Research Associate (Alternate)

***Please note, this posting is for an alternate Research Associate to be called upon only if the incumbent primary Research Associate is unable to deploy.***

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 McMurdo Research Associate supports a variety of scientific research projects in the physical and astrophysical sciences at McMurdo Station during the austral summer (October to February). In accordance with technical direction provided by grantees, subcontractors, and the National Science Foundation, the Research Associate works with advanced scientific instrumentation, assists in the collection of data, troubleshoots problems, and carries out research protocols for NSF-funded science.

Don't miss this opportunity to join a dynamic team and make a difference. Apply now!

***This is a seasonal position (approx. 5 months), and deployment to Antarctica will be required. 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 Anticipated salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000 annually ($6,250 - $7,083 per month deployed), plus a percentage increase during deployment. 

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:

• Deploys to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from early October to late February.

• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs a variety of equipment used in the long-term monitoring of physical phenomena including (but not limited to) UV spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, VLF radio receivers, seismometers, all sky imagers, lasers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, and other optical instruments.

• Collects, archives, and transmits data and status reports to project researchers.

• Regularly employs ingenuity and creativity to develop new technical solutions and systems in order to achieve functional objectives.

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

• Supports grantees by ensuring timely problem resolution, minimizing data collection interruptions, and notifying grantees of outages, issues, and maintenance schedules.

• Maintains appropriate project logbooks, documents and email records. Updates standard operating procedures.

• Administers, operates, and maintains computer-based data acquisition systems. Coordinates with the IT department on computer configurations and networking topology issues such as firewall access and IP addresses.

• Receives and inventories capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies. Maintains accurate inventory of spare parts for equipment and instruments, and prepares resupply lists. 

• Assists with life-cycle management and informs grantees or staff on replacement timelines.

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

• Performs other duties as required. 

Site-specific duties and responsibilities:

• Oversees the Arrival Heights Laboratory and several outbuildings, and coordinates road maintenance and facilities repairs. Provides manual labor shoveling snow from entryways, instruments and cables as needed.

• Operates and maintains several antennas and antenna arrays. Conducts outdoor inspections, walking around and hiking up to antenna sites. Has knowledge of RF principles and demonstrates understanding of antenna and coax repair. 

• Works with other agencies to monitor and determine sources of RF interference.

• Community duties include cleaning common areas.

• Requires ability to apply principles, theories, and concepts from the technical domain and has a broad understanding of other related specialty areas.

What Sets You Apart:

• Requires a BS degree and four (4+) years of prior relevant experience, or a Masters degree with two (2+) years of prior relevant experience, or equivalent.

• Able to work independently to achieve day-to-day objectives with significant impact on operational results or project deliverables.

• Fluency with networking topics and file transfer tools required. Administrator ability for Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms required. Unix system administration ability required.

• 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.

• Driver’s license required. 

• US Citizen or green card holder. 

You May Also Have:

• Master’s degree or higher in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Electrical, Aeronautical or other engineering discipline is preferred. 

• A background in an academic research environment providing direct support to science projects is preferred.

• Experience in general computer repair including IBM-PC, Macintosh, and network equipment preferred.

• Experience with Python and SQL databases; RA should be able to write scripts for automation and reporting, including visualizations. 

• Two (2+) years’ experience in laboratory or observatory technical work. Laboratory or observatory technical work should include operational experience utilizing experimental, physical, optical, or atmospheric science equipment. Experience handling cryogens preferred but not required.

• General electronic troubleshooting experience required, with a minimum of two (2+) years of experience in the use of multiple commercial software packages as well as DOS and Windows operating systems.

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

Original Posting:April 22, 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.