British Antarctic Survey Reference: BAS 26/13 Contract type: Antarctic Employment Pool - Fixed-Term Appointment - 9 and 21 Months Location: Rothera Research Station Salary: AEP B1A £31,183 per annum (pro rata) Closing date: 1 st March 2026, 23:55 Interview Date: w/c 23 rd March 2026 Purpose British Antarctic Survey is offering a unique opportunity as a Meteorological Observer and Technician in Antarctica to join multi-disciplinary teams at Rothera station in Antarctica. The primary role of the successful candidate will be to make observations and to maintain and operate a suite of scientific instruments for studying the atmosphere and to carry out quality assurance on the resulting environmental data. Rothera station makes meteorological observations using an interactive, PC-based Automatic Weather Station, designed to facilitate data gathering and analysis and may make more frequent observations for aircraft. Regular upper air soundings are made using balloon-borne radiosondes. Additional observations and measurements are also made throughout the day. Via external funding, a targeted programme of atmospheric aerosol/chemistry observations is being initiated at Rothera. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the atmospheric science equipment in good working order, maintaining the quality of the data and managing its transfer to electronic storage. Each person is a member of a small multi-disciplinary team; and as such, they are expected to be adaptable and work on other programmes and to take their share of general base work. As the station is isolated for most of the year, the ability to work without detailed supervision and to solve problems as they arise is paramount. The two appointments for Rothera will be for approximately 9 and 21 months, commencing in August 2026 in Cambridge. The successful candidate will undertake appropriate specialist training in all aspects of the job, travelling to the Antarctic in the autumn of 2026 and returning in spring 2027 or spring 2028. This will be a challenging and demanding opportunity to work in an extreme and isolated environment. You must be adaptable and willing to take on various tasks as they arise including a considerable amount of outdoor maintenance and general base work. Duties To carry out the meteorological observations and duties described in the Met Station Instructions (MSI) as agreed by the head of Meteorology and Ozone Monitoring (MOM). To maintain a suite of atmospheric science instruments. To organise and carry out the work in a safe and professional way. To keep all work areas in a tidy condition. To report major problems to the head of MOM when they arise. To maintain or repair faulty instrumentation when possible/appropriate. To request replacement stores in a timely fashion. To compile monthly and annual reports of the work undertaken. To work with other staff to ensure that the operational and safety standards of the base are maintained. To undertake general duties as required by the station leader. To carry out regular weather observers to support flying operations and aircraft safety. To plan, carry out and write up servicing and maintenance of Automatic Weather Station sites located off station. Skills, Qualifications, and Experience Essential A degree or HND in physics, chemistry, geophysics, meteorology, electronic engineering, or a related subject Ability to solve technical/scientific problems Have practical experience of atmospheric science equipment Proficient in written and spoken English language Sufficient maturity to be able to work safely, effectively and alone in remote location Good computer literacy required basic word processing (report writing) Ability to problem solve on a wide range of equipment, reach conclusions on appropriate courses of action and communicate these to managers Able to work and live in a remote and isolated community, including involvement in communal tasks such as cleaning and cooking Able to follow instructions meticulously when required You will need to pass a medical test to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions Desirable Ability to encounter new scientific equipment and perform effective fault finding to board level in a short period of time Experience of working in a remote location Experience of working with atmospheric aerosol or chemistry instruments Clear, concise communication on technical issues required verbally and in written form Experience of working in a small team Experience of data management, Linux or software development Will be required to work closely with other scientists on base, as well as making input to the team must be able to accept team decisions on work allocations and priorities Ability to perform simple mechanical workshop activities (drilling, filing, elementary sheet metal work) The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment. About Us UKRI - UK Research and Innovation UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org. Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI. How we support EDI in the workforce At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'. Disability Confident Employer As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. How to apply Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment. About the Team British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of theNatural Environment Research Council (NERC).NERCis part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.British Antarctic Survey | Fixed-Term Appointment 9 to 21 months | £31,183 per annum (pro rata) | Closing date 1 March 2026