Alternate McMurdo Winter Research Associate

Leidos

1d•$69,550 - $125,725•Onsite

About The Position

Leidos is hiring an alternate McMurdo Winter Research Associate to support National Science Foundation-funded research at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The alternate will be called upon only if the primary candidate cannot deploy. Deployment is required and is expected to run from early February through mid-October 2027; the posting also describes the seasonal deployment as approximately eight to nine months. Pre-deployment training may be required. The role supports research into physical, atmospheric, geophysical, and astrophysical phenomena by operating and maintaining scientific instruments and data-collection systems throughout the Antarctic winter. The associate works independently and with researchers, technical teams, program staff, and IT teams to keep instrumentation, computers, networks, and experiments operating. Duties include troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining equipment; collecting and transmitting data; maintaining technical records and supplies; supporting Arrival Heights Laboratory and related facilities; and undertaking practical outdoor work. The position requires successful completion of NSF-required physical, dental, and psychological examinations, U.S. citizenship, and obtaining a Public Trust clearance before starting. Deployment eligibility is subject to background investigation and security screening, with NSF retaining final authority.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree with 1–2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts in a relevant scientific, engineering, electronics, or technical discipline.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain the required Public Trust clearance.
Current, valid driver’s license.
Ability to work independently and manage day-to-day technical responsibilities with limited direct supervision.
Fluency with networking topics and file-transfer tools.
Administrator ability for Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms, including Unix system administration.
Demonstrated electronic and technical troubleshooting experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Experience working effectively with diverse teams in challenging or high-stress environments.
Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills or related training.
Flexibility and adaptability when operational priorities change.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors in extremely cold, windy, snowy, and dark conditions.
Comfort driving in dark, snowy, icy, and remote conditions.
Successful completion of NSF-required physical, dental, and psychological examinations for deployment to Antarctica.
Must meet deployment eligibility requirements, including the stated three-year restriction related to discipline or separation from an employer for incidents of stalking, sexual assault, or sexual harassment; eligibility is subject to further review, background investigation, and security screening.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or another engineering discipline.
Background in an academic research environment providing direct support to science projects.
Experience repairing IBM-PC and Macintosh computers and network equipment.
Experience with Python and SQL databases, including writing scripts for automation, reporting, and visualizations.
Two years of laboratory or observatory technical work involving operational use of experimental, physical, optical, or atmospheric science equipment.
Experience handling cryogens.
Experience with multiple commercial software packages and DOS and Windows operating systems, including familiarity with legacy Windows versions and experience with Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms.

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair scientific instruments and research systems, including UV spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, VLF radio receivers, seismometers, all-sky imagers, lasers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, and antennas.
Support continuous scientific data collection by identifying and resolving equipment, computer, networking, and instrumentation issues.
Collect, archive, validate, and transmit scientific data and equipment-status information to researchers and project teams.
Use digital and analog electronic test equipment to diagnose and repair scientific instruments, electronics, and computer hardware.
Develop practical solutions using technical judgment, creativity, and resourcefulness when standard approaches are insufficient.
Administer and maintain computer-based data-acquisition systems and associated hardware.
Coordinate with IT teams on network connectivity, firewall access, IP addressing, computer configuration, and related requirements.
Maintain technical documentation, project logbooks, maintenance records, correspondence, and standard operating procedures.
Support equipment and instrument life-cycle planning, including inventory, spare-parts tracking, resupply planning, and replacement recommendations.
Operate, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot antennas and antenna arrays, including coaxial cable systems and RF equipment.
Work with other organizations to investigate potential sources of radio-frequency interference.
Support operations at Arrival Heights Laboratory and associated facilities, including coordinating maintenance and repairs.
Conduct occasional research briefings and facility tours.
Perform outdoor inspections and travel on foot to remote equipment and antenna locations.
Support snow removal and other hands-on work needed to maintain access to scientific equipment and facilities.
Participate in shared community responsibilities at the research station.
Perform other duties as required to support program and research objectives.