Lab Associate, Build Lab, College of DAAP
Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to 53,235 students, nearly 12,000 faculty and staff and 350,000+ living alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”
With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, the oldest and one of the largest cooperative education programs, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget stands at $1.85 billion, and its endowment totals $2 billion.
UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.
About The Department
The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati invites applications for a Lab Associate (Full-time hourly at 40hours per week & benefits eligible) in the DAAP Build Lab (DBL). The DBL occupies over 12,000 square feet on the 3000 level of Wolfson Hall and is home to a wide range of equipment including traditional hand and power tools for wood and metal fabrication. Students learn how to safely use its specialized equipment and navigate within the ecosystem of the facility and its collaborative learning environment. Our goal is to continue to expand the use of this facility beyond course related projects, to include faculty research, topical workshops, and industry sponsored projects. For more information, please visit https://daap.uc.edu/strategic-futures/labs-centers/build-lab.html
Job Overview
The position of Lab Associate will be the key support role for the DAAP Build Lab as a core research facility. The selected individual will assist in overseeing the DBL with special consideration given to individuals with foundry/metal working skills, and/or fine woodworking skills. In addition to the duties listed below, the Lab Associate will develop and facilitate workshops, trainings, and facility orientations including health and safety training for students and faculty from schools within DAAP and the UC community. Evening and Weekend hours will be required.
Essential Functions
- Monitor activity and use within the shop/lab facility by students, faculty, and staff.
- Supervise and train users—students, faculty, and staff—on safe and proper use of tools, equipment, and shop/lab processes.
- Maintain a healthy and safe shop/lab environment; conduct safety tutorials and training sessions for students and faculty as needed.
- Design and implement systems to track required safety training and certifications for both students and faculty using the DBL facility.
- Organize and maintain a professional shop/lab environment
- Inspect, troubleshoot, and coordinate maintenance and repairs for all shop/lab equipment.
- Maintain accessible records, including equipment repairs and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); coordinate hazardous material disposal with UC Environmental Health & Safety.
- Monitor supply inventory, identify shortages or surplus, and recommend purchasing needs.
- Advise and report regularly to the shop/lab manager.
- Demonstrate routine shop/lab procedures to students and faculty; provide technical advice and support for equipment and processes.
- Supervise students, faculty users, and student employees during shop/lab use; oversee cleaning and proper shutdown procedures.
- Consult with faculty on specifications for new or specialized equipment, projects and materials; assist in the design, fabrication, and assembly of specialized equipment as needed.
- Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.
Required Education
- Associate's Degree.
- Three (3) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.
Required Experience
One (1) year of experience in an area of technical specialty.
Application Process Information
Application Process: Interested and qualified candidates must complete our online application and include the additional documents below to be considered for the position:
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter- should not exceed one page and should detail your interest and qualified experience, skills, or education required for this position
- Submit 5-20 images of finished projects or process documentation that demonstrates proficiency in wood and/or metal fabrication.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
- Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
- Sitting - Often
- Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Seldom
- Hearing, listening - Often
- Standing - Often
- Talking - Often
- Stooping - Often
- Bending - Often
- Walking - Often
- Reaching overhead - Seldom
- Kneeling, squatting - Seldom
- Climbing stairs/ladders - Seldom
- Pulling, pushing - Often
- Shoveling - Seldom
Compensation and Benefits
UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include:
Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.
Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
Vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents
Additional Benefits Include:
- Competitive salary range of $20 to $22 per hour based on experience
- Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
- Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
- Professional development & mentorship opportunities
For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.
REQ: 99012
Lab Associate, Build Lab, College of DAAP
Cincinnati, OH, US
Nearest Major Market: Cincinnati
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