Research Associate (South Pole)

Leidos Holdings; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Holdings seeks Research Associates to support scientific research projects in the physical and astrophysical sciences at remote Antarctic field stations. You will work with advanced instrumentation, assist in data collection, and follow NSF protocols during deployment for 12 months from November 2024 to November 2025.

Responsibilities include maintaining and repairing diverse equipment, diagnosing electronics issues, and coordinating with other departments. U.S.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain a Public Trust security clearance; the clearance process may take up to 4 months.
• Must successfully complete physical, dental, and psychological examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica.
• Ability to work in a remote, extreme-climate environment and adhere to all safety and operational protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and data system management skills.
• Effective communication and coordination with interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment used in long‑term monitoring of physical phenomena, including magnetometers, spectrophotometers, CCD cameras, and other radio and optical equipment.
• Diagnose and repair digital and analog electronic equipment and computer hardware failures.
• Support grantees by ensuring timely problem resolution, minimizing data collection interruptions, and notifying grantees of outages, issues, and maintenance schedules.
• Maintain project log books, documents, and email records; update standard operating procedures.
• Administer, operate, and maintain 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 and prepare resupply lists.
• Assist with life‑cycle management and inform researchers and staff on replacement timelines.
• Occasionally conduct briefings on research and tours of facilities for distinguished visitors.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Equipment maintenance

Data management

Tools

Magnetometers

Spectrophotometers

CCD cameras

Computer hardware

Job description

Job Summary

The Leidos Corporation is seeking Research Associates to support scientific research projects in the physical and astrophysical sciences at remote Antarctic field stations. The position involves working with advanced scientific instrumentation, assisting in data collection, and carrying out research protocols for National Science Foundation grantees. Deployment to Antarctica for a 12‑month period (November 2024–November 2025) is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment used in long‑term monitoring of physical phenomena, including magnetometers, spectrophotometers, CCD cameras, and other radio and optical equipment.
• Diagnose and repair digital and analog electronic equipment and computer hardware failures.
• Support grantees by ensuring timely problem resolution, minimizing data collection interruptions, and notifying grantees of outages, issues, and maintenance schedules.
• Maintain project log books, documents, and email records; update standard operating procedures.
• Administer, operate, and maintain 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 and prepare resupply lists.
• Assist with life‑cycle management and inform researchers and staff on replacement timelines.
• Occasionally conduct briefings on research and tours of facilities for distinguished visitors.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain a Public Trust security clearance; the clearance process may take up to 4 months.
• Must successfully complete physical, dental, and psychological examinations required by the National Science Foundation for deployment to Antarctica.
• Ability to work in a remote, extreme‑climate environment and adhere to all safety and operational protocols.
• Strong troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and data system management skills.
• Effective communication and coordination skills with interdisciplinary teams.

Compensation

Salary range: $65,000 to $80,000 annually.

Additional Information

Deployment to Antarctica is mandatory and will last approximately 12 months, from November 2024 to November 2025. Candidates who fail to meet the required examinations may have employment offers withdrawn or face other employment actions.