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Position Overview

The KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum (BI/NHM) seeks a graduate student assistant to: (1) develop and present activities and create other resources about BI/NHM research for museum visitors; (2) oversee the planning and coordination to facilitate/share these activities and resources; and (3) participate in professional development training activities and evaluation. A valid driver's license is required to pick up program materials and travel to offsite programs.

Job Description

60% - Create engaging science experiences for visitors to the Biodiversity Institute/Natural History Museum.

20% - Program related coordination (e.g., schedule, set up); could include recruitment of graduate student volunteers, community volunteers, and potentially support/collaborate with other graduate assistant positions during the summer.

10% - Participate in professional development/training activities and evaluation.

10% - Assist with other education/outreach projects, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Is admitted in a KU graduate degree program, enrolled in no less than six graduate hours (or hours required by the degree), and is in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward degree.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g., biology, geology, biological anthropology, biology education, or closely a related field).
• Science teaching or facilitation experience, as evidenced by application materials.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills, as evidenced by application materials and interview process.
• Demonstrated strong organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, and ability to work independently, as evidenced by application materials.
• Valid driver's license is required to pick up program materials and travel to offsite programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant related field (e.g., biology, geology, biological anthropology, biology education, or closely a related field).
• 2+ years professional science teaching/facilitation experience, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience with activity or program development, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience teaching/facilitating in an informal science education setting (e.g., museum, science center, zoo), as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience working with different aged groups and program formats in an educational setting, as evidenced by application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Valid driver's license is required to pick up program materials and travel to offsite programs.

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.

(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Additional Candidate Instruction

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

• Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• Current CV/resume
• Contact Information for three professional references

To ensure consideration, apply before the application review starts on Wednesday, 10/28/2026. A review of applications will continue and is ongoing until a pool of qualified candidates is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Tracey Funk

trfunk@ku.edu

Application Review Begins

28-Oct-2026

Anticipated Start Date

19-Jan-2027

Advertised Salary Range

$26.25 per hour plus tuition sponsorship up to 9 credits fall and spring

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Reg/Temp

Temporary

Work Schedule

Up to 20 hours per week

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 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.