undergraduate research technicians

Position Overview

The Harris NO COAST research group is seeking undergraduate research technicians to assist with water quality assessment in Kansas lakes. The research technician will use limnology equipment to collect water and sediment samples, in-lake sensors to monitor water quality, and assist with laboratory analyses of samples. This position may also help with data cleaning, aggregating, and visualization.

Job Description

80% - Investigate and sample physical, chemical, and biological factors related to water quality in Kansas Waterbodies via on-lake buoys, shoreline water, and sediment sampling.

10% - Develop figures and conduct analyses on water quality data.

10% - Analyze samples for suspended sediment, phytoplankton, or zooplankton.

Required Qualifications

• Interest in learning about water quality, harmful algal blooms, and/or environmental research, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience in Microsoft Excel and Word, as evidenced by application materials.
• Excellent communication skills, time-management skills, and strong work ethic, as evidenced by application materials.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and work well with a team, as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with water and/or sediment sampling and equipment, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience with data visualization, as evidenced by application materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of limnology, water quality, or ecology, as evidenced by application materials.

Position Requirements

During 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.
3. Must be able to lift 75 lbs. and know how to swim.
4. This is an on-site position (i.e., Kansas Biological Survey or at project sites in Kansas).

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application consists of:

1. A cover letter describing your qualifications and interest for this position, along with your future career goals
2. A resume or CV
3. Unofficial transcripts
4. Name and email address of 2 professional references
5. Online application

Only complete applications will be considered.

To ensure consideration, apply before the application review starts on Thursday, 4/23/2026. A review of applications will continue and is ongoing until a pool of qualified candidates is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Christine Cornish
christine.cornish@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range $18.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date Friday May 1, 2026