Winter-Over Scientists BICEP

About Us:  

The School of Physics and Astronomy is looking to hire two full time scientists to work on a cosmic microwave background polarization experiment located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The BICEP telescopes make groundbreaking measurements of the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation left over from the Big Bang birth of the Universe. The South Pole Station supports a summer population of approximately 110 and a winter population of 40. During the winter season (northern hemisphere summer) travel to/from the base is not possible for eight months due to the extreme cold. Two winter-over scientists are needed to maintain and operate the BICEP Array and BICEP3 telescopes during the winter observing season. 

About the Role: Research Project Specialist for research on the BICEP Array telescope in Antarctica 

The BICEP winter-over scientists will start work in fall 2026 and deploy to the South Pole via New Zealand in late October or early November. They will remain at the South Pole through the Antarctic winter, until November 2027. Once the austral summer team leaves the site in February 2027, the two-person winter-over team is responsible for maintaining and operating the BICEP telescopes while science data is being recorded.  

The BICEP3 and BICEP Array telescopes represent an investment of approximately $30 million and 50-person years of effort by a collaboration of more than 30 people. The team plans carefully for every eventuality and many spare parts are kept on site. Nevertheless, the possibility for failure due to human error exists and has occurred in the past. Poor judgment or decision-making could result in the experiment being interrupted for the remainder of the winter season, resulting in major implied costs and loss of scientific competitiveness. The winter-over scientists will receive considerable support and guidance via internet and satellite telephone communications. Nevertheless, these roles requires exceptionally stable individuals who are self-motivated and able to communicate and take direction well. 

30% Instrument integration, calibration and commissioning. During the austral summer season, assist a team of specialists with the installation of complex new microwave receivers into the existing telescope mounts and control systems. 

65% Maintain and operate telescopes while science data is recorded. During the austral winter season, the winter-over scientists ensure all telescope systems are working properly. The BICEP telescopes are complex systems with optical, electronic, cryogenic, mechanical and software components, requiring a broad range of skills. Responsibilities include monitoring incoming data to detect issues with the instrument in a proactive manner. As problems arise with any of the telescope sub-systems, the winter-over scientists must work collaboratively to diagnose and rectify malfunctions, often seeking assistance from remote team members. The winter-over scientists are responsible for monitoring data quality and will collaborate in the observation design to maximize experimental efficiency. Detection of sometimes subtle problems is critical to avoid wasted observation time and to make the most efficient use possible of the important investment that the telescopes represent. Due to the particularly remote and harsh nature of the site, this role presents unique demands: 

• Adaptability: The South Pole is an adverse environment both for humans and for equipment. Experience from previous field deployments may help in handling certain environmental factors, e.g. high altitude, extreme cold, low humidity, high static electricity. Work hours are irregular, as dictated by job demands including telescope observing, maintenance, and satellite communication schedules.
• Resourcefulness: The Scientists must be able to decide and to implement repairs to keep the telescopes running around the clock. The ability to improvise is important due to a very limited supply of spare parts and materials kept on-site. 
• Independent decision-making: During austral winter, the two BICEP winter-over scientists will be the only persons staffing the experiment. The station is isolated and only receives low-bandwidth internet for a few hours per day, while the telescopes run around the clock. Receiving remote support may take hours or days due to different time zones and intermittent internet availability. As a result, situations frequently arise that demand independent problem-solving. While major decisions are made at senior levels in the BICEP Collaboration, emergencies like power outages, ice plugs, shorts etc. may require an immediate decision without opportunity to ask for input, with in some cases the integrity of the telescopes at stake.

5% Regular collaboration with the supervisors for the project. Weekly status reports and phone calls with the senior scientists supervising Operations, along with daily interaction with project team members. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They do not comprise an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.  

Other duties of a similar scope as assigned. 

What you'll need: 

The positions require a M.S. degree (in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering, preferred) and 4 years of experience. Past experience must include at least 2 years of research or engineering work on projects involving complex instruments. Knowledge and experience with mechanical, electronic and computer systems running Linux are required. Past experience must include the demonstrated ability to: take responsibility for, diagnose and repair similarly complex instruments in a challenging environment; accurately identify and avoid hazards, ensuring safety while successfully executing unfamiliar tasks. Must be able to obtain visas for the U.S. and for New Zealand, or other authorization to travel to Antarctica via the U.S. and New Zealand.