This is an alternate opening, and will only be officially hired should the already identified primary candidate be deemed unfit for deployment to Antarctica or withdraw from consideration.
Leidos is looking for an experience Instrument Technician to support the team and Palmer Station in Antarctica. This position 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.
*** Deployment to Antarctica is required in this role. Deployment length is expected to be for 7 months, starting in October 2026. The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. ***
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.
If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading!
About the Antarctic Support Contract:
Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:
Vision: Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.
Mission: To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.
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.
To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract, click here.
The Challenge:
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 receipt and inventory of capital equipment, instruments, materials and supplies.
Provides 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.
Briefs scientists on safe laboratory practices and care and maintenance of USAP owned instrumentation.
Assists in monitoring the receipt, inventory, and proper use and disposal of hazardous laboratory chemicals including radioisotopes.
Assists in segregating and packaging laboratory solid wastes for proper disposal, reuse, and/or recycling.
Assists in the installation, calibration, and maintenance of instruments and equipment.
Assists in maintaining appropriate and accurate inventories of spare parts.
Assists in packaging of capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies for recalibration, repair, or replacement.
Assists in scheduling and coordinating the fabrication of equipment and other support requests made by science projects.
Assists in providing cryogens, monitoring the safe use of cryogens, and monitoring a cryogenic supplies inventory.
Conducts 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.
Prepares weekly and end of season status reports as necessary.
Performs 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 a summer position will be based at Palmer Station. The standard work schedule for this position is 54 hours per week.
What Sets You Apart:
Requires deep understanding of and ability to apply principles, theories, and concepts of technical domain and has broad understanding of other related specialty areas.
Typically requires BS and 4+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2+ 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 or green card holder.
You May Also Have:
Four (4) 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.
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
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.