Student Geological Research Assistant at InsideHigherEd

Position OverviewThe Student Geological Research Assistant (position located on the Lawrence campus) works at the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) with KGS Scientists and KU Faculty to collect and process samples for geochemical analyses. As needed, the successful candidate will also work with the KGS Core Librarian to inventory, clean, organize, photograph, cut, and analyze samples for current and ongoing research efforts.Job Description70% - Assist with rock preparation and sampling, including weighing, sawing, drilling, slabbing, polishing, chemical preparation, and photographing of samples. 30% - Retrieve, process, inventory, and archive geological materials, which may include retrieval and re-stocking of already-archived materials. This involves moving geological samples, sorting, cleaning, possibly re-boxing, inventorying, and shelving. Transport samples by vehicle between core storage facilities. Retrieve requested items.Required Qualifications Experience with word processing and spreadsheet software as evidenced by application material. 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). 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). Preferred Qualifications Coursework in geology or related field as evidenced by application material. Prior use of a tile saw and/or wet saws for cutting rock samples as evidenced by application material. Good eye-hand coordination to weigh small samples as evidenced by application material and references. Demonstrated work or academic experience to work independently as evidenced by application material and references. Good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills as evidenced by application material and references. Position Requirements Possess a current valid driver’s license. Perform physical tasks of the job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation, to include but not limited to, Stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Work in environment exposed to dust, dirt and mildew associated with stored geological samples Frequently lift and move up to 30 pounds, and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds with accommodation in temperatures affected by extreme outdoor Kansas weather. Handle potentially hazardous chemicals (personal protective equipment (PPE) provided). Work in heights for forklift rock core/sample retrieval duties. Work up to 20 hours per week during school year and up to 40 hours weekly during business hours when classes are not in session, 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. Work a minimum of 7 hours per week. 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 InstructionsComplete the student profile and upload the following: Resume Cover letter is recommended but not required Provide 2 work references with relationship to the applicant Application deadline is 11/02/2025 by 11:59PM Central Standard Time.Contact Information to ApplicantsAnnette Delaney [email protected] Advertised Salary Range$15.00 per hourAnticipated Start DateMonday November 10, 2025 Apply to Job