Assistant Water Quality Researcher

33040BR

Job Title:

Assistant Water Quality Researcher

Department:

KS Biological Survey

Primary Campus:

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description:

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

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

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

Req ID (Ex: 10567BR) :

33040BR

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 the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, View email address on click.appcast.io, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, View phone number on click.appcast.io, 711 TTY.

Work Schedule:

One day remote (Monday) and 4 days on site or at a project site (lakes and streams in Kansas) working 8-5.

FLSA Status:

Nonexempt

Contact Information to Applicants:

Ted Harris; View email address on click.appcast.io; View phone number on click.appcast.io

Required Qualifications:

1. High school diploma/GED and four years of related experience OR bachelor's degree in a related field.

2. Two years of experience collecting water and sediment samples from lakes or reservoirs.

3. Six (6) months of experience working with on-lake buoys and their data.

4. One year of experience working with Microsoft Excel, Word, and R studio.

Employee Class:

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Advertised Salary Range:

$41,808 - $46,800

FTE:

1.0

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with remote water quality sensors and equipment as evidenced in application materials.

2. Experience sampling Midwestern US reservoirs as evidenced in application materials.

3. Experience with real-time water quality buoys and monitoring.

Position Overview:

The Harris research group is seeking an Assistant Researcher to assist with collecting samples for water quality assessment in Kansas lakes with limnology equipment and in-lake sensors. The Assistant Researcher may also assist with laboratory analyses of water quality samples, such as collecting and analyzing harmful algal bloom (HAB) data.

Reg/Temp:

Regular

Application Review Begins:

25-Jun-2026

Anticipated Start Date:

24-Aug-2026

Additional Candidate Instruction:

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.

2. Resume or curriculum vitae.

3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Thursday, 6/25/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Job Family:

Research-KUL

Work Location Assignment:

Hybrid