Palmer Laboratory Instrument Technician

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If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

The Instrument Technician 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.

**This position requires deployment to Antarctica and has a contract length of 8 months from approximately March to October (Austral Winter).**

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.

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.

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission? Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career, share your resume with us today! 

The Challenge:

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

• Reviews environmental restrictions and permitting, and ensures that grantee user groups are compliant.  Tracks and reports on environmental disturbances in the Palmer area.

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

• Orders chemicals and laboratory supplies, and assists with cargo tracking for materials.

• Oversees and assists 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.

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

• 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 procedures and monitors compliance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration Laboratory Standard and radiation safety. 

• 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, monthly 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.

What Sets You Apart:

• 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.

• Medical experience is desired

Original Posting Date:

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.

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.