NASA offering six-figure salary for job defending Earth

It looks like NASA has a job opening for a special someone to defend the Earth from aliens.

Oh, and it pays a six figure salary. Yes, believe it or not, NASA is looking for a new Planetary Protection Officer.

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Applicants have until August 14th to apply and could earn up to $187,000 (£142,381) a year.

The main role of the position is to ensure that humans don't contaminate alien worlds as well as to prevent Earth from becoming contaminated by aliens... microscopic or otherwise.

Business Insider says that the job is so exclusive there are actually only two roles for it in the world.

One at NASA and the other at the European Space Agency.

But the position is only held for three years with the possibility of a two year extension.

So whether it's sending a probe to Jupiter's moon Europa or scooping up soil from Mars, the Planetary Protector helps reduce the risk of human or alien contamination.

But don't think just because you've seen Independence Day you have what it takes to defend Earth.

You pretty much need to be a genius with a degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics with "demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and complex multilateral discussions" no pressure.

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