Research Associate

Description

Our intended hire timeframe for this role is between May - June 2023. If interested in this role, expect a lengthy hiring process.

The Leidos Corporation is seeking Research Associates 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. 

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.

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. Failure to meet these requirements will result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action.

Site specific deployment lengths are detailed below. Employment length will be specific to the length of deployment in addition to the onboarding and training periods.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of equipment used in the long-term monitoring of physical phenomena including (but not limited to): magnetometers, spectrophotometers, CCD cameras, and other radio and optical equipment. 

• Use digital and analog electronic equipment to diagnose and repair instruments and computer hardware failures. 

• Support grantees by ensuring timely problem resolution, minimizing data collection interruptions, and notifying grantees of outages, issues, and maintenance schedules. 

• Maintain appropriate project log books, documents and email records. 

• Update standard operating procedures. 

• Administer, operate, and maintain the computer-based acquisition data systems. 

• Coordinate with other departments on computer configurations and networking topology issues such as firewall access and IP addresses. 

• Receive and inventory capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies. 

• Maintain accurate inventory of spare parts for equipment and instruments, and prepare resupply lists. 

• Assist with life-cycle management and inform researchers/staff on replacement timelines. 

• Occasionally conduct briefings on research and tours of facilities for distinguished visitors. 

• Other duties as required. 

Site-Specific Duties and Responsibilities: There are three Research Associate positions, one at McMurdo and two at South Pole. Following are additional duties at these stations: Maintains, operates, and repairs cryogenic dewars, associated equipment, and compressed gas cylinders. Manages LN2 and GN2 supply for the station. Provides manual labor as needed including excavating buried experiments and performing station maintenance. Participates in community duties, which may include washing dishes and cleaning common areas. 

(South Pole ONLY): Will be assigned to an Emergency Response Team (ERT). Examples are the Fire Brigade and First Aid teams which require specialized training, and which will be provided. 

(South Pole ONLY): The South Pole positions are for approximately 13 months, beginning with 2 weeks of training in Denver in Mid-October 2023 and running through Mid-November 2023. Deployment to South Pole is from November 1, 2023 - November 15, 2024 (approximately). You will deploy from Denver directly to South Pole. 

(South Pole ONLY): Will assist station meteorologist with weather observations several times a day. May involve shift work. 

(McMurdo ONLY): Typically deploys from early Oct for one year; summer only (Oct - Feb) and winter only (Feb - Oct) deployments are possible. 

Education and Required Skills: 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical or other Engineering, Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Physics is required. 

• Two years’ experience in laboratory or observatory technical work. Laboratory or observatory technical work should include operational experience utilizing experimental, physical, optical, or atmospheric science equipment. Experience handling cryogens preferred but not required. 

• General electronic troubleshooting experience required, with a minimum of two years of experience in the use of multiple commercial software packages as well as DOS and Windows operating systems. 

• Basic understanding of RF and power equipment (RF attenuators, filters, LNAs, switches, switching power supplies) desired. Experience with network interfaces helpful. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities required. Knowledge of MS-Excel and Word required. 

• Must be organized, able to multi-task, and able to work without direct supervision. 

• Successful conflict resolution experience or training, and a flexible attitude. 

• Experience working with diverse groups of people in high stress situations. 

• Familiarity with legacy versions of Windows operating system, and experience with Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms desired. 

• Fluency with networking topics and file transfer tools desired. 

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.

Must be a US citizen or have permanent residency.

Pay Range:

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.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022.  For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [email protected].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.