Department
PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: JC South Pole
About the Department
A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately twelve months, is required.
Job Summary
Responsibilities
- Assemble and set up scientific equipment.
- Check scientific instrumentation.
- Maintain cryogenic refrigeration systems in good working order.
- Test and integrate electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer, and electronic components.
- Climb, operate machines, operate power tools, and report on the status of telescope and observations to SPT collaboration through weekly teleconferences.
- Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
- Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
- Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Work Experience:
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- A B.S. in Physics or Engineering with a strong research component.
Experience:
- Remote-field work experience on telescopes, mechanical systems (including servo systems and cryogenic systems), radio, analog and digital electronics.
- Experience working in a self-motivated manner within a large collaboration and the demonstrated ability to think in a structured, logical manner while under pressure.
Preferred Competencies
- Competence with computer systems and electronic instruments.
- Climbing, bending, reaching lifting, and operating machines and power tools.
- Experience working at a harsh, remote site.
- Experience working in a self-motivated manner within a large collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to think in a structured, logical manner while under pressure.
- Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.
- Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self-motivation; problem solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.
Working Conditions
- A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately one year is mandatory.
- Due to the job site, good physical health is required.
- Applicant must be able to work in a cold, harsh environment.
- Applicant must pass physical and mental qualifying exams before employment.
- Ability to climb on the telescope, bend, reach, lift, and use of machines and power tools.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References (Required).
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Role Impact
Scheduled Weekly Hours
Drug Test Required
Health Screen Required
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Pay Rate Type
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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Skills Required
- Vocational training, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in a related field
- 2-5 years of related work experience
- Ability to remain continuously at the South Pole for approximately twelve months
- Good physical health and ability to work in a cold, harsh environment
- Pass physical and mental qualifying examinations prior to employment
- Ability to climb, bend, reach, lift, operate power tools and machinery
- Experience with cryogenic refrigeration, mechanical and electrical assemblies, or remote-field telescope operations (preferred but treated as required if unclear)
- Resume, cover letter, and references submitted with application
What We Do
The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom draws pathbreaking scholars to our global campuses, where field-defining ideas are born that challenge and change the world. The University of Chicago has its main campus on Chicago's South Side and seven international campuses and centers throughout the world. Students can choose from 53 majors and 47 minors in the undergraduate College, with four divisions and seven professional schools for graduate study.
