Winter Research Associate

Leidos

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

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $69,550 - $125,725 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in operating and maintaining scientific instrumentation, including troubleshooting and repairing complex electronic systems. Proficient in data acquisition, technical documentation, and effective communication within diverse teams in challenging environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Scientific Instrumentation OperationElectronic TroubleshootingUnix System AdministrationData Acquisition Systems ManagementNetworking and File Transfer Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Scientific Instrumentation RepairElectronic TroubleshootingData Collection and ValidationPython ProgrammingSQL Database ManagementMicrosoft Excel ProficiencyMicrosoft Word ProficiencyUnix System AdministrationDigital and Analog TestingGeneral Computer Repair

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationStrong Verbal CommunicationOrganizational SkillsMultitasking SkillsConflict Resolution Skills

Tools & Technologies

UV SpectroradiometersGPS ReceiversVLF Radio ReceiversSeismometersAll-Sky ImagersLasersMagnetometersPhotometersInterferometersRF Equipment

Certifications & Qualifications

Public Trust Security ClearanceValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Scientific Data CollectionEquipment Life-Cycle PlanningInventory ManagementResearch Environment ExperienceAntarctic Research Station Operations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonSQLUnix

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair scientific instrumentation including UV spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, VLF radio receivers, seismometers, all-sky imagers, lasers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, antennas, and optical research systems
Support continuous scientific data collection by resolving equipment, computer, networking, and instrumentation issues
Collect, archive, validate, and transmit scientific data and equipment status information
Diagnose and repair scientific instruments, electronics, and computer hardware using digital and analog test equipment
Develop solutions when standard technical approaches are insufficient
Administer computer-based data acquisition systems and associated hardware
Coordinate with IT teams on network connectivity, firewall access, IP addressing, and computer configuration
Maintain technical documentation, logbooks, maintenance records, correspondence, and standard operating procedures
Support equipment life-cycle planning, inventory management, spare-parts tracking, resupply planning, and replacement recommendations
Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot antennas, antenna arrays, coaxial cable systems, and RF equipment
Investigate potential sources of radio-frequency interference with other organizations
Support Arrival Heights Laboratory and associated facilities
Conduct occasional research briefings and facility tours
Perform outdoor inspections and travel on foot to remote equipment and antenna locations
Support snow removal and other hands-on activities needed to maintain equipment and facility access
Participate in shared community responsibilities at the Antarctic research station
Perform other duties supporting program and research objectives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree with 1–2 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
U.S. citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance before starting
Successful completion of NSF-required physical, dental, and psychological examinations
Current, valid driver’s license
Ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts in a relevant scientific, engineering, electronics, or technical discipline
Fluency with networking topics and file transfer tools
Macintosh and Linux/Unix administration ability; Unix system administration ability
Demonstrated electronic and technical troubleshooting experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Experience working effectively with diverse teams in challenging or high-stress environments
Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills or related training
Flexibility and adaptability to changing operational priorities
Willingness and ability to work outdoors in extremely cold, windy, snowy, and dark conditions
Comfort driving in dark, snowy, icy, and remote conditions
Master’s degree or higher in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Electrical, Aeronautical, or another engineering discipline preferred
Academic research environment experience supporting science projects preferred
General computer repair experience with IBM-PC, Macintosh, and network equipment preferred
Python and SQL database experience preferred
Two years’ laboratory or observatory technical work preferred
General electronic troubleshooting experience with at least two years using multiple commercial software packages, DOS, and Windows operating systems

Benefits

Comp & perks

Seasonal deployment role of approximately 8–9 months in Antarctica
Pre-deployment training may be provided/required
Opportunity to support meaningful scientific research at McMurdo Station
Shared community responsibilities associated with living and working at an Antarctic research station