Student Technical Research Assistant Job Lawrence area,Kansas USA,Science

Student Technical Research Assistant

The Technical Research Assistant position, located in Lawrence, Kansas, supports the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) Core Library within the Libraries, Outreach, and Business Operations (LOBO) division. The position works under the supervision of the Drill Core Library Manager, and assists with the organization, movement, and basic processing of geological materials used in scientific research. This is a hands-on position with a focus on physically moving and organizing rock core, including assisting with the relocation of materials from the KGS North Core Facility to a new core storage warehouse in Lawrence.

Work will be completed as part of a small team supporting this effort. Additional responsibilities include data entry, sample preparation, and photography.

Job Description

50% – Core Handling and Organization Retrieval

Move, and re-shelve geological materials, including heavy boxes of rock core.
Sort, clean, re-box, inventory, and organize materials within storage facilities.
May involve transporting samples between locations and operating equipment such as carts or forklifts (training provided).

30% – Data Entry and Inventory Support Assistance

Database entry and inventory tracking for wells and rock samples.

15% – Sample Preparation and Photography Assistance

Basic rock preparation activities including sawing, slabbing, polishing, and photographing core samples for documentation and research use.

5% – Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

Enrollment in at least 6 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters at the University of Kansas.

Preferred Qualifications

Completed coursework relating to geology, earth sciences, or a similar field as evidenced in application material.
Experience with physical or warehouse work, or willingness to learn as evidenced in application material.
Experience with data entry or databases as evidenced in application material.
Experience with tools, equipment, or photography as evidenced in application material.

Position Requirements

Valid driver's license

Perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

Lifting and moving up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally
Standing, bending, climbing, and working in storage environments

Work in varying environmental conditions, including non-climate-controlled warehouse spaces in the winter and summer heat

Work independently and as part of a team

Safely perform physical labor in a warehouse and laboratory environment

Use ladders, carts, and/or forklifts (training provided)

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester.

Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR. (2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instruction

Resume/ CV
Cover Letter addressing required qualifications and position requirements

To ensure full consideration, please apply before the Final date to receive applications of August 30th, 2026.

Contact Information to Applicants

For technical questions about the position contact Oliva Buchhorn, oliviaelgajones. For HR questions about the position, contact Annette Delaney, adelaney.

Application Review Begins

31-Aug-2026

Anticipated Start Date

14-Sep-2026

Advertised Salary Range

$17.00 per hour

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Reg/Temp

Temporary

Work Schedule

10-20 hours per week during business hours, 8a-5p, Monday through Friday.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses:
Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civil rights, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, , 711 TTY.