Summer Intern Technical Research Assistant

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
Disclaimer
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Work Schedule
MondayFriday 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. (2040 hours per week)

MayAugust 2026 (flexible start and end dates based on student availability)

Contact Information to Applicants
Annette Delaney

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

1. Interest in geology earth sciences or a related field as evidenced in application material.
2. Experience with physical or warehouse work or willingness to learn as evidenced in application material.
3. Experience with data entry or databases as evidenced in application material.
4. Experience with tools equipment or photography as evidenced in application material.

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 23 individuals for this position.

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.

• Valid drivers 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).