Undergrad Geochemistry Lab Research Assistant

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

Job summary

Center for Public Partnerships & Research seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the Senior Scientist by preparing rock samples, running analyses, and helping to ready data for abstracts and manuscripts. The role emphasizes sample prep, geochemical analysis, and data synthesis within KU Geology facilities.

The position includes hands-on work with zircon preparation, LA-ICP-MS, and data compilation, with potential authorship on research outputs.

Qualifications

• Must be a junior or higher undergraduate.
• Completed GEOL 591 (Paleoclimatology).
• Completed GEOL 360 (Field Investigation).
• Work experience in a laboratory in the Earth Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Subsample rock specimens for geochemical analysis.
• Process samples in KU Department of Geology facilities to separate zircon grains under supervision of lab manager.
• Picking, mounting and imaging zircon grains for U/Pb analyses.
• Conduct LA-ICP-MS analyses of mounted zircon grains under supervision of lab manager.
• Compile isotope geochemical data in Kansas Geological Survey project Excel spreadsheets.
• Assist supervisor with synthesis of isotopic data and contribute to authorship of scientific abstracts and manuscripts.

Skills

Undergraduate status

Education

GEOL 591 Paleoclimatology

GEOL 360 Field Investigation

Job description

Center for Public Partnerships & Research seeks an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support the Senior Scientist by preparing rock samples, running analyses, and helping to ready data for abstracts and manuscripts. The role emphasizes sample prep, geochemical analysis, and data synthesis within KU Geology facilities.

The position includes hands-on work with zircon preparation, LA-ICP-MS, and data compilation, with potential authorship on research outputs.