Field Research Assistant – Critical Minerals & XRF Analysis

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel expenses covered

Job summary

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas invites applications for a Student Research Assistant. The position supports the Critical Mineral Potential in Coal Mining Waste project led by Dr. Diana Ortega-Ariza and Dr.

Blair Schneider. This position will assist with field sampling, sample processing for in-house pXRF analysis, and data analysis. Scheduling is 5–10 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional weekend events.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in geology, geography, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Experience working independently without close supervision, as evidenced by application materials.
• Clear communication skills, as evidenced by application materials.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as evidenced by application materials.

Responsibilities

• Assist the project leads with fieldwork sampling.
• Lay out cores for photos and core descriptions.
• Prepare samples for in-house XRF analyses by weighing, grinding, and creating pucks.
• Collect pXRF data of samples.
• Compile results and create tables and figures.

Skills

Independent worker

Clear communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Geology / Geography / Environmental Studies

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas invites applications for a Student Research Assistant. The position supports the Critical Mineral Potential in Coal Mining Waste project led by Dr. Diana Ortega-Ariza and Dr.

Blair Schneider. This position will assist with field sampling, sample processing for in-house pXRF analysis, and data analysis. Scheduling is 5–10 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional weekend events.