Innovation Lab Assistant

UO HR Website; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

University of Oregon is seeking an Education Program Assistant 1 to support the Sports Product Management Innovation Lab in Portland. The role focuses on hands‑on assistance with equipment, demonstrations, and maintaining a safe, organized lab environment.

This is an in‑person position based in Portland, Oregon. Responsibilities include reinforcing lab best practices, assisting with coursework and projects, and ensuring readiness for classes, events, and tours while delivering a welcoming and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skill to work with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated skill to use computers for word processing, data management, and communications.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the Sports Product Management Innovation Lab.
• Assist with equipment, demonstrations, and lab readiness.
• Deliver a welcoming and professional experience to all lab users.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Diversity awareness

Computer literacy

Customer service

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design/related design

Tools

Microsoft Office

Word processing

Job description

Department: Lundquist College of Business
Classification: Education Program Assistant 1
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $20.19 - $30.11 per hour
FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins

August 27, 2026; position open until filled

Department Summary

Since 1914 the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business has taught its students the critical skills they need to think for themselves, to be leaders in a dynamic world, and to make better decisions on behalf of the people and resources they manage. We are a top business school with a unique mission and vision that draws strength from our links to the Pacific Rim and the distinctive qualities of Oregon culture: innovation, sustainability, active lifestyles, financial stewardship, and respect for individuality and diversity within an increasingly global community.

The Lundquist College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest accreditation standard for business schools internationally. The college’s undergraduate program was first accredited in 1923, and its accounting program was accredited in 1989. Only 746 (6 percent) of the world's 12,600 business schools are AACSB accredited. What's more, because our accounting program is accredited as well as our business school, we belong to a tiny elite of 178 programs—just 1.4 percent of the world's business schools that have attained this distinction.

The Sports Product Management program (SPM) is a 18-month program that exists as part of a collaboration with the Oregon Executive MBA program in Portland. Together, the two programs are known as the Lundquist Portland Programs.

Within SPM, industry’s top talent educate future leaders through experiential education grounded in innovation, sustainability, and global business perspective. Educators in SPM bring a combination of education and extensive industry experience to the program, with many holding a Master’s degree or PhD. Our instructors have extensive professional experience working in leadership roles within various functional areas of large and small sports product companies. SPM matches the hands‑on expertise of our instructors with PhD professors who are subject‑matter experts and internationally recognized for their research in sports apparel, footwear and equipment. All faculty and staff in our program have a sincere interest in mentoring and advising students on their future careers.

Position Summary

The Innovation Lab Assistant supports the daily operations, instructional activities, and overall experience of the Sports Product Management (SPM) Innovation Lab. Reporting to the Innovation Lab Manager, this role works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide hands‑on assistance with equipment, facilitate demonstrations, and maintain a safe, organized, and fully operational lab environment. This is an in‑person position based in Portland, Oregon.

The position plays a key role in supporting student learning by reinforcing lab best practices, assisting with coursework and projects, and encouraging experimentation and skill development. In addition, the Innovation Lab Assistant helps ensure readiness for classes, events, and tours, while delivering a welcoming and professional experience to all lab users, including students, staff, industry partners, and visitors.

Working hours for this position may vary throughout the year based on program and lab needs and may include evenings and weekends.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience (paid or volunteer), supporting community programs that serve children, youth, or adults OR
• Associate Degree and one year of work experience (paid or volunteer) which must be working in youth development programs, adult education, teaching, program delivery or related functions.
• AND
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skill to work with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated skill to use computers for word processing, data management, and communications.

Professional Competencies

• Working knowledge of footwear, apparel, and equipment prototyping, including use of machinery and techniques across the product creation process from concept to production.
• Ability to advance and support the mission of the department and university through daily work
• Strong commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and safety‑conscious work environment
• High ethical standards and professionalism in all interactions
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to remain composed and effective in fast‑paced or stressful situations
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to frequent interruptions
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and graphic application processes
• Familiarity with innovation lab equipment and standard operating procedures
• Knowledge of the sports product industry product development process
• Effective communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a related design discipline
• 3 years of experience in product creation, product development, or a related field
• Previous experience in a higher education institution

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy‑related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Advertised: August 13, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: