Description

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) invites applications for multiple KGS Geohydrology Summer Research Assistantship positions for the summer of 2026. The positions are available for upper-level undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students with an interest in interdisciplinary water science, including ecohydrology, hydrogeology, biogeochemistry, geochemistry, and critical zone science. Established in 1997, many past participants in the KGS Geohydrology Internship Program have co-authored articles or conference presentations based on the summer work, and students would be encouraged to continue working on projects as part of an undergraduate or graduate thesis following the conclusion of the internship if interested. More information on the internship program is available here: https://kgs.ku.edu/geohydrology-internship-program

POSITION: KGS Geohydrology Internship Program

STARTING DATE: Week of May 26, 2026 (flexible based on student schedule)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on January 19, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

SALARY: Interns will be paid $18/hr with an anticipated 12-week, full-time (40 hrs/week) work schedule. All work-related expenses will be provided by the KGS, but the KGS does not provide lodging nor expenses of travel to/from Lawrence.

Job Description

This assistantship is a 12-week summer position during which interns will work with KGS scientists, staff, and students to complete summer research projects that meet project needs and align with intern career goals and interests. In 2026, we anticipate hiring between 3-5 interns for projects related to: Investigating water quantity and quality in the Kansas River watershed

• Measuring the hydrologic response to soil health management practices.
• Investigating hydrologic impacts of solar photovoltaic systems.
• Investigating the sustainability of groundwater conservation practices.
• Computational natural resource modeling and analysis.

While the interns will have a primary focal project, they will have opportunities to work together to gain interdisciplinary experience and exposure to a variety of methods.

Intern duties may include:

40% - Synthesis and analysis of hydrological, meteorological, geophysical, and/or biogeochemical data.
40% - Field data collection including water sampling, streamflow monitoring, sensor deployment, soil sampling, and other relevant activities.
10% - Preparing results for publication or presentation.
10% - Laboratory analysis of water and sediment samples.

Percentages for each duty will vary depending on the specific project the intern works on.

Position Requirements

RESTRICTIONS: Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the U.S.A.

Required Qualifications

1. Enrollment in or completion of an undergraduate and/or graduate degree program in Geology, Geography, Ecology, Civil Engineering, or another relevant discipline.
2. Relevant coursework in hydrogeology, hydrology, physical geography, and/or biogeochemistry as shown in application materials.
3. Data analysis and visualization experience, preferably using programmatic approaches (R, Python, MATLAB, etc.) as evidenced in application materials.
4. Clear communication skills as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate Instruction

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

• PDF cover letter (max 2 pages) indicating how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, and how the internship will help you reach your career goals.
• PDF document (max 1 page) with responses to three short-answer questions:
  • (<150 words) What are you really good at professionally, academically, and/or technically? List 3 items with a brief example for each to put things in context.
  • (<150 words) What are you not good at or would like to improve academically, professionally, or technically? List 3 items. To help frame your answers, consider what past bosses, supervisors, or teachers might answer when we contact references.
  • (<150 words) Is there anything else that we should know about you that you would like to share?
• Full CV/resume.
• Contact information for 3 references (email address and phone number).
• Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable).

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Tuesday, January 19, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

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 procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.