Winter Research Associate

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair scientific instruments such as UV spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, VLF radio receivers, seismometers, all-sky imagers, lasers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, antennas, and optical research systems.

• Ensure continuous scientific data collection by addressing equipment, computer, networking, and instrumentation challenges.

• Gather, archive, validate, and relay scientific data and equipment status information.

• Diagnose and fix scientific instruments, electronics, and computer hardware utilizing both digital and analog testing equipment.

• Create solutions when standard technical methods are inadequate.

• Manage computer-based data acquisition systems and related hardware.

• Collaborate with IT teams on network connectivity, firewall access, IP addressing, and computer configurations.

• Maintain technical documentation, logbooks, maintenance records, correspondence, and standard operating procedures.

• Assist with equipment life-cycle planning, inventory management, spare-parts tracking, resupply planning, and recommendations for replacements.

• Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot antennas, antenna arrays, coaxial cable systems, and RF equipment.

• Investigate potential sources of radio-frequency interference with external organizations.

• Provide support to Arrival Heights Laboratory and related facilities.

• Conduct occasional research briefings and facility tours.

• Perform outdoor inspections and travel on foot to remote equipment and antenna locations.

• Aid in snow removal and other hands-on activities necessary for maintaining access to equipment and facilities.

• Engage in shared community responsibilities at the Antarctic research station.

• Execute additional duties that support program and research objectives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree with 1–2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• U.S. citizenship is required.

• Capability to obtain and retain a Public Trust security clearance prior to starting.

• Successful completion of NSF-required physical, dental, and psychological assessments.

• Current, valid driver’s license is necessary.

• Ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts within a relevant scientific, engineering, electronics, or technical field.

• Proficiency in networking topics and file transfer tools.

• Competence in Macintosh and Linux/Unix administration, along with Unix system administration abilities.

• Proven experience in electronic and technical troubleshooting.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

• Experience collaborating effectively with diverse teams in demanding or high-stress situations.

• Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills or relevant training.

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing operational priorities.

• Willingness and capability to work outdoors in extremely cold, windy, snowy, and dark conditions.

• Comfort driving in dark, snowy, icy, and remote environments.

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

• Experience in an academic research environment supporting science projects is preferred.

• General computer repair experience with IBM-PC, Macintosh, and network equipment is preferred.

• Familiarity with Python and SQL databases is preferred.

• Two years of laboratory or observatory technical work experience is preferred.

• General electronic troubleshooting experience with at least two years using various commercial software packages, DOS, and Windows operating systems is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Seasonal deployment role of approximately 8–9 months in Antarctica.

• Pre-deployment training may be provided or required.

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific research at McMurdo Station.

• Shared community responsibilities associated with living and working at an Antarctic research station.