Antarctic Lab Assistant (Alternate)

The Leidos Corporation is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to assist with all aspects of laboratory facility management and logistical or technical support for science teams deployed to Antarctica. This position is a seasonal position and deploys to McMurdo Station, Antarctica from October to February (summer). This is an Alternate position. 

*** This is a seasonal position, and deployment to McMurdo Station, Antarctica is required for a period of ~6 months. 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:
Tasking includes, but is not limited to: 

• Coordinating with various agencies and Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) departments for facility inspections, tours, and the completion of work orders/tasking within the facility.

• Ensuring laboratory users maintain safe laboratory practices as outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan by orienting users to the facility, informing users of all standard safety expectations, highlighting emergency response procedures, presenting primary hazards of the facility, and conducting routine laboratory inspections. 

• Assisting in the planning, allocation, and adaptation of laboratory resources and equipment for current or upcoming science teams. 

• Coordinating intra- and intercontinental science sample movements with both scientists and a variety of work centers. 

• Preparing weekly and end-of-season status reports. Creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as necessary. 

• Conducting the cleaning, organization, and preparation of laboratories, offices, aquarium facilities, loading docks, staging spaces, cold storage rooms, conference rooms, and other common-use areas within the facility. 

• Monitoring and maintaining the aquarium, cold storage rooms, and all shared-use areas within the facility. 

• Managing inventory and tracking of samples, equipment, or other resources as necessary. 

• Briefing various agencies and ASC departments on current research; providing tours of laboratory facilities. 

• Monitoring the Duty Pager and being on-call 24/7 for alarms or issues approximately one week of every month. 

• Providing input on suggested improvements to the laboratory spaces and associated systems that would enhance their use as research facilities. 

• Shoveling and otherwise maintaining entrances/exits to the facility for safe and proper egress. 

• Supporting the Hazardous Materials Specialist with monitoring the receipt, inventory, disposal and proper use of hazardous laboratory chemicals. Assisting with the segregation and packaging of laboratory solid wastes for proper disposal, reuse, and/or recycling. 

• Monitoring the use of radioisotopes and radiation producing equipment by National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Polar Programs’ (OPP) approved groups. Providing cryogen support where required. 

• Supporting the Instrument Technician by test