Research Technician

The Division of Biology seeks a motivated individual to support field research in soil fertility and water quality, including collection, organization, and analysis of microbiology and chemistry data from water, biofilm, and soil samples.

  • 521212
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Biology
  • Staff Part Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Mar 20 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Division of Biology seeks a highly motivated person to support field research in soil fertility and water quality. Responsibilities of this position encompass the collection, organization and primary analysis of data on microbiology and chemistry of in environmental water, biofilm and soil samples. Specific tasks include aseptic sample collection and handling in the field and the laboratory, general organization and maintenance of supplies in support of data collection, data and metadata organization. Job duties will include approximately 25% fieldwork and 75% laboratory support of sample preparation and processing.

The responsibilities of this position encompass the collection, organization and primary analysis of data on microbiology and chemistry of in environmental soil, biofilm, and water samples. Specific tasks include aseptic sample collection and handling in the field and the laboratory, general organization and maintenance of supplies in support of data collection, data and metadata organization. Job duties will include approximately 25% fieldwork and 75% laboratory support of sample preparation and processing.

About Us

The Division of Biology at Kansas State University is composed of a dynamic group of tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, as well as a large number of postdoctoral research associates, graduate students, and support staff. All of these individuals are essential to accomplish the Division of Biology’s mission, to generate and disseminate high-quality biological scientific knowledge through teaching, research, service, and outreach. The research, teaching, and service interests of these individuals, spanning all areas of biological research, teaching and training at the postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels, as well as service and outreach contributions to the broader scientific community and the public.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a high school diploma.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS in Biology or related field.
  • Experience with field-based research, preparedness for work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
  • Experience in field sampling for soil fertility and water quality applications, including sample collection using appropriate handling for downstream molecular and chemistry analysis.
  • Specific experience with 96-well plate based chemical and biochemical assays, DNA extraction of standard and low biomass samples, and PCR based applications, including quantitative PCR of housekeeping and functional gene loci.
  • Specific experience in with data and metadata organization including proficiency with Excel and Word software, and hierarchical organization of both raw and derived data products in association with sample and analysis metadata attributes, in preparation for databasing.
  • Excellent critical thinking and communication skills.

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:

  • Online application

Application Window

Applications close on: March 20, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$14.90 - $25.32 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 from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to 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.