10-meter South Pole Telescope Winter-Over

University of Chicago • Town of Plover, WI

46d • $75,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The 10-meter South Pole Telescope (SPT) Winter-Over will be a member of a two-person crew located at the NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole research station in Antarctica. The crew will be responsible for the hands-on maintenance and operation of the SPT. The crew will participate in the preliminary analysis of the astronomical data and is an integral part of the SPT collaboration. A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately twelve months, is required. The position is expected to begin on November 1, 2026, and ends on November 30, 2027, but specific dates may be negotiable.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• A B.S. in Physics or Engineering with a strong research component.
• Remote-field work experience on telescopes, mechanical systems (including servo systems and cryogenic systems), radio, analog and digital electronics.
• Experience working in a self-motivated manner within a large collaboration and the demonstrated ability to think in a structured, logical manner while under pressure.
• Competence with computer systems and electronic instruments.
• Climbing, bending, reaching lifting, and operating machines and power tools.
• Experience working at a harsh, remote site.
• Experience working in a self-motivated manner within a large collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to think in a structured, logical manner while under pressure.
• Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.
• Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self-motivation; problem solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and set up scientific equipment.
• Check scientific instrumentation.
• Maintain cryogenic refrigeration systems in good working order.
• Test and integrate electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer, and electronic components.
• Climb, operate machines, operate power tools, and report on the status of telescope and observations to SPT collaboration through weekly teleconferences.
• Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data.
• Assists in analyzing data.
• Assists with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed