Lab Assistant - Antarctica

Leidos; United States; Remote; USD 74,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to scientific research in Antarctica! As a Laboratory Assistant, you will support diverse science teams by managing laboratory resources, ensuring safe practices, and facilitating logistical operations. This seasonal role requires a commitment to excellence and teamwork, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in one of the most remote environments on Earth. If you're passionate about science and adventure, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science field and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience supporting scientific research or events.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating facility inspections and ensuring safe laboratory practices.
• Managing sample movements and supporting logistics.
• Cleaning and organizing laboratories and related facilities.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Self-Motivation

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a Science Field

Job description

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 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 our actions.

If this environment suits you, keep reading!

The Leidos Corporation is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support laboratory facility management and provide logistical or technical assistance to science teams deployed to Antarctica. This is a seasonal position based at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from either October to February (summer) or February to October (winter).

*** This position requires deployment to McMurdo Station for approximately 6 months. Candidates must complete physical and dental examinations mandated by the NSF for Antarctic deployment. ***

US Citizenship is required due to contract stipulations.

Applicants must obtain a Public Trust security clearance before starting; this process may take up to 4 months.

The salary range for this role is $74,000 to $80,000 annually, with potential increases during deployment.

Your greatest work is ahead!

About the Antarctic Support Contract:

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the primary contractor for the National Science Foundation (NSF), supporting the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). We support NSF’s Office of Polar Programs by providing operational and logistical support aligned with their Mission and Vision:

• Vision: Expanding scientific research in Antarctica through enhanced operational and logistical efficiency.

• Mission: To provide the operational and logistical platform enabling world-class science in Antarctica and maintaining a strong U.S. presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC supports approximately 150 science and technical events across three remote research stations—McMurdo, Palmer, and South Pole—and various deep-field sites, facilitating diverse scientific disciplines. Planning and executing science support in Antarctica is central to our mission.

To learn more, click here.

Join a team committed to a mission. Share your resume today and start a meaningful career!

The Challenge:

• Depending on the season, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinating facility inspections, tours, and work orders with agencies and ASC departments.

• Ensuring safe laboratory practices per the Chemical Hygiene Plan, including user orientation, safety expectations, emergency procedures, hazard identification, and routine inspections.

• Planning and allocating laboratory resources and equipment for science teams.

• Managing sample movements and supporting inter- and intra-continental logistics.

• Preparing status reports and updating SOPs as needed.

• Cleaning and organizing laboratories and related facilities.

• Monitoring and maintaining shared-use areas, inventories, and resources.

• Briefing agencies and departments on research activities and providing facility tours.

• Being on-call 24/7 for alarms or issues, approximately one week per month.

• Suggesting improvements for laboratory spaces and systems.

• Maintaining safe egress by shoveling and clearing entrances/exits.

• Supporting hazardous materials management, including chemical inventory, disposal, and recycling.

• Monitoring the use of radioisotopes and radiation equipment, and supporting cryogen activities.

• Assisting with equipment testing, maintenance, and calibration.

• Managing laboratory activities during winter (if applicable).

• Acting as the primary science liaison during winter, coordinating inspections, tours, and work orders.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field and 2+ years of relevant experience; additional experience may substitute for education.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and self-motivation skills.

• Experience supporting scientific research or events.

• Successful completion of NSF-mandated physical and dental exams.

• Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for 4-9 months.

• US citizenship or Permanent Residency.

• Good communication, computer literacy, and problem-solving skills.

You May Also Have:

• Additional research support experience.

• Remote or polar work experience.

• Public speaking comfort.

Original Posting: May 6, 2025

For U.S. Positions: The position is expected to remain open for at least 3 days from the posting date.

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

The pay range is a guideline; actual compensation depends on responsibilities, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, and other factors.