Antarctic Winter-Over Experiments Operator

IceCube Career Opportunities:

Where Science and South Pole Meet

Recruitment for the 2010-2011 season will begin in February, 2010

Job Requirements

Solid on-the-job experience in either the electronics or computing area of this work is essential, with a good working knowledge of the other area.

Training is anticipated to begin in July or August. Two candidates will be selected to deploy to the South Pole in early October for 12-13 months with no possibility of leaving during the winter months from mid-February to mid-October. Expertise will be balanced between the positions over the range of skills required. All individuals will be required to have a good working knowledge of the entire system. The candidates will be members of a small isolated community at the South Pole for eight months of the year. Community members participate in a wide range of activities including fire or trauma team, kitchen tasks, general cleaning, and station opening and closing duties. The candidates need to be physically qualified to work at Polar and high altitude sites for one year. The successful candidate will attend the Raytheon Polar Services Corp. (RPSC) orientation program and be expected to pass physical and psychological evaluations required by the National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs. This is a demanding job, working with a large team of scientists and engineers from a remote location along with living in a small isolated community at the South Pole. For the right individual this will be an exceptionally rewarding job, with a leading role in one of the most ambitious science projects in Antarctica.

Specifically:

• Administering UNIX (preferably Linux) operating systems. Configuring UNIX core services and network management.
• Writing systems shell scripts.
• Computer systems security methodology and experience with host based security tools.
• Data storage products such as magnetic tape backups and RAID disk arrays.
• Understanding of TCP/IP networking and experience configuring Cisco networking hardware (specifically 3550 and 3750 series switches).
• Use of standard laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, and OTDRs.
• General electronics debugging and repair skills.
• Ability to take initiative (must be a self starter).
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

Experience Preferred

• Experience working at Polar and High altitude sites.
• Experience with the Proliant range of HP/Compaq servers and RedHat Linux.
• Experience programming in Perl, Python, and Java.
• Using and maintaining VME and CAMAC electronics systems.
• Experience with custom built computers and components.

Degree Requirements

M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related field is required. B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and substantial (equivalent to a masters degree) experience will be considered.

Principal Job Duties

Along with a team of one additional IceCube winter-over personnel, you will be responsible for all winter-over operations of this state-of-the-art neutrino observatory. This position is located at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and reports to the Winter-Over supervisor in Madison.

Specific duties include:

• Operate and maintain the IceCube detectors
• Collect signals detected by the optical modules
• Operate and maintain the data system at South Pole
• Upload the research data via satellite to the northern hemisphere
• Analyze and resolve problems with the electronics
• Provide critical hardware and software support

How To Apply

Applications received by March will be considered for coming winter, training usually begins in July.

Application should include a letter of interest with reference to how the candidate meets the required qualifications, a resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Send the materials referring "Winter Over Position" to:

Note: Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality.

Additional Information

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a research institution with an international reputation in physical sciences research and education. IceCube is a $270 million international collaborative project to design, develop, test, construct and deploy a kilometer-scale neutrino detector at the South Pole. The IceCube Neutrino Detector is currently under construction and will consist of 5000 optical sensors, most deployed over a kilometer deep in Antarctic ice, when completed in early 2011.

• Working title: IceCube Winter-Over Experiments Operator
• Official title: Asst Researcher (E05LN)
• Appointment type: Academic Staff
• Department(s): GRAD/ICECUBE RESEARCH
• Full time salary rate: Minimum $60,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications
• Appointment percent: 100%
• Number of positions: 2

UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.

A period of evaluation will be required