Lab Assistant II

Student Advanced Level

Requisition IDreq38357 Working TitleLab Assistant II Pay18.00 Hourly CampusMain - Albuquerque, NM DepartmentEarth and Planetary Sciences E PS (133B) Employment TypeStudent Employment Student TypeStudent Employment StatusNon-Exempt Background Check RequiredNo For Best Consideration Date11/10/2026 Position Summary

The Earth Surface Processes Lab at UNM is looking for an undergraduate student to assist with laboratory sample preparation and analyses, as well as local field work. The lab serves the university with equipment and instrumentation to process and analyze water, soil, sediment, and rock samples, including a laser diffraction particle size and shape analyzer.

The student research assistant will perform the following duties:

• Operate and maintain the laser diffraction particle size and shape analyzer for sample analysis

• Assist undergraduate and graduate students with preparing and analyzing water, soil, sediment, and rock samples

• Monitor and maintain laboratory filtered water systems to ensure consistent operation

• Organize, manage, and perform quality checks on large datasets generated from sample analyses

• Assist with field data collection at local field sites in the Rio Grande Bosque

• Assist with various research projects in the Earth Surface Processes Lab

Work period: 1 December 2026 - 30 November 2027, with possibility for extension

Minimum Qualifications

Enrolled in a degree seeking program at UNM, Enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) at UNM for fall and spring semesters (Audit hours do not count), and if Work Study, you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework and prior experience in Earth and/or Environmental Sciences, chemistry, biology, or environmental engineering.

• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and handling of environmental samples.

• Proficiency in data management and basic analysis using Excel or other data analysis software.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when performing repetitive tasks or working with large datasets.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients and other lab users.

Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please submit an updated resume.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.