Research Associate

Leidos is seeking Winter Research Associate-Alternate 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.

*** This posting is for an ALTERNATE Winter Research Associate to be called upon only if the Primary cannot deploy

• Deployment to Antarctica is required for this position. This is a seasonal role and is expected to be deployed for approximately 8 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

In accordance with overall technical direction, guidance, and protocols provided by grantees, subcontractors, and the National Science Foundation, the Research Associate position supports a variety of scientific research projects in the physical and astrophysical sciences at remote Antarctic field stations, works with advanced scientific instrumentation, assists in the collection of data, and carries out research protocols for NSF grantees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain, trouble shoot and repair a variety of equipment used in the long-term monitoring of physical phenomena including (but not limited to) UV spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, VLF radio receivers, neutron and radio-nuclide detectors, seismometers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, air sampling units, and other instruments.

• Collect, archive, and transmit data and status reports to project researchers.

• Collect and prepare samples for shipment, maintain inventory of flasks and work with logistics department to ensure adequate flask inventory for the next season.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically requires BS and 4 – 8 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 – 6 years of prior relevant experience.

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

• Good organizational and time management skills

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

• Good organizational and time management skills

• Fluency with networking topics and file transfer tools required. Administrator familiarity for Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms required.

• Must be a US Citizen.

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

• Deployment to Antarctica is required for this position. The individual in the position must successfully complete the physical and dental examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica, as well as pass an EBI background check. Failure to meet these requirements may 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 Qualifications

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

• Basic soldering, familiarity with circuits and radio transmission (UHF, VHF) is preferred.

• Experience in general computer repair including IBM-PC, Macintosh and network equipment preferred.

• Experience with PowerShell, Python, Access, and SQL databases; RA should be able to write and repair scripts for automation and reporting, including visualizations.

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.