Address
Form of work- 10001003
- Fairfax, VA
- Part-Time / Hourly Wage
- Opening on: Apr 15 2024
Classification: GMU Worker
Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage
Job Type: Part-Time
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
Northern Virginia’s tech economy is booming, and George Mason University is in the heart of the activity. For decades Mason has seen its role as an economic driver through entrepreneurship and small business support. George Mason University’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI) resides within the Provost’s Office, and works collaboratively with stakeholders across the university and in the community. The Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) is the common ground on Mason’s campus that teaches and shows that everyone at Mason can be an innovator and entrepreneur. The Makerspace, Fabrication Lab, Media Lab, and Incubator spaces provide training and equipment, and encourage creativity, discovery, and innovation for every member of the George Mason community.About the Position:
The Fabrication Lab Assistant is a key role within the MIX Makerspace, focused on ensuring the smooth operation, safety, and educational value of the MIX Fabrication Lab. Reporting to the MIX Manager, the Fabrication Lab Assistant is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, maintenance of equipment, and the delivery of training programs to students and faculty. This role is instrumental in fostering research, a culture of creativity, innovation, and safety within the makerspace environment.
Responsibilities:
Operational Oversight:
- Manage daily operations within the Fabrication Lab, ensuring a safe, efficient, and productive environment;
- Coordinate the scheduling of lab resources to optimize accessibility for users;
- Serve as acting MIX Manager if MIX manager is away, including supervision of MIX associates; and
- Give tours; interact with faculty, and handle requests as needed.
Training and Development:
- Develop and deliver comprehensive 8 weekly training sessions for student staff and users on the safe and effective use of fabrication and prototyping equipment; and
- Design and implement training workshops aimed at enhancing the skillset of the makerspace community (woodshop equipment, fabrication equipment, laser cutter, CNC router, soldering, etc.).
Equipment Maintenance and Safety:
- Ensure all equipment is maintained in excellent working condition through regular inspections and maintenance activities; and
- Promote and enforce safety protocols within the lab, conducting regular safety briefings and updates.
Consultation and Support:
- Provide expert advice, consultations, and mentorship to students and faculty on projects that utilize fabrication equipment; and
- Assist in the development and realization of projects that require the use of multiple MIX equipment and tools, offering technical guidance and support.
Equipment Proficiency:
- Supervise and instruct on the use of a wide array of equipment, including, but not limited to: CNC Router, Vertical Mill, Metal Lathe, Welding (MIG and TIG), Laser Cutting and Engraving, Bandsaws, Miter Saws, Vacuum Former, Metal Fabrication Equipment (Shear, Brake, Roller), Drill Press, Power Tools (Grinders, Drills, Sanders), 3D Printers (SLA and FDM), Electronic Tools (Soldering, Oscilloscopes, Microcontroller Programming).
Other related tasks as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated familiarity with a broad range of fabrication and prototyping equipment and technologies;
- Proven experience teaching workshops on relevant Makerspace tools and techniques;
- Proven experience in developing and delivering instructional materials, training modules, and workshops; and
- Strong ability to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals and adapt teaching methods to meet various project needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Direct experience in using, maintaining, and teaching the use of the listed fabrication and prototyping equipment;
- Prior experience working in a makerspace or similar collaborative, project-based learning environment; and
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM software.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the MIX Makerspace Fabrication Lab Assistant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter, resume, and relevant work samples or project portfolios demonstrating experience and suitability for the role.
Posting Open Date: April 15, 2024
For Full Consideration, Apply by: May 6, 2024
Open Until Filled?: Yes
