Science Support Supervisor

Job Description

This position is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of scientific laboratories and observatories at South Pole Station in support of USAP scientists.  Also responsible for the identification of researcher requirements; the supervision of associated support staff hired in support of these research efforts; and the continual improvement of the laboratory and observatory spaces and associated systems.

Duties and responsibilities

ASC is seeking a Science Support Supervisor in accordance with overall technical direction, guidance, and protocols provided by grantees, subcontractors, and the National Science Foundation. The Science Support Supervisor position supports a variety of scientific research projects in the physical and astrophysical sciences at remote Antarctic field stations, works with advanced scientific instrumentation, assists in the collection of data, and carries out research protocols for NSF grantees. The

Science Support Supervisor also:

• Serves as the Point-of Contact for assigned science projects between ASC workcenters and grantees. Reviews or supervises the review of the venue-specific research requirements based on the Support Information Packages (SIPs) and other sources. Communicates with research groups regarding their support requirements, and organizes science planning conferences as needed. Prepares and distributes Research Support Plans.  Facilitates science construction, facilities maintenance, and operations support in relation to science events, projects and facilities.
• Researches, evaluates, justifies, and monitors the procurement of laboratory, observatory and field instruments and equipment for South Pole science events based on researcher requirements and available funds.
• Installs, maintains and accounts for general use instruments and equipment or supervises the same to ensure researcher requirements are met.  Supervises the receipt and inventory of capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies.  Ensures that appropriate and accurate inventories of spare parts are maintained.  Packages capital equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies for recalibration, repair, or replacement or supervises the same.
• Is responsible for procuring and providing cryogens, compressed gases, and chemicals for grantee use, monitoring the safe use of all chemicals, and monitoring and resupplying all scientific chemicals to scientists.  Responsible for the safe use of radioisotopes and radiation producing equipment by NSF/OPP approved events.
• Coordinates and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory safety practices based on industry standards.  Briefs scientists on safe operational practices and procedures at the station and monitors compliance.
• Improves South Pole laboratories and observatories.  Reviews researcher and staff suggestions for feasibility and prioritizes improvements based on budgets and schedules. 
• Conducts briefings on research and tours of the science facilities for distinguished visitors at South Pole Station and organizes weekly science lectures for the general community.
• Interacts with ASC Management, National Science Foundation, military and other agency officials as needed.  Informs all stakeholders of science support issues as required.
• Responsible for supervising of science technical staff (two research associates during the austral summer).   Handles confidential matters (personnel actions, management reports, etc.) in accordance with management policy. Works directly with ASC on site management.
• Attend all South Pole Area Management meetings to provide input on science activities.  Provide reach back to Project managers if they are not in attendance.
• Provide input and coordination on site to the weekly ASC stoplight report.
• Currently responsible for understanding RSP's for all South Pole events, and coordinate implementation for McM/SP combined RSPs with the McMurdo implementer.
• Coordinate the onsite implementation of South Pole twin otter supported groups as requested with the appropriate implementer, ASC station management, Aviation Operations, and field management.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or Physics preferred.  Other applicable degrees also considered. Two years of laboratory or observatory technical work, and two years supervisory experience. Laboratory or observatory technical work should include operational experience.
• A background in an academic research environment providing direct support to science projects is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the standard PC operating environment and an operational knowledge of Linux/UNIX and MS Office Products required.
• Must successfully complete the physical, dental and psychological (if applicable) examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica.
• Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods is required.
• Good verbal communication skills, computer literacy, and problem solving skills required.
• US citizenship is required.

Working environment

This job operates in a professional office environment.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computer, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing is required, which would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.

Position Expectations

This is a full-time position and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  No travel is expected for this position.

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