Anderson Labs Program Associate (temporary position)

at  University of Minnesota

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school graduation plus two years college coursework in an appropriate scientific field and a minimum of two years of work experience in maintenance, repair and construction, machine shop, storage, and/or audio visual aids.
• Experience developing training materials such as class curriculum, tutorials, workshops, technical manuals, etc.
• Experience organizing and running workshops, tutoring sessions, small group lessons, etc.
• Experience editing websites.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) and desire to promote DEAI in a fabrication shop environment.
• Exceptional level of customer service and ability to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations.
• Wide range of mobility and ability to stand for long periods of time and lift and carry objects weighing up to 50lbs.
• Understanding of and strict adherence to PPE standards and safety practices when handling hazardous materials or being exposed to dust and noise.
• Flexibility in work hours. Evening and/or weekend hours will occasionally be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strongly preferred: experience in an educational hands-on learning environment, such as a makerspace, arts program, or fabrication lab.
• High level of skill in the operation of a variety of analog and digital fabrication equipment and tools. Familiarity with a wide range of materials, including woods, metals, and plastics.
• Working knowledge of 3D printing and laser cutting hardware and software.
• Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software such as: Solidworks, Creo, Inventor, Fusion360, or similar.
• Experience with C++, Python, Java, or other object oriented programming languages.
• Experience working with microcontrollers and single board computers such as: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Particle Photon, etc.
• Experience with graphic design software such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, or equivalent.
• Experience with Drupal or other web content management systems, and the ability to edit HTML.
  The Anderson Labs is seeking to hire a part-time (30 hours per week) temporary staff position to help with day-to-day operations and to help with educational programming in the makerspaces. The Anderson Labs contains a variety of computer controlled and manual machines including 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics prototyping equipment, 3D scanners, a 30 kN load frame, welding equipment, a CNC router, metal lathe, vertical mill, and several saws, drills, sanders, hand tools, etc. This position will split its time between two Anderson Labs locations (“Design Lab” - Mechanical Engineering 2134 & “Build Lab” - Civil Engineering 335) as needed.
  This person will help foster a safe and welcoming work environment for shop users of all skill levels. A major portion of this job will be dedicated to improving the Anderson Labs user experience and may include the following: developing training materials, creating signage, reorganizing the lab, writing lesson plans for technical workshops, scheduling and facilitating technical workshops, providing technical/design assistance to student lab users, and more. This position will work closely with other full time staff and student workers.
  Work tasks will vary day-to-day depending upon the needs of the Anderson Labs’ users. Work hours are flexible but should be 30 hours per week and occur mostly during the hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., with occasional weekend and evening requirements. This position reports to the Anderson Labs Manager and is a 6-month, 75% time Labor Represented position.

Anderson Labs Development & Special Projects - 60%
Develop training materials for equipment and processes, accounting for diverse ways of learning.
Contribute to the improvement of policies and procedures.
Participate in staff meetings.
Assist in all Anderson Labs spaces as necessary.
Facilitate and help develop skill-building micro-courses (workshops and training sessions).
Collect data to measure space utilization and impact.
Design, construct, and install physical improvements to work environments, including those that improve accessibility.
Expand technical capabilities through self-directed projects.
Consult with the Anderson Labs Manager to identify opportunities for skill growth.
Collaborate with and support University departments outside of CSE when fabrication resources are requested.
Routine Maintenance, Housekeeping and Equipment Troubleshooting – 30%
Maintain familiarity with tools and equipment required by users.
Handle routine maintenance and housekeeping of the facility without direct supervision.
Manage inventory and ordering for consumables.
Work with the Office of IT, Facilities Management, and staff from other University departments to ensure the appropriate building infrastructure is in place to support the Anderson Labs.
Discuss equipment, facility, and material concerns with the Anderson Labs Manager and parties requesting work on special projects.
Train, Supervise, and Assist Anderson Labs Users – 10%
Demonstrate safe, effective shop practices and oversee a diverse population of users in the facility.
Understand, follow, and enforce safe work practices and policies.
Work with and support extracurricular student organizations.
Provide instruction and support for digital fabrication software and hardware.
Consult with lab users and suggest processes, tools, and materials.
Consult with the Anderson Labs Manager when user needs are not met and work collaboratively toward solutions.
The Anderson Student Innovation Labs are makerspaces in the College of Science and Engineering that serve students working on course related projects, extracurricular student organizations, researchers, and people working on personal projects. The Anderson Labs consist of several locations spread out across multiple buildings and the capabilities include 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics prototyping equipment (soldering irons, PCB mill, power supplies, test equipment, etc.), metal working equipment (mills, lathes, saws, welders, sheet metal shears and brakes, etc.), woodworking equipment (saws, CNC router, sanders, drill presses, lathes, etc.), and more.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. To be fully considered for the position, applicants must submit the following materials:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Contact information for three references
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022)