Data Assistant, Marine Mineral Technician, Fall 2026

Hiring Group: Undergraduate Students Only

Anticipated Start Date: September 21, 2026 or sooner

Estimated Pay: $16.00 per hour

Number of Jobs Available: 2

Schedule: Day: To coordinate with class schedule. Will require in-person work on campus, including full-time availability during the University’s winter break. Remote work is not available.

Location: Delaware Geological Survey Building

About the department / center

The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) is a science-based, public-service-driven Delaware state agency at the University of Delaware (UD) that conducts geologic and hydrologic research, service, and exploration for the benefit of the citizens of the First State. The mission of the DGS is to provide objective earth science information, advice, and service to its stakeholders–the citizens, policy makers, industries, and educational institutions of Delaware.

Role Description

The Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) is seeking part-time undergraduate laboratory assistant to help with a new project investigating heavy minerals in the sands and sediments of the continental shelf. The DGS houses a large collection of physical core samples from offshore Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia. This project seeks to characterize the elemental composition and physical characteristics of these offshore sediments to enhance our understanding of offshore critical mineral potential and the geologic history of the region. This project is funded by the United States Marine Minerals Administration.

Primary Responsibilities

• Sediment sample preparation

• Analyze sample elemental composition using X-ray fluorescence

• Sample and data management

• Prepare subsamples for downstream analysis (e.g., grain size, mineral

characterization)

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory settings

• Coursework in Sedimentology/Stratigraphy desirable

• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and basic data management procedures

• Applicants must