Description

Position Overview

The Technical Research Assistant (summer position), located in Lawrence, Kansas, supports the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) Core Library within the Libraries, Outreach, and Business Operations (LOBO) division. The position works under the supervision of the Core Library Manager, and assists with the organization, movement, and basic processing of geological materials used in scientific research.
This is a hands-on position with a primary focus on physically moving and organizing rock core, including assisting with the relocation of materials from the KGS North Core Facility to a new core storage warehouse in Lawrence. Work will be completed as part of a small team supporting this effort. Additional responsibilities include sample preparation, photography, and data entry.

The KGS Core Library houses one of the largest publicly accessible collections of geologic core in the United States, containing tens of thousands of boxes representing thousands of wells.

The Kansas Geological Survey anticipates hiring 2-3 individuals for this position.

Job Description

75% - Core Handling and Organization:

• Retrieve, move, and re-shelve geological materials, including heavy boxes of rock core. Responsibilities include sorting, cleaning, re-boxing, inventorying, and organizing materials within storage facilities. Work may involve transporting samples between locations and operating equipment such as carts or forklifts (training provided).

15% - Sample Preparation and Photography:

• Assist with basic rock preparation activities, including sawing, slabbing, polishing, and photographing core samples for documentation and research use.

5% - Data Entry and Inventory Support:

• Assist with database entry and inventory tracking for wells and rock samples.

5% - Other Duties as Assigned

Position Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
  • Lifting and moving up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Standing, bending, climbing, and working in storage environments.
• Work in varying environmental conditions, including non-climate-controlled warehouse spaces and summer heat.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Safely perform physical labor in a warehouse and laboratory environment.
• Use ladders, carts, and/or forklifts (training provided).

Required Qualifications

1. Student at an accredited college or university demonstrated by unofficial transcripts.

Additional Candidate Instruction

Complete the KU application profile. Upload the following:

1. Resume.
2. Cover letter addressing the qualifications and position requirements.
3. Contact information for three professional or academic references.

Application review begins Thursday, 4/23/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.