Research Aide

K-State Olathe is looking to hire a Research Aide to support the Sensory & Consumer Research Center. This position will assist with on-site consumer research studies: food-safe prep, station set-up, participant software help, sample service, and ...

  • 521161
  • Olathe, Kansas, United States
  • K-State Olathe
  • Temporary Part-time
  • Closing on: Mar 4 2026
  • On-site
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About This Role

K-State Olathe is looking to hire a Research Aide to support the Sensory & Consumer Research Center. Reporting to the Director, this position will assist with on-site consumer research studies: food-safe prep, station set-up, participant software help, sample service, and clean-up. The research aide will also assist with home use studies by preparing the kits: packing, stuffing, and labeling mailers.

The incumbent is scheduled to work when there are consumer research studies to be conducted. Hours can be from 0-16 hrs/week and may include evenings. This is a temporary, part-time non-exempt position. Responsibilities include:

  • Assist servers and kitchen staff in the set-up, execution, and clean-up of CLT (Consumer Location Test) consumer research studies:
    • Assist in kitchen with product preparation/portioning following food safety
    • guidelines
    • Set up panelist stations with appropriate supplies required for the test
    • Assist participants with software troubleshooting
    • Serve participants' samples in timely manner
    • Clean-up panelist stations between sessions and at the end of the test
    • Assist with kitchen clean-up at the end of the test
  • To assist Sensory & Consumer Research team in preparing samples for home use studies:
    • Packaging samples for mailing
    • Stuffing envelopes or boxes of samples for product pick-up or shipping
    • Labeling envelopes or boxes for mailing

About Us

Kansas State University’s Olathe campus was launched in April 2011 and is the newest campus in the university’s system. The campus is located in Johnson County and the Greater Kansas City metro area. The campus is a strategic partner of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, which was created in 2008 when residents invested in the county's future by voting for a one-eighth cent sales tax. The proceeds from this tax generate more than $20 million a year to fund higher education through a unique partnership among Johnson County, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State University.

K-State Olathe provides a unique work culture that offers a variety of professional development opportunities and a community building committee to organize campus wide activities that have included social gatherings, service opportunities, and team building workshops. Professional development opportunities on campus and in the community that employees regularly participate in, employee tuition assistance for academic programs, on campus lunch and learns, professional development workshops on campus, Leadership Olathe, various regional Chamber activities.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • Minimum 2 years of experience
  • Organized
  • Reliable, on time
  • Customer oriented/friendly, yet professional
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Team player, works well with others
  • Able to stand for prolonged time periods
  • Able to lift 30 pounds

Additional Role Information:

  • Able to work flexible hours - including evenings.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• 3 professional references

Application Window

Applications close on:  March 4, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$12.00 - $14.00 per hour

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas:

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.