June 13th – no exceptions! NOTE: NASA DEVELOP prohibits the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or AI- assisted tools, to include but not limited to ChatGPT, in drafting application responses. Any application found to have used AI or AI- assisted tools will be automatically disqualified.