South Pole Research Associate

Are you ready for a rewarding career challenge?

Unleash your potential at Leidos, where we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customer’s success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

The Leidos Corporation is seeking Research Associates in accordance with overall technical direction, guidance, and protocols provided by grantees, subcontractors, and the National Science Foundation. The Research Associate position supports a variety of scientific research projects in the physical and astrophysical sciences at remote Antarctic field stations, works with advanced scientific instrumentation, assists in the collection of data, and carries out research protocols for NSF grantees.

*** Deployment to Antarctica will be necessary for this role (October 2025 - November 2026). The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. ***

Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.

Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.

The expected salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000 annually, along with a percentage increase during deployment.

Your greatest work is ahead! 

About the Antarctic Support Contract:

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:

• Vision:  Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.

• Mission:  To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines.  The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract, click here.

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission? Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career, share your resume with us today! 

The Challenge:

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of equipment used in the long-term monitoring of physical phenomena including (but not limited to): magnetometers, spectrophotometers, CCD cameras, and other radio and optical equipment.

• Use digital and analog electronic equipment to diagnose and repair instruments and computer hardware failures.

• Support researchers by ensuring timely problem resolution, minimizing data collection interruptions, and providing notifications of outages, issues, and maintenance schedules.

• Maintain appropriate project log books, documents and email records.

• Update standard operating procedures.

• Administer, operate, and maintain the computer-based acquisition data systems.

• Coordinate with other departments on computer configurations and networking topology issues such as firewall access and IP addresses.

• Receive and inventory capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies.

• Maintain accurate inventory of spare parts for equipment and instruments, and prepare resupply lists.

• Assist with life-cycle management and inform researchers/staff on replacement timelines.

• Occasionally conduct briefings on research and tours of facilities for distinguished visitors.

• Other duties as required.

Site-Specific Duties and Responsibilities: There are three Research Scientist positions, one at McMurdo and two at South Pole. Following are additional duties at these stations:

• Maintains, operates, and repairs cryogenic dewars, associated equipment, and compressed gas cylinders.

• Manages LN2 and GN2 supply for the station.

• Provides manual labor as needed including excavating buried experiments and maintaining access to surface installations.

• Participates in community duties, which may include washing dishes and cleaning common areas.

(South Pole ONLY): The South Pole positions are for approximately 13 months, and deploy from the Denver area once pre-deployment training is complete. Training begins late September/Early October and continues through mid-October. Deployment to South Pole is from October 20, 2025 - November 15, 2025 (approximately).

(South Pole ONLY): All South Pole winter crewmembers will be assigned to an Emergency Response Team (ERT). Examples are the Fire Brigade and First Aid teams which require specialized training that will be provided.

(South Pole ONLY): South Pole Research Scientists assist the station meteorologist with weather observations several times a day. May involve shift work.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical, or other Engineering, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics is required.

• Two (2+) years of experience in laboratory or observatory technical work. Laboratory or observatory technical work should include operational experience utilizing experimental, physical, optical, or atmospheric science equipment.

• General electronic troubleshooting experience required, with a minimum of two years of experience in the use of multiple commercial software packages as well as DOS and Windows operating systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities required. Knowledge of MS-Excel and Word required.

• Must be organized, able to multi-task, and able to work without direct supervision.

• Successful conflict resolution experience or training, and a flexible attitude.

• Experience working with diverse groups of people in high stress situations.

You May Also Have:

• Experience handling cryogens and compressed gases desired.

• Basic understanding of RF and power equipment (RF attenuators, filters, LNAs, switches, switching power supplies) desired. Experience with network interfaces helpful.

• Familiarity with legacy versions of Windows operating system and experience with Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms desired.

• Fluency with networking topics and file transfer tools desired.

Original Posting:March 10, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $67,600.00 - $122,200.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.