Winter Lab Manager / Palmer Station
About The Position
Leidos is seeking a Winter Lab Manager to support scientific research at Palmer Station, Antarctica. The role supports the safe operation and maintenance of laboratories used by USAP scientists, including analytical chemistry, computer, microbiology, microscopy, molecular biology, radioisotope, seawater aquaria, and general-use laboratories supporting atmospheric physics, geology, and glaciology projects. Deployment to Antarctica is required. The position is described as seasonal, with an expected deployment of approximately seven months from March through October 2027; pre-deployment training may be required. The posting also describes the position as a summer position based at Palmer Station. The standard work schedule is 54 hours per week. The selected candidate must meet NSF physical, dental, and psychological examination requirements, be a U.S. citizen, and obtain a Public Trust security clearance before starting. Deployment eligibility is subject to contract requirements, background investigation, security screening, and NSF review. The role includes coordinating laboratory support and resources, supporting science objectives, overseeing Palmer Science Support staff, maintaining equipment and inventories, and promoting safe laboratory practices. The manager prepares status reports and may perform community duties such as janitorial work, snow removal, and emergency response. Participation on an Emergency Response Team is optional.
Requirements
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 4–8 years of relevant experience, or a master's degree and 2–6 years of relevant experience; experience in lieu of education is accepted.
- Must be able to work independently to achieve day-to-day objectives with significant impact on operational results or project deliverables.
- Must be a U.S. citizen due to contract requirements.
- Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance before the starting date; the process could take up to four months.
- Must successfully complete NSF-required physical, dental, and psychological examinations for deployment to Antarctica.
- Must satisfy deployment eligibility requirements, including applicable background investigation and security screening.
- Must deploy to Antarctica for approximately seven months, March through October 2027.
- Pre-deployment training may be required.
Nice To Haves
- Four years of laboratory or observatory technical work experience, including operational experience using analytical equipment.
- Background in an academic research environment providing direct support to science projects.
- Previous experience working in Antarctica or another remote research station.
Responsibilities
- Assist in reviewing research requirements and planning and scheduling laboratory support for science projects.
- Review environmental restrictions and permitting, ensure grantee user groups are compliant, and track and report environmental disturbances in the Palmer area.
- Allocate laboratory resources, including laboratories, instruments, chemicals, and supplies, to upcoming users.
- Order chemicals and laboratory supplies and assist with cargo tracking for materials.
- Oversee and assist with work needed to complete science objectives in the Research Support Plan approved by NSF, ASC, and the principal investigator.
- Carry out supervisor responsibilities for Palmer Science Support staff, including the research associate and instrument technician.
- Assist in researching, evaluating, justifying, and procuring laboratory and field instruments and equipment.
- Assist with receipt and inventory of capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies.
- Provide input to the S&TPS Peninsula Implementation Manager on suggested laboratory and system improvements.
- Brief scientists on safe laboratory practices and procedures and monitor compliance with OSHA Laboratory Standard and radiation safety requirements.
- Assist in monitoring the receipt, inventory, proper use, and disposal of hazardous laboratory chemicals, including radioisotopes.
- Assist in segregating and packaging laboratory solid wastes for disposal, reuse, or recycling.
- Assist with installation, calibration, and maintenance of instruments and equipment.
- Maintain appropriate and accurate inventories of spare parts.
- Assist in packaging capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies for recalibration, repair, or replacement.
- Assist in scheduling and coordinating equipment fabrication and other science-project support requests.
- Assist in providing cryogens, monitoring their safe use, and maintaining a cryogenic supplies inventory.
- Conduct research briefings and tours of laboratory facilities for distinguished visitors.
- Implement and maintain a safe workplace program and ensure safety is the highest priority at the job site.
- Prepare weekly, monthly, and end-of-season status reports as necessary.
- Perform other required duties, including community duties such as janitorial work, snow removal, and emergency response.
- Optionally participate on an Emergency Response Team, such as the Fire Brigade, Trauma Team, or Search and Rescue.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
