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 Rapid Prototyping Center (RPC). The Rapid Prototyping Center (RPC) houses state-of-the-art 3D printers, laser cutters, and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) milling machines. It offers in-house fabrication services to faculty and students in support of creative design and research projects. RPC staff serve in a support role providing consultation, training, and expertise in fabrication and physical prototype creation.

In tandem with its partner facility the Student Technology Lab (STL), students and faculty have multiple opportunities for user driven access to digital fabrication equipment, including desktop FDM 3d Printing, and self-run laser cutting. For more information, please visit https://daap.uc.edu/strategic-futures/labs-centers/rpc.html

Job Overview

The position of Lab Associate will be the key support role for the DAAP Rapid Prototyping Center as a core research facility. The selected individual will assist in overseeing the RPC with special consideration given to individuals with 3D modeling and digital fabrication experience with 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC milling/routing. In addition to duties listed below, the Lab Associates will assist in developing and facilitating workshops, tutorials, and facility orientations including health and safety training for students and faculty from all schools within DAAP and the UC community. Evening and Weekend hours will be required.  

Essential Functions

⦁    Provide consultative support on fabrication requests, assessing feasibility and advising on design modifications to improve efficiency and manufacturability.
⦁    Manage multiple fabrication projects from pre-processing through post-processing phases.
⦁    Support faculty and students with fabrication-related coursework, programming, and funded research involving materials, processes, and parts development.
⦁    Offer custom design and fabrication services to meet the college’s instructional and research needs.
⦁    Supervise and train users—students, faculty, and staff—on safe and proper use of tools, equipment, and fabrication processes.
⦁    Assist with hiring, training, and managing of student staff on a semesterly basis.
⦁    Conduct safety tutorials, maintain training records, and enforce compliance with OSHA and EHS policies.
⦁    Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop/lab environment, ensuring equipment functionality through routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
⦁    Advise on installation, configuration, and upgrades of fabrication equipment.
⦁    Monitor supply inventory, identify shortages or surplus, and recommend purchasing needs and assist with transactions
⦁    Maintain accurate records, including equipment logs, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and hazardous material disposal in coordination with UC Environmental Health & Safety.
⦁    Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to digital fabrication.
⦁    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