The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has opened applications for a wide range of vacancies to work at its research stations in Antarctica and sub-Antarctic regions in 2026, with contracts ranging from 6 to 18 months. BAS publishes current vacancies on its official "Current Vacancies" page, with application deadlines ranging from March 1 to March 29 and April 26, 2026, depending on the position. On its official portal, there are dozens of vacancies—from technical and service professions to scientific and operational roles. Projects cover BAS stations, including Halley VI and Rothera Research Station (founded in 1975 and operated by BAS on Adelaide Island in Antarctica).

Terms and Remuneration

• Salary for technical and field roles starts at approximately €30,224 – €31,183 per year (about $38,000 – $39,000 at 2026 exchange rates) depending on qualifications and position.
• Accommodation, meals, medical care, travel to and from the workplace, specialized clothing, tools, and training are included in the package and paid for by the employer.
• Contracts vary from seasonal (6 months) to long-term (up to 18 months) with the possibility of participating in BAS summer and winter expeditions.

Range of Professions

• The current BAS recruitment is looking for various competencies:
• Maintenance and construction support: Electrical and Mechanical Technicians, Diesel Power Generation, Agricultural Plant roles.
• Scientific and research positions: Ocean Scientist, Marine Biologist, Meteorological Observer.
• Field and operational roles: Boating and Field Officers, Able Seafarers, Field Guides.
• Station support and domestic functions: Station Support Assistant, Chefs.

BAS emphasizes that these positions provide work "in some of the most remote and extreme conditions on Earth" and are essential for supporting scientific research, including climate, ecosystems, atmosphere, and ice processes. Unlike the British BAS program, other Antarctic programs (such as the US National Science Foundation and programs from Australia and New Zealand) also regularly open seasonal and winter vacancies; however, compensation and terms vary by country and contract. For example, in the US McMurdo Station program, specialists sometimes receive significantly higher rates for short-term contracts, but such data depends on the NSF budget and the type of role.

BAS recommends that interested candidates review the specific requirements for each vacancy on the website bas.ac.uk/jobs/vacancies and submit applications before the specified closing dates.