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More than 50 people have applied to run the world's most southerly post office, in the wilderness of Antarctica.

They must also have the ability to put up with 2,000 smelly penguins for company - and the job involves clearing their poo from the surrounding path.

Those attracted to operating the seasonal outpost at Port Lockroy, in British Antarctica Territory, are warned that they may have to go two weeks without a shower.

The four assistant jobs on the frozen continent command a monthly salary of £1,100 and operate between November and March.

Applications are now closed.

The current team - who are about to head home - includes Laura Martin, a 25-year-old outdoor instructor from Kingussie in the Highlands.

Read more: Super-cute penguin chicks huddle up to keep warm in -24°C temperatures

She and Adele Jackson from Clayton West in Huddersfield, Rachel Morris from Saffron Walden in Essex and Iain Pringle from Nocton, Lincolnshire, were selected from more than 2,400 people from 83 countries last time.

(Image: Getty Images)

A spokeswoman the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust said it had "tightened up" the selection process to reflect the tough requirements needed for such extreme conditions. In 2014 there were 82 applicants.

Interviews for the first shortlisted candidates take place between May 16 and 17, with those selected going on a training going in September.

The lucky quartet will travel 11,000 miles to be a seasonal postie for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, which will see them hand-frank 80,000 postcards and letters all over the world.

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The team of four will spend five months from November to March running the shop, post office and museum operation at Port Lockroy, which is visited by about 18,000 cruise ship passengers each season.

But, the job ad warns, there is no running water. Instead water is collected in jerry cans from visiting ships or sourced from ice on the shore.

(Image: Barcroft)

"We are seeking committed individuals to make up a team of four to spend up to five months living and working at Port Lockroy in Antarctica and running the seasonal operation of the site," it says.

"This will include managing the gift shop, a British Antarctic Territory Post Office, annual maintenance and upkeep of the historic buildings and artefacts, wildlife observations and many other varied and challenging tasks.

"As this role will involve working in Antarctica, the successful candidate will need to be physically and medically able to do the job.

“Shortlisted applicants will be assessed by an occupational health expert as part of the selection process.

‘Successful applicants will then be required to undertake a medical assessment with their GP upon appointment. Antarctica is a physically and mentally challenging place to work.

(Image: Getty)

"You will be on the Northern Antarctic Peninsula in the summer months so temperatures will vary between -5C to +10C. Most days will be just a few degrees above zero but overcast days and wind-chill will make it feel colder.

"We will provide warm clothing for your time at Port Lockroy which you will be expected to supplement with thermals and other layers.

“The majority of your work involves spending many hours either outside or inside Bransfield House - historic site with no insulation or heating - but often the work is very physical, so layers are very important."

(Image: Getty)

The job also involves "penguin, other wildlife and environmental monitoring on behalf of the British Antarctic Survey. A post season report will be required by the end of March."

Port Lockroy stands on a grizzled outcrop named Goudier Island, which is the size of a primary school playing field.

There is no mains electricity, central heatingor any means of communication with the world other than VHF radio or satellite phone.

Applicants are warned that they will have "minimal communication with home for up to five months".

And there's no darkness, either - being at the southernmost tip of the globe, daylight lasts for nearly 24 hours a day.