Student Research Assistant

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

Center for Public Partnerships & Research in Topeka, Kansas is seeking a student employee for research in geotechnical engineering. The role includes supporting laboratory activities and plate load testing for advanced geogrid systems. Applicants must be current University of Kansas students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or related fields. The position offers hands-on experience with an hourly wage ranging from $16.00 to $18.00, non-exempt status, and specific enrollment requirements during the term.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist with large-scale plate load testing, including soil preparation, set-up, instrumentation, and data collection.
• Provide general laboratory support.

Skills

Basic understanding of engineering principles

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in a team

Able to lift between 35-40 pounds

Education

Currently enrolled as a student at the University of Kansas

Pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Position Overview

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 set‑ups, 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

• Assist with large‑scale plate load testing, including soil preparation, test set‑up, instrumentation, and data collection.
• Provide 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

• 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.

Advertised Salary Range

$16.00 - $18.00 Hourly

Anticipated Start Date

Monday April 13, 2026