Assistant Researcher

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: 26 days ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS

27408BR

Kansas Geological Survey


Position Overview

The Assistant Researcher is a part of the Applied Geophysical Research (AGR) program of the Kansas Geological Survey—a complex unit with multiple subdisciplines and several specialized programs.  The Assistant Researcher will work under general direction as part of a research team to assist with shop activities, including repair and maintenance of equipment, operation of tools, and support senior staff assigned projects within the AGR.  The Assistant Researcher is integral to fieldwork projects and shop support. 


Job Description

45%    Maintenance, Repair, Fabrication Assistance

  • Assist senior staff with the fabrication of equipment from general concepts.
  • Assist senior staff with the design and fabrication of field equipment.
  • Basic repair of equipment, tools, sources, vehicles, ATVs, etc.
  • Replicate specialized parts using templates and limited plans.
  • Assist senior staff with the design, building, and repair of hydraulic systems.
  • Use software (ie Fushion 360, Solidworks, etc) to assist senior staff with design and construction of components.

25%    Geophysical, Drilling, and Water Level Program Technical Support

  • Participate in annual water level measurement program.
  • Participate in geophysical field work as part of the seismic crew.
  • Provide a range of field support to KGS scientists.  Examples include: landowner search, borehole monitoring, borehole logging, utility clearance, and field contractor oversight.
  • Assist with inventory of necessary supplies and tools for the geophysical and Water Level Program.
  • Participate in mobilizing and demobilizing for drilling, plugging, and logging operations.
  • Participate in drilling projects.

25%    Earthquake Research Support

  • Assist senior staff with mobilization/demobilization, site preparation, preparing, installing, and troubleshooting earthquake stations.
  • Perform periodic visits to installation sites for equipment welfare checks, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance, likely involving a significant number of self-driven miles to remote Kansas location.

5%     Other Duties as Assigned


Position Requirements

  • Valid, current, and unrestricted driver’s license.
  • Ability and willingness to be away from home base for up to ten days at a time, and up to 100 days per year.
  • Ability to work outdoors in possibly extreme conditions for extended periods while performing repetitive and labor-intensive tasks over periods of several days.
  • Ability to lift and move up to 100 pounds short distances, with or without reasonable accommodation.

    • Required Qualifications

    Measured by application material, interviews, and references.

  • High school diploma/ GED and four years of related experience OR Associate’s degree in technology or welding and two years of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s degree in the geosciences, environmental sciences, or related field.  Relevant experience can be a combination of the following:
    • Demonstrated work experience in a hands-on, outdoor environment. For example: farm, construction, fieldwork, etc.
    • Demonstrated experience with vehicle/equipment maintenance and repair.
    • Two or more years of welding, fabrication, design, metal work/woodworking (including welding, cutting, and/or grinding) experience.
    • Experience working independently and making decisions with remote guidance.

    Preferred Qualifications

  • College degree in Automotive, Hydraulic, or Welding technology, and/or Geoscience, Environmental Science, Geoscience related Engineering.
  • Demonstrable geoscience-related fieldwork experience.
  • Demonstrable work experience in drilling (rotary, auger, core, direct-push) or hydraulic systems maintenance and repair.
  • Experience with electrical and/or assembly of electronic or scientific equipment.
  • Kansas Class “A” commercial driver’s license with combination vehicle driving experience.
  • Computer literacy in Windows-based programs.

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    Annette Delaney
    [email protected]
    785-864-2152


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    A complete online application will include the following materials:

    • Cover letter detailing interest in the position and fit with the required and preferred qualifications. 
    • Resume.
    • Transcripts for the education requirement (unofficial copies fine).
    • Contact information for three references.
    Review of applications will begin on April 2nd. 

    Advertised Salary Range

    $40,000 per year ($19.23 per hour)


    Application Review Begins

    03-Apr-2024


    Anticipated Start Date

    06-May-2024


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Work Location Assignment

    On-Site


    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 is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.


    Similar Positions