Graduate Administrative Assistant - Texas Inventionworks, Cockrell School of Engineering
Graduate Administrative Assistant - Texas Inventionworks, Cockrell School of EngineeringThe Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin has been a global leader in technology innovation and engineering education for over a century. It is a top-10 engineering school and the No. 1 program in Texas that includes 11 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs, over 20 research centers and a faculty community that boasts one of the highest number of National Academy of Engineering members among U.S. universities, Texas Engineering has launched some of the nation's most accomplished leaders and pioneered world-changing solutions in virtually every industry, from space exploration to energy, manufacturing and health care. Situated in the heart of Austin named "America's Coolest City" by Expedia and "The Best Place to Live in the U.S." by U.S. News and World Report the Cockrell School embodies the city's innovative spirit. Major companies with Austin campuses, such as Dell, National Instruments, Apple, IBM, Samsung, Google and many others, recruit Cockrell School students, launching thousands of successful careers.Texas Inventionworks, based in the Cockrell School of Engineering, is a vibrant hands-on education program, fabrication resource and innovation hub. The Texas Inventionworks staff is dedicated to fostering open exploration, hands-on experience, cross-disciplinary collaboration and enabling students to take a shot at solving real problems. In addition to online training, support for curriculum development and guidance for product development, the program operates more than 25,000sf of lab space divided into 22 labs that include 3D printing, laser cutting, wood and metal working, electronics, testing and other capabilities. There are 6 professional staff members and a highly-empowered 65-member student staff who establish a vibrant, collaborative culture and peer-to-peer learning for the roughly 3,500 students who visit the facilities each year. The vision is to be a design, fabrication and innovation ecosystem at UT Austin that empowers students from all backgrounds to easily learn, collaborate, build and invent together.Position PurposeThe Graduate Administrative Assistant plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of Texas Inventionworks (TIW), a hands-on university makerspace. This work includes supporting purchasing workflows, managing inventory for the internal materials store, and coordinating scheduling and communications. The role collaborates closely with professional staff and student employees across these areas. As a member of the TIW team, this position shares responsibility for maintaining efficient administrative systems that keep the organization running smoothly.This position offers graduate students meaningful, real-world administrative experience at TIW, with close mentorship from professional staff, flexible scheduling to support academic commitments, and opportunities for expanded responsibilities and professional development over time.ResponsibilitiesSupport purchasing workflows, including order tracking, vendor communication, and shipment receiving and distributionManage inventory for the internal materials store, including stock levels, pricing, and product listingsOperate and maintain the materials store point-of-sale systemCoordinate communications between students, staff, and facultySupport outreach efforts and connect students and campus partners with TIW resourcesOther functions as assignedShared ResponsibilitiesSupport coordination of facilities access, workspace assignments, and storage spacesTrack tasks and projects and contribute to building workflows using work process management software.Support calendar management and event coordinationRequired QualificationsCurrently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Texas at AustinClear and positive communication skillsAbility to work both independently and collaborativelyResponsible, dependable, and punctualStrong attention to detailProficiency with Microsoft Excel for data entry, tracking, and reportingCuriosity and resourcefulness, with a willingness to learn new tools and workflows.Preferred QualificationsA valid Texas driver's license and acceptable driving recordExperience with Monday.com or similar project and workflow management platformsExperience with Shopify or similar inventory and point-of-sale systemsExperience working with students in an educational or university environmentInterest in or experience with academic makerspaces, including familiarity with hand tools, 3D printers, sewing equipment, laser cutters, or similar fabrication toolsSalary Range$22.00 per hour based on experience.Working ConditionsWork is performed in a variety of fabrication labs, such as a wood shop, machine shop or 3D printing lab. There will also be work in a standard office environment.Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstationMay work around electrical and mechanical hazardsMay work around chemicalsSecurity Sensitive; criminal background check will be conductedUniforms and/or personal protection equipment will be furnished as neededCareer CompetenciesGather and apply relevant information and data to support decisions and operationsExercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and solve problemsDemonstrate personal accountability, effective work habits, and the ability to manage time, workload, and collaborative relationshipsInteract respectfully with people of all backgrounds and perspectivesBuild collaborative relationships and communicate effectively across a diverse university community.Work ShiftThis is a part-time position (10 hour hr/wk minimum to 20 hr/wk maximum). Specific scheduling will be determined with your supervisor and can be arranged flexibly within standard business hours (MondayFriday, 8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.) to support your academic commitments.Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for special events.Required MaterialsResumeLetter of interest