Assistant Researcher (0.625 FTE)

Position Overview

The Science Outreach Manager of the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) invites applications for an Assistant Researcher. This position will support the work of the Critical Mineral Potential in Coal Mining Waste project, led by Dr. Diana Ortega-Ariza and Dr. Blair Schneider. This position will be responsible for coordinating fieldwork, sample collection, sample processing, and data analysis. This position will also be responsible for working with undergraduate students to support data analysis.

This is a one-year limited term position.

Job Description

• (95%) – Assist the project leads with fieldwork program operations including all travel arrangements, field sampling, sample preparation and shipping for USGS analyses, and sample preparation for in-house XRF analyses.
• (5%) – Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Position Requirements

• Travel up to 25 weeks per year to participate in fieldwork and other project-related activities.
• Must have a current 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 on uneven terrain.
• Walk distances of 1 mile while carrying or pushing equipment.
• Frequently lift and move up to 30 pounds.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM or other related fields or High School diploma/GED and four years of related experience.
• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience collecting data in the field.
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience handling core samples for analysis and preparation.
• Strong communication skills will be evaluated by application materials.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite applications, as evidenced by application materials.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with organizing and coordinating fieldwork campaigns.
• Experience with recording GPS data with a Trimble Catalyst D2 system and ArcGIS Field Mappers software.
• Demonstrated record of successful performance in a team environment.
• Experience working in remote field settings with limited communications and resources.
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application will include the following items:

• A cover letter explaining how you meet the required and preferred qualifications;
• Resume;
• A list of three (3) professional references.
  
  
  

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For consideration, please apply no later than the October 25, 2026, deadline. Review begins October 26, 2026.

Contact Information to Applicants

For further technical information contact Blair Schneider at blair.schneider@ku.edu.

For other HR information, contact Annette Delaney at adelaney@ku.edu.

Advertised Salary Range

$26,130 ($20.10 per hour) at .625 FTE (25 hours per week)

Application Review Begins

Monday October 26, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Sunday November 8, 2026