Undergraduate Research Assistant @ Employer

Position Overview

This Undergraduate Research Assistant position within the Department of Physics and Astronomy is funded through Kansas NASA EPSCoR and supports research focused on the collection, analysis, and curation of micrometeorite samples for future scientific study. The student will assist with a variety of field and laboratory research activities, including sample collection, preparation and processing of materials, data collection, and scientific documentation.

Job Description

35% - Processing and Separation of Collected Materials

• Process rooftop and drainage samples to remove terrestrial contaminants and prepare materials for analysis.
• Conduct laboratory procedures designed to improve the recovery efficiency of micrometeorites.
• Operate, modify, and help develop equipment and methods used to separate materials based on size, density, shape, and magnetic properties.
• Review relevant scientific literature and journal articles to support laboratory methods and ongoing research objectives.
• Maintain laboratory safety standards and ensure proper handling, labeling, and storage of samples and equipment.
• Assist with protocol development and continuous improvement of separation techniques.

35% - Micrometeorite Identification and Imaging

• Prepare processed samples for microscopic examination and imaging.
• Use optical microscopes and digital imaging systems to identify and document potential micrometeorites.
• Record observations and maintain detailed image catalogs and specimen records.
• Participate in training and operation of advanced analytical instruments, including electron microscopy facilities.
• Assist with the characterization and classification of candidate micrometeorites using established research methods.
• Support data collection and interpretation associated with imaging and analysis.

15% - Field Collection of Rooftop Materials

• Identify suitable rooftops, drainage systems, and collection sites for micrometeorite recovery.
• Communicate with property owners, facility managers, and other stakeholders to obtain site access and collection permissions.
• Safely collect samples from rooftops, gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems following established research protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of collection locations, sampling conditions, and collected materials.
• Travel locally to conduct field sampling activities as needed.

15% - Research Communication and Outreach

• Communicate regularly and effectively with the Principal Investigator, research team members, collaborators, and partner organizations, including NASA-affiliated researchers and local astronomy groups.
• Attend research meetings and provide project updates as needed.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and complete laboratory notebooks and research records.
• Assist with updating and maintaining research-related webpages, databases, and project documentation.
• Contribute to presentations, reports, and other dissemination activities related to the research project.
• Travel to research facilities, including the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division at Johnson Space Center, when opportunities arise.
• Participate in optional educational outreach activities, including presentations to schools, community organizations, and astronomy clubs.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants should be pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, with preference given to students majoring in Physics, Astronomy, Geology, Planetary Science, Engineering, or closely related disciplines, as demonstrated through application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous coursework or job experience with laboratory, shop, design, or technical aspects, as indicated in application materials.

Position Requirements

• Travel to Johnson Space Center may be part of the position which will be fully covered.
• 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.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, please provide the following.

• Resume/ CV
• List of courses completed
• Cover Letter addressing required/ preferred qualifications

To ensure full consideration, please apply before the application deadline of November 22nd, 2026.

Contact Information to Applicants

Jennifer Delgado [email protected]

Work Schedule

Up to 6 hours per week.

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.