Student Research Assistant

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Kansas Lawrence campus is seeking a student hourly in Civil/Environmental/Architectural Engineering to assist with geotechnical research and lab work.

You will help with plate load testing, soil preparation, test setup, instrumentation and data collection, gaining hands-on experience in pavement and geotechnical engineering.

Enrollment in KU and a related engineering major, plus the ability to lift 35–40 pounds, are required.

Qualifications

• Student must be enrolled at KU and pursuing a Civil Engineering or related major.
• Basic understanding of engineering principles required.
• Able to lift 35–40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist with large-scale plate load testing, including soil preparation, test setup, instrumentation and data collection.
• Provide general laboratory support including setup, cleanup and record-keeping.

Skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Engineering fundamentals

Education

Civil Engineering or related major

Currently enrolled at University of Kansas

Job description

This position offers an opportunity to work closely with graduate researchers on advanced geotechnical engineering projects focused on geosynthetic-reinforced pavement systems. The student will support laboratory research activities, including plate load testing, preparation of test setups, instrumentation, and data collection. The research involves evaluating the performance of advanced geogrid systems in improving the mechanical response of aggregate base layers and subgrade reaction modulus under pavement loading conditions. This position provides hands-on experimental experience and exposure to innovative research in pavement and geotechnical engineering.

Job Description

100% – Assist with large-scale plate load testing, including soil preparation, test setup, instrumentation, and data collection. As well as providing general laboratory support.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a student at the University of Kansas.
• Pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or a related field (e.g., Geology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related major).
• Basic understanding of engineering principles.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to lift between 35-40 pounds without injury.

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

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

(2) 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.

Contact Information to Applicants

• Department: Civil/Environ/Arch Engineering
• Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus