Makerspace Program Coordinator

Job DescriptionSpecial Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a résumé in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.About RiceBoasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.Position SummaryThe Makerspace Program Coordinator will be responsible for developing and leading makerspace classes and seminars on subject matter such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking, utilizing equipment in the Moody Center for the Arts Workshop and Makerspace. Assists students with a wide range of fabrication and design challenges, answering first-line questions and ensuring proper safety procedures are followed.The ideal candidate is an experienced, engaging instructor who can confidently lead hands-on classes in areas such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking, translating technical processes into clear, accessible learning experiences. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety, proactively enforcing protocols and fostering a culture of responsibility within a shared workshop environment. With strong, well-rounded makerspace acumen, they are adept at troubleshooting fabrication challenges and supporting students, faculty, and artists across a wide range of design and production needs.Workplace RequirementsAbility to lift up to 50 lbs and safely navigate in and around active workshop environments, including proximity to fabrication equipment and tools.Workplace LocationThis position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.Hiring RangeThis is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a hiring salary of $58,000 -$60,000 annually. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.Minimum RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related fieldIn lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted2+ years of experience in a workshop or makerspace setting utilizing 3D modeling, woodworking, and metalworkingIn lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substitutedSkillsProficiency with applicable specialized software, equipment, tools, and machineryExcellent interpersonal skills to teach, guide, and work with studentsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsPrior experience and knowledge in safety and maintenance of an innovative, specialized labAbility to work independently and coordinate a wide range of faculty, staff, students, and visitorsStrong troubleshooting skills and ability to diagnose equipment issuesPassion for the arts, education, and student engagementPreferences3D printing experience and knowledge of FDM and SLA consumer-level machinesCNC router experienceCNC machining experienceKnowledge of Vectric softwareLaser cutting and vinyl cutting experienceEssential FunctionsLeads undergraduate and graduate student classes and seminars on subject matter such as woodworking, 3D printing, and laser cuttingInteracts with and takes direction from the Workshop Director to ensure adequate preparation and supplies are available for useDevelops new curriculum and expands existing curriculum for Rice student classes utilizing equipment in the Moody Center Workshop and MakerspaceEnsures all safety measures and protocols are observed during classroom instructionCompletes and files incident reports as neededResponsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab, workshop, studio, or makerspace, including all equipment and machineryProvides continuity, expertise, and supervision to students, assisting them in resolving design and technical problems, equipment use, and understanding available resourcesResponsible for lab equipment, materials, and supplies, including cleanliness, maintenance, operation, inventory (life cycle and replacement schedule), and procurementSupervises student workersWorks with IT to generate and load specialty software, as applicablePerforms all other duties as assignedAdditional FunctionsWorks with the Senior Director of Exhibitions, Preparator, and visiting artists on fabrication projects related to Moody exhibitions and programsExhibits a welcoming and patient teaching style for students of all knowledge levelsAssists Rice students with a wide range of fabrication and design problems and answers first-line questionsMentors students in designing and implementing projects, including the use of materials, design methods, and repairsProvides general support to faculty, including assistance with teaching preparation, provision of materials, and equipment usageLeads safety orientation sessions for students, faculty, and staff prior to their use of equipmentWorks collaboratively with faculty and visiting artists to support their fabrication needs and assist them in achieving their project goalsRice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefitsRice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice UniversityRice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.