Research Technician

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Grassland Arthropod Ecology Lab seeks a Research Technician to support insect collection and data management on grassland ecosystems. This on-site role offers opportunities to work with graduate students and researchers in a welcoming lab.

Responsibilities include sorting and identifying arthropods, organizing data on insect traits, handling lab logistics, and maintaining datasets and metadata. Must have a high school diploma; a B.S.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Sponsorship eligibility: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Data management experience.
• Cover letter.

Responsibilities

• Sorting and identifying arthropods in collected samples (80%).
• Quantifying and organizing data regarding insect traits (10%).
• Managing lab day-to-day operations such as receiving packages and buying supplies (5%).
• Managing datasets and metadata (5%).

Skills

Data management

Cover letter

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

B.S. in ecology, wildlife management, conservation, or related field

Job description

• Data management experience
• Cover letter

Research Technician

Kansas State University

About This Role

The Grassland Arthropod Ecology Lab is in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. We study what, how, and why grassland arthropod communities vary over space and time and the repercussions of this variation. Our lab is a welcoming and inclusive environment. We prioritize the well-being of all lab members and collaborators, and value scientific integrity, strong communication, work-life balance, and scientific mentoring and research opportunities for all experience levels.

About Us

The Division of Biology at Kansas State University is composed of a dynamic group of tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, as well as a large number of postdoctoral research associates, graduate students, and support staff. All of these individuals are essential to accomplish the Division of Biology's mission, to generate and disseminate high-quality biological scientific knowledge through teaching, research, service, and outreach. The research, teaching, and service interests of these individuals, spanning all areas of biological research, teaching and training at the postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels, as well as service and outreach contributions to the broader scientific community and the public.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Valid drivers license

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. in ecology, wildlife management, conservation, or other related field work

Additional Role Information

• The technician will assist with insect collection as part of research projects on grassland arthropod ecology.
• The technician will assist with both the Konza Prairie LTER grasshopper dataset and plant and insect processing from other research projects, with a focus on grasshoppers and bees.

Technician Will Assist With Lab Tasks Including

• Sorting and identifying arthropods in collected samples (80%)
• Quantifying and organizing data regarding insect traits, and (10%)
• Managing lab day-to-day operations such as receiving packages and buying supplies (5%)
• Managing datasets and meta-data (5%)

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on: September 25,2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$16 Hrly