Student Research Assistant

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas invites applications for a Student Research Assistant. This position is open to undergraduate or graduate students with interest in critical minerals, sedimentology, stratigraphy, or mineralogy, to support the Critical Mineral Potential in Coal Mining Waste project led by Dr. Diana Ortega-Ariza and Dr.

Blair Schneider. The role includes field sampling, sample processing for in-house pXRF analysis, and data analysis, with occasional weekend

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in geology, geography, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Experience working independently and able to communicate clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

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 work

Communication

MS Office

Education

Geology

Geography

Environmental studies

Job description

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) invites applications for a Student Research Assistant. The position is available for undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in critical minerals, sedimentology, stratigraphy, or mineralogy. 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 helping collect samples in the field, sample processing for in-house pXRF analysis, and data analysis.

Occasionally the employee may be asked to assist with events on the weekend and before or after the regular business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday. All work-related travel expenses will be provided by the Kansas Geological Survey.

Job Description

• 20% - Assist the project leads with fieldwork sampling.
• 20% - Lay out cores for photos and core descriptions.
• 20% - Prepare samples for in-house XRF analyses by weighing, grinding, and creating pucks.
• 20% - Collect pXRF data of samples.
• 20% - Compile results and create tables and figures.

Required 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework in or relevant experience related to mineralogy, 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).

Occasionally the employee may be asked to assist with events on the weekend and before or after the regular business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday. All work-related travel expenses will be provided by the Kansas Geological Survey.

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.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Resume or CV
• Contact information for 3 references (email address, phone number, and relation to reference)
• Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)

Application deadline is Tuesday, 10/20/2026, by 11:59PM Central Standard Time.

Contact Information to Applicants

For Further Technical Information, Contact

Diana Ortega-Ariza

[e-mail]

For Other HR Information, Contact

Annette Delaney

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$15.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date

Monday November 2, 2026