Department

PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: JC South Pole

About the Department

The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities.

Job Summary

The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities. A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately four months, is required. The position begins 10/30/2027 and ends on or around 02/24/2027.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the MAPO machine shop.
• Provide machining support for all science projects and the NSF Station.
• Assist with the assembly and set-up of scientific equipment.
• Assist with the testing, integration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer and electronic components.
• Climb, operate machines and power tools outside of MAPO machine shop.
• Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.

• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• 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:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

 

• A bachelor's degree in Physics or a related field.

 

Experience:

 

• Multiple years of experience with machining and working with complex instruments.
• Experience with telescopes and mechanical systems, including electrical systems, servo systems, and cryogenic systems, as well as radio, analog, and digital electronics.

 

Preferred Competencies

• Good problem-solving, organization, and communication skills. 
• Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.

 

Working Conditions

• A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately 4 months, is required. 
• Due to the job site, good physical health is required. 
• Must be able to work in a cold, harsh environment. 
• Must pass physical and mental qualifying exams before employment. 
• Must be able to climb on the telescope, bend, reach, lift and use machines and power tools.
• Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self-motivation; problem-solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.

 

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• References (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$43,200.00

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

Yes

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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