Winter-Over Scientists BICEP

Job Summary
The BICEP collaboration is looking for two full time scientists to work on a cosmic microwave background polarization experiment located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The two-person winter-over team is responsible for maintaining and operating the BICEP telescopes while science data is being recorded throughout the austral winter. The BICEP winter-over scientists will start work in fall 2024 and deploy to the South Pole via New Zealand in late October or early November. They will remain at the South Pole throughout the Antarctic winter, until November 2025.

Responsibilities
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% Telescope maintenance and operation: Work collaboratively to diagnose and rectify malfunctions, often seeking assistance from remote team members. Monitor data quality. Maintain cryogenic refrigeration systems in good working order. Work with hands, power tools; bending, stooping, climbing on ladders and structures.

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.

Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.

Must be able to live and work in a harsh environment. Must be able to walk 6 km per day wearing heavy clothing under extreme weather conditions. Successful candidates must meet all requirements of the U.S. Antarctic Program and will be required to demonstrate that they are physically qualified to work in Antarctica.