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I wonder if there is any need for software engineers down there to support the scientific teams?

I'm not a sys admin but I wouldn't mind doing a tour just for the experience.

I worked down there with IceCube. We had a few programmers in the project, but it was very competitive to get a slot at the Pole. Most of the people sent down were for physical drilling operations. I went down to do data acquisition software. IceCube is done with construction, so they don't need to send people any more. If you don't go with a science project, the other option is Raytheon Polar Services. Raytheon, however, pays their workers almost nothing because they know that people want to travel there. There were bus drivers with Ph.D.'s. The cook was a gourmet chef.

There are usually quite a few positions for programmers in polar areas. Checking the Ecology and Geomorphology lists I don't really see any right now, but they do exist. If you're serious I'd shoot hr@icecube.wisc.edu an e-mail and express your interest and ask if they have any idea of groups looking for programmers.

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