Undergraduate Research Assistant

The University of Kansas is hiring an Undergraduate Research Assistant for soil and plant sample analysis related to grassland restoration. Responsibilities include 60% lab work, 30% fieldwork, and 10% additional tasks. Candidates must be enrolled in relevant programs, have Microsoft Office skills, and a valid driver's license. Remote work is typically not allowed unless exceptions are made. The position offers hands-on training and requires a minimum GPA of 3.2.
The University of Kansas is seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant for a hands-on role in soil and plant sample analysis related to grassland restoration. Responsibilities include laboratory processing (60%), fieldwork (30%), and other tasks (10%). Candidates must be enrolled in relevant programs, possess Microsoft Office skills, and have a valid driver’s license. Remote work is not typically allowed unless exceptions are made.
Position OverviewThis undergraduate research assistant opportunity will provide hands-on training in sampling, processing, and analyzing soil and plant samples to quantify ecosystem changes during grassland restoration. Conducting a field-based research project to complement ongoing research projects is encouraged.Job Description60% - Processing plant and soil samples in the laboratory to include sieving soil, sorting and weighing plant biomass, cleaning seeds, and entering data.
30% - Field work that includes collecting seeds, measuring light availability, sampling soil, harvesting biomass, and recording plant composition data.
10% - Other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications
• Enrolled students in Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Science or a related area.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) as evidenced in application materials.
• Be able to perform strenuous work in hot conditions as expressed and evidenced in application materials.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Be making satisfactory progress (minimum GPA of 3.2) in an ecology/environment-related degree program.
Preferred Qualifications
• Field and laboratory experience
Position RequirementsDuring 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(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) 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 InstructionsA complete application consists of:
• Online application
• Resume
• Cover letter
Only complete applications will be considered.

Application deadline is 05/26/2025 by 11:59PM Central Standard Time.Contact Information to Applicantsku-sasc@ku.edu or Aoesta.k@ku.eduAdvertised Salary Range$15/hrAnticipated Start DateSunday June 1, 2025Apply to Job