How to become a member of the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition: conditions, vacancies, and selection stages

Ukrainians are invited to join the 31st expedition to the Akademik Vernadsky station. Find out how to apply, who is needed in the team, what the requirements are, and what living conditions are like in Antarctica

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On July 15, 2025, a competition was launched to select members of the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition, which will work at the Akademik Vernadsky station in 2026-2027. Ukrainians can submit their applications and get a unique chance to spend a year among icebergs and penguins by joining the scientific or technical team. The announcement was posted on the websites of the National Antarctic Scientific Centere and the Ministry of Education and Science on July 15, 2025.

Who is needed to work at the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic station?

The expedition team traditionally includes:

● 7 scientists who conduct observations and research in the main areas (geology and geophysics, geospace research, atmospheric physics and meteorology, life sciences);

● 5 representatives of the life support team.

General requirements for candidates

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

● no chronic illnesses or other contraindications for working in extreme conditions;

● mental stability, sociability, non-confrontational;

● knowledge of English or Spanish is desirable;

● willingness to work in a closed team under physical and psychological stress.

Qualification requirements for scientists

To participate in the competition for a scientific position, you must:

● have a master's degree or higher;

● preferably have experience in field research or participation in expeditions;

● scientific publications in your field are welcome.

Scientists will perform tasks according to an individual technical plan.

Who is being sought for the life support team?

The following technical positions will be available on the 31st expedition:

● doctor;

● cook;

● diesel mechanic-electrician;

● systems mechanic;

● communications systems administrator.

Each specialty has specific requirements, which are detailed in the official announcement.

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How to apply for the Antarctic expedition: stages of the competition

Stage I: submission of documents

Within 30 days of the competition announcement (by August 13, 2025), you must send the following to uac@uac.gov.ua:

● application (scientist or station specialist) – must be signed by hand (scanned copy or with an electronic digital signature);

● a resume;

● a motivation letter;

● copies of documents confirming education, academic degree, academic title (if available);

● copies of the employment record book and other documents confirming work experience in the field;

● for those liable for military service – a copy of the military registration document of the conscript or person liable for military service, reservist (indicating the fact of passing a medical examination and a note on fitness or unfitness for military service); certificates of deferral from military service.

The subject line of the email should indicate “Competition 31st UAE, surname, initials of the candidate,” for scientists – field of research, for specialists – position.

All documents must be submitted in PDF format with clear file names.

Please note! The commission will not consider documents that do not meet the specified requirements.

Information phone number: (098) 805-88-44 – competition coordinator Natalia Levchenko

Email for submitting documents: uac@uac.gov.ua

Stage II: interview, testing, additional documents

Those who pass the first selection will receive an invitation to a professional interview and psychological testing. They must submit additional documents, including:

● passport;

● tax number;

● documents confirming education, certificates (if available);

● medical certificates, extract from the criminal record, vaccination certificate;

● written consent to the processing of personal data.

The interview and testing may be conducted remotely.

Stage III: medical examinations, training, approval

Selected candidates undergo a mandatory medical examination, which is funded by the state. Based on the results of the medical commission, the final composition of the expedition is formed.

Before departure, all participants undergo special training and practice sessions.

Remuneration and bonuses

In accordance with the law:

● a salary is paid (in accordance with the pay scale);

● for each day spent at the station, participants receive UAH 1,800 in “Antarctic” allowances.

What does the state provide to expedition participants?

The State Agency for Science and Technology provides winterers with everything they need:

● food;

● clothing, footwear, and other personal items;

● sanitary and medical supplies;

● internet access.

Health care guarantees

Each participant undergoes a multi-level medical selection process. A certified doctor is on duty at the station at all times, and the following are also provided:

● daily health monitoring;

● remote consultations with specialists;

● a full medical examination upon return;

● pharmacy supplies and diagnostic equipment.

We remind you! Antarctic tourism, despite the complexity of organizing such a trip, is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. Read more about the peculiarities of traveling to the icy continent from experienced Ukrainian polar explorers, as well as how to “visit” the glacial continent without leaving your home in our previous article.

Photo: Wikipedia

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