Student Technical Research Assistant

Position OverviewThe 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 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.

The KGS Core Library houses one of the largest publicly accessible collections of geologic core in the United States, containing tens of thousands of boxes representing thousands of wells.

The Kansas Geological Survey anticipates hiring 1-2 individuals for this position.

Job Description50% – Core Handling & Organization

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

30% – Data Entry & Inventory Support

• Assist with database entry and inventory tracking for wells and rock samples.
  
  

15% – Sample Preparation & Photography

• Assist with basic rock preparation activities, including sawing, slabbing, polishing, and photographing core samples for documentation and research use.
  
  

5% – Other Duties as AssignedRequired Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed coursework relating to geology, earth sciences, or a similar field.
• Experience with physical or warehouse work, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience with data entry or databases, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience with tools, equipment, or photography, as evidenced by application materials.
  
  

Position Requirements*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.(4) Requires work in varying environmental conditions, including non-climate-controlled warehouse spaces in the winter and summer heat.Application deadline is Monday, 4/20/2026, by 11:59PM Central Standard Time.Contact Information to ApplicantsAnnette Delaney

• 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.
• Must be able to 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
• Safely performing physical labor in a warehouse and laboratory environment
• Requires use of ladders, carts, and/or forklifts (training provided)Additional Candidate InstructionsComplete the KU student application and upload:
• Resume
• Cover letter addressing the qualifications of the position is welcome but not required
• Contact information for two to three references
  
  

adelaney@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Range$17.00 per hourAnticipated Start DateMonday May 4, 2026Apply to Job