Winter Lab Manager

Leidos is seeking a Winter Lab Manager to support cutting-edge scientific research at Palmer Station, Antarctica, during the Austral Winter. 

Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines.  The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission, and everyone plays an important role.

To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract, click here.

• Deployment to Antarctica is required for this position. This is a seasonal role and is expected to be deployed for approximately 7 months, from March through October 2027 (Austral Winter). 

• Pre-deployment training may be required.

• Selected hire must successfully complete the physical, dental and psychological examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements will 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 starting date. This process could take up to 4 months.

• This position is eligible for deployment to Antarctica. Per contract and National Science Foundation requirements, candidates must not have been disciplined for, or separated from an employer prior to discipline for, incidents of stalking, sexual assault, or sexual harassment within the past three (3) years. Eligibility for deployment is also subject to further review, including background investigation and security screening, and NSF retains final authority over deployment eligibility given the sensitive and remote nature of the location.

The Job

The Lab Manager, Palmer Station, is responsible for assisting in the safe operation and maintenance of laboratories in support of USAP scientists at Palmer Station, Antarctica. Laboratories include analytical chemistry, computer, microbiology, microscopy, molecular biology, radioisotope, seawater aquaria and general use laboratories configured to support atmospheric physics, geology, and glaciology projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in review of research requirements, planning and scheduling laboratory support for science projects.

• Review environmental restrictions and permitting and ensure that grantee user groups are compliant. Track and report on environmental disturbances in the Palmer area.

• Allocate laboratory resources including labs, instruments, chemicals and lab supplies to upcoming laboratory users.

• Order chemicals and laboratory supplies and assist with cargo tracking for materials.

• Oversee and assist in carrying out what is needed to complete the science objectives outlined in the Research Support Plan approved by NSF, ASC, and the PI for science groups.

• Carry out supervisor responsibilities for the Palmer Science Support staff (research associate and instrument technician).

• Assist in researching, evaluating, justifying, and procuring laboratory and field instruments and equipment.

• Assist in receipt and inventory of capital equipment, instruments, materials and supplies.

• Provide input to the S&TPS Peninsula Implementation Manager on suggested improvements to the laboratories and the associated systems that would enhance their use as research facilities.

• Brief scientists on safe laboratory practices and procedures and monitors compliance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration Laboratory Standard and radiation safety.

• Assist in monitoring the receipt, inventory, and proper use and disposal of hazardous laboratory chemicals including radioisotopes.

• Assist in segregating and packaging laboratory solid wastes for proper disposal, reuse, and/or recycling. Assist in the installation, calibration, and maintenance of instruments and equipment.

• Assist in maintaining appropriate and accurate inventories of spare parts.

• Assist in packaging of capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies for recalibration, repair, or replacement.

• Assist in scheduling and coordinating the fabrication of equipment and other support requests made by science projects.

• Assist in providing cryogens, monitoring the safe use of cryogens, and monitoring a cryogenic supplies inventory.

• Conduct briefings on research and tours of the laboratory facilities for distinguished visitors.

• Responsible for implementing and maintaining a safe workplace program and ensuring that safety is the highest priority on the job site.

• Prepare weekly, monthly and end of season status reports as necessary.

• Perform other duties as required, including community duties such as janitorial, snow removal and emergency response.

• Optional: participation on an Emergency Response Team (ERT). Examples are the Fire Brigade, Trauma Team and Search and Rescue.

• This is a summer position based at Palmer Station. The standard work schedule for this position is 54 hours per week.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically requires BS and 4 – 8 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 – 6 years of prior relevant experience. Experience in lieu of education is accepted.

• Must be able to work independently to achieve day-to-day objectives with significant impact on operational results or project deliverables.

• Must be a US Citizen.  Contract requirement.

• Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to starting date. This process could take up to 4 months.

• Selected hire must successfully complete the physical, dental and psychological examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements will result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.

*** PLEASE BE ADVISED that during the interview, you will be required to keep your camera on, and your interviewer will be taking your picture for identification purposes if an offer letter is extended to you. 

PREFERRED

• Four years of laboratory or observatory technical work experience. Laboratory or observatory technical work should include operational experience utilizing analytical equipment.

• A background in an academic research environment providing direct support to science projects is highly desirable.

• Previous experience working in Antarctica or another remote research station is desired.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

November 10, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

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