Student Laboratory Assistant

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kansas Geological Survey's Geochemistry Lab is seeking a motivated Laboratory Assistant to support the analysis of water and aqueous solutions using instruments such as alkalinity titration, ion chromatography, and ICP.

The role includes operating instruments, performing routine lab tasks, preparing standards and samples, and contributing to general lab upkeep. Training will be provided, and the position is suitable for KU students seeking hands-on experience.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled KU student in chemistry, engineering, geology, environmental science, etc.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, self-reliance, and meticulous attention to detail, as evidenced by application materials.

Responsibilities

• Operate analytical instruments (titration for alkalinity, conductivity, IC, ICP).
• Perform lab tasks (filtration, acid addition, glassware maintenance, sample weighing).
• Assist in preparation of standards and samples for analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Self-reliance

Attention to detail

Education

KU student in chemistry, engineering, geology, environmental science

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Laboratory Assistant in the Kansas Geological Survey's Geochemistry Lab. The primary responsibilities of this role involve assisting in the analysis of water and aqueous solutions using various analytical instruments, including alkalinity, ion chromatography (IC), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) equipment. Training will be provided for the successful candidate.

Job Description

• 35% - Collaborate in the operation of analytical instruments, such as titration for alkalinity, conductivity measurement, and more.
• 35% - Engage in essential laboratory tasks, including sample filtration, acid addition to samples, glassware maintenance, sample weighing, and related activities.
• 20% - Assist in the preparation of standards and samples for analysis.
• 10% - Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• A currently enrolled KU student in disciplines such as chemistry, engineering, geology, environmental science, etc.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, self-reliance, and meticulous attention to detail, as evidenced by application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (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. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the 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 (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Application deadline is Thursday, 10/22/2026, by 11:59PM Central Standard Time.

Contact Information to Applicants

For Technical Information Contact

Erin Seybold
[e-mail]
Masi Veisi
[e-mail]

For HR Information Contact

Annette Delaney
[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$15.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 2, 2026