I've been down to McMurdo for a research trip. A couple of things that outsiders find surprising is that most of the people there are support staff and only a small fraction (maybe 20% or so) are the scientists. The support staff are basically people from all walks of life... fireman, carpenters, cooks, mechanics, etc. Basically everyone you need to make a modern city run. However, because of the selection processes, those folks are almost all extremely talented and at the top of their specialties. The number of "swiss army knife" individuals I met with very broad skill sets was astounding. The challenges associated with living and working down there tend to draw quirky and motivated individuals like bugs to a light. And many return year after year. It's a wonderful community.