This position is responsible for assisting in the safe operation and maintenance of laboratories in support of USAP scientists at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. These laboratories support scientists from multiple disciplines conducting basic and applied research in Antarctica. Laboratories include analytical chemistry, computer, microbiology, microscopy, molecular biology, radioisotope, seawater aquaria, and general use laboratories.  A full range of spare parts and accessories plus some vendor technician support are provided to maintain the operation of a diverse inventory of equipment and analytical instruments supplied by the laboratories or the scientists, in both the laboratory and field.

*** This position requires deployment to Antarctica and has a contract length of 4-5 months from approximately October to February (Austral Summer). While deployed, the standard work schedule for this position is 54 hours per week. The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action. ***

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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assists in review of research requirements, planning, and scheduling of laboratory support for science projects.
• Assists in researching, evaluating, justifying, and procuring laboratory and field instruments and equipment.
• Assists in maintaining appropriate and accurate inventories of spare parts.
• Installs new and stored lab instruments.
• Checks functioning and calibration of all instruments before and after grantee use.
• Troubleshoots all instruments and equipment as needed.
• Provides emergency repairs for all laboratory instruments as needed.
• Performs calibrations; writes, updates, and performs preventative maintenance.
• Maintains instrument maintenance/repair history files and calibration certificates.
• Packages and tracks capital equipment and instruments for recalibration, repair, replacement, winter storage, and/or transfer to research vessels as needed.
• Assures all instrument-related entries in the inventory, equipment, and preventative maintenance databases are kept current.
• Briefs grantees/scientists on safe laboratory practices, and care/maintenance of USAP-owned instrumentation.
• Provides input to the S&TPS McMurdo Implementation Manager on suggested improvements to the laboratories and the associated systems that would enhance their use as research facilities.
• Assists in scheduling and coordinating the fabrication of equipment and other support requests made by science projects.
• Assists the S&TPS Hazardous Chemicals Manager, as needed, in providing cryogens, monitoring the safe use of cryogens, and monitoring the cryogenic supplies inventory.
• Assists the S&TPS Laboratory Supervisor, as needed, with Laboratory Assistant tasking (facility management and logistical/technical tasking) in support of deployed science teams.
• Monitoring the Duty Pager and being on-call 24/7 for alarms or issues approximately one week of every month.
• Conducts briefings on research and tours of the laboratory facilities for distinguished visitors.
• Handles confidential matters (personnel actions, management reports, etc.) in accordance with management policy.
• Interacts with the National Science Foundation, military, and other agency officials, both over the telephone and in person, in a professional and tactful manner.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring safety is the highest priority in the work place.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years' relevant experience or a Master's degree and at least 2 years' relevant experience.
• A successful candidate must demonstrate organizational and interpersonal skills and be self-motivated to identify and carry out projects and requests on their own.
• Good verbal communication skills, computer literacy, and problem-solving skills are required.
• Experience in a research environment providing direct support to science events/projects required.
• Must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica.
• Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for approximately 4-5 months is required.
• US citizenship or US Permanent Residency is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four years of laboratory or observatory technical work experience. Laboratory or observatory technical work should include operational experience utilizing analytical equipment.
• Previous experience working in Antarctica or another remote research station is desired.
• Comfortable with public speaking.

Original Posting:
May 1, 2026

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.