Job Description

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), which is a dedicated research center of the University of Kansas (KU), seeks a qualified candidate with expertise in lab management to join the Energy and Stratigraphy Division. The individual in this position will manage sample prep and analytical instrument operations; oversee laboratory safety in KGS Analytical Laboratories; and participate in proposal writing and project execution. Candidate will further the mission of the Kansas Geological Survey to collect and disseminate geologic information about Kansas and its natural resources. Provide support for development of KGS digital services and publications related to laboratory-derived data. The individual will work as part of a team with lab technicians in the core and cuttings laboratory and coordinate with other lab technicians in the KGS to include the geohydrology group.

Salary, Employment Status, and Fringe Benefits: This position salary range is $70,00 to $80,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include university staff privileges; up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, and nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day annually; group medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and retirement program options. All new positions have a six-month probationary period. KU/KGS is a great place to work!


About the KGS and KU:
The KGS is a research and service center at KU that conducts fundamental and applied research. Special emphasis is given to applications and insights for the State of Kansas. Within the KGS, the Energy and Stratigraphy Division conducts research on surficial and subsurface resources. The Energy and Stratigraphy Division has ~20 individuals including five full-time scientists, technical support personnel, graduate students, and postdocs. The Energy and Stratigraphy Division assembles technical information and conducts scientific studies leading to an improved understanding of Kansas’ stratigraphic and energy resources.

The KGS is located on the KU campus amidst the rolling hills of Lawrence, Kansas. KU is an international, R1 research university, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and Big 12 conference, and the flagship university for the state of Kansas. KU has a subsurface energy and stratigraphic research community spread across campus with many opportunities for collaboration, including with the Departments of Geology; Geography and Atmospheric Science; Civil, Petroleum, and Environmental Engineering; Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; and the Kansas Biological Survey. Lawrence is an eclectic town of ~100,000 people along the banks of the beautiful Kansas River with an excellent cultural scene, historic downtown, cutting-edge library, farmers market, and many delicious restaurants. Outdoor opportunities around town including biking, hiking, and boating.

Review begins December 11, 2023. Start January 2024, exact start date is negotiable.

Job Description

(75%) Manage KGS analytical laboratories

Manage analytical instruments & safe operations for current analytical equipment in the Energy and Stratigraphy Division, including XRF (benchtop and 2 portable units), Core Scanner, Porosimetry (Hg and He), and petrographic microscopes with cathodoluminescence.
Interface with the University of Kansas Department of Environment, Health, and Safety to ensure all KGS lab spaces meet requirements
Track safety training for KGS personnel and students working in KGS laboratories
Train and supervise students working in labs.
Coordinate with KGS personnel to maintain accurate inventory of analytical equipment.
Communicate equipment and budget needs to supervisor for KGS administration, including preparation and submission of annual budget for equipment and supplies (e.g., PPE).
Manage fee-for-service accounts for laboratories, including billing and purchasing.
Coordinate maintenance and service of laboratory equipment.
(25%) Research participation

Participate in KGS research programs.
Coordinate with relevant KGS personnel to ensure instrumentation meets KGS research missions.
Assist with proposals for grant and contract opportunities.
Author and co-author publications in peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed venues.
Prepare abstracts and presentations for diverse venues.
Serve on graduate committees and KGS search committees.
Represent KGS at professional events.

Required Qualifications

Master's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry or a closely related field.
Three years of experience with lab work to include any relevant undergraduate and graduate experience.
Strong organizational skills.
Experience calibrating, operating, and maintaining lab equipment.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative research team.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, Chemistry or a closely related field.
5 years of experience with lab work.
Experience with developing and implementing lab safety protocols.
Experience managing budgets/project funds, including purchasing and fee for service accounts.
Experience in lab management, development of analytical methods, and training others to use analytical instruments and data collection system.

Contact Information to Applicants

For additional position information contact:
Brendan Bream, bbream@ku.edu

For HR questions or information contact:
Annette Delaney, adelaney@ku.edu, 785-864-2152


Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete online application consists of:
Cover letter detailing experience, interests, and how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications
Full C.V.
Contact information for 3 professional references (include relationship to references).