Assistant Researcher (0.625 FTE)

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas invites applications for an Assistant Researcher in the Kansas Geological Survey to support the Critical Mineral Potential in Coal Mining Waste project. You will coordinate fieldwork, sample collection, processing, and data analysis, and mentor undergraduate students.

This is a one-year limited-term, part-time position at 25 hours per week, with travel and field activities up to 25 weeks per year. Strong collaboration and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM or related fields or HS diploma/GED with four years of related experience.
• Minimum 1 year of field data collection experience.
• Minimum 1 year of handling core samples for analysis and preparation.
• Strong communication skills and MS Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate fieldwork operations including travel, sampling, sample prep, and shipping for analyses.
• Assist with data analysis and supervising undergraduate students.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Driver's license

Fieldwork experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in STEM or related fields

High School diploma/GED

Tools

Trimble Catalyst D2

ArcGIS Field Maps

Job description

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

1. Travel up to 25 weeks per year to participate in fieldwork and other project-related activities.
2. Must have a current driver's license.
3. 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

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Contact Information to Applicants

For further technical information contact Blair Schneider at [e-mail].

For other HR information, contact Annette Delaney at [e-mail].

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