Student Technical Research Assistant

This position, located in Lawrence, Kansas, supports the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) Core Library within the Libraries, Outreach, and Business Operations (LOBO) division. The role assists with the organization, movement, and basic processing of geological materials used in scientific research under the supervision of the Drill Core Library Manager. This is a hands-on position focused on physically moving and organizing rock core, including assisting with the relocation of materials to a new core storage warehouse. The KGS Core Library houses one of the largest publicly accessible collections of geologic drill core in the United States.

Responsibilities

• 50% – Core Handling and 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.
  • Transport samples between locations and operate equipment such as carts or forklifts (training provided).
• 30% – Data Entry and Inventory Support
  • Assist with database entry and inventory tracking for wells and rock samples.
• 15% – Sample Preparation and Photography
  • Perform basic rock preparation activities including sawing, slabbing, polishing, and photographing core samples for documentation and research use.
• 5% – Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

• Enrollment in at least 6 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters at the University of Kansas.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability 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.
  • Working in varying environmental conditions, including non-climate-controlled warehouse spaces.
• Ability to 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).

For summer periods, the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no fewer than 6 hours in the past spring semester, (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no fewer than 6 hours, (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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay

$17.00 per hour

Schedule

Anticipated start date: Monday, September 14, 2026.

Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by unit leadership and HR. 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 concurrently.