Innovation Lab Liaison

University of Oregon; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business invites applications for an Innovation Lab Liaison in the Sports Product Management Innovation Lab. This in-person role supports daily operations, instructional activities, and the overall lab experience for students, staff, and partners in an environment focused on footwear, apparel, and product development.

The role requires technical guidance, safe handling of lab equipment, and collaboration with manufacturing partners to expose

Qualifications

• 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.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting for lab equipment.
• Assist students with lab resources, processes, and projects.
• Coordinate supplies and materials used in academic products and prototyping.
• Collaborate with domestic and international partners on sourcing materials and prototyping.

Skills

Oral & written communication

Diversity engagement

Computer skills

Education

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design or related

Job description

Innovation Lab Liaison

Department: Lundquist College of Business

Classification: Education Program Assistant1

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular,Ongoing

Salary: $20.19 - $30.11 per hour

FTE: .50-1.0

Review of Applications Begins

October 7, 2026; position open until filled

Department Summary

Since 1914, the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business has taughtits students the critical skills they need to think for themselves,to be leaders in a dynamic world, and to make better decisions onbehalf of the people and resources they manage. We are a topbusiness school with a unique mission and vision that drawsstrength from our links to the Pacific Rim and the distinctivequalities of Oregon culture: innovation, sustainability, activelifestyles, financial stewardship, and respect for individualityand diversity within an increasingly global community.

The Lundquist College of Business is fully accredited by theAssociation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), thehighest accreditation standard for business schoolsinternationally. The college's undergraduate program was firstaccredited in 1923, and its accounting program was accredited in1989. Only 746 (6 percent) of the world's 12,600 business schoolsare AACSB accredited. What's more, because our accounting programis accredited as well as our business school, we belong to a tinyelite of 178 programs-just 1.4 percent of the world's businessschools-that have attained this distinction.

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

Within SPM, industry's top talent educates future leaders throughexperiential education grounded in innovation, sustainability, andglobal business perspective. Educators in SPM bring a combinationof education and extensive industry experience to the program, withmany holding a Master's degree or PhD. Our instructors haveextensive professional experience working in leadership roleswithin various functional areas of large and small sports productcompanies. SPM matches the hands-on expertise of our instructorswith PhD professors who are subject-matter experts andinternationally recognized for their research in sports apparel,footwear and equipment. All faculty and staff in our program have asincere interest in mentoring and advising students on their futurecareers.

Position Summary

The Innovation Lab Liaison supports the daily operations,instructional activities, and overall experience of the SportsProduct Management (SPM) Innovation Lab. Reporting to theInnovation Lab Manager, this role works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide technical support, maintain specialized equipment, and facilitate ensure a safe, organized, andfully operational lab environment. This position is alsoresponsible for maintaining and troubleshooting equipment used infootwear, apparel, and product development; supporting demonstrations; assisting students with lab resources andprocesses; and coordinating supplies and materials used in academicproducts. Examples of equipment includes sewing machines, Strobelmachines, 3D printers, and other specialized prototypingtools.

The Innovation Lab Assistant plays a key role in supporting studentlearning by providing technical guidance, reinforcing safe andeffective use of lab equipment and resources, supporting studentswith coursework and projects, and encouraging experimentation andskill development. In addition, the position ensures the lab isready for classes, events, and tours, supporting a welcoming andprofessional experience to all lab users, including students, staff, industry partners, and visitors. In support of studentproject execution, this role collaborates with domestic andinternational manufacturing partners on sourcing materials,prototyping, and production activities to help students gainexposure to industry-standard product creation processes and supplychain practices.

This is an in-person position based in Portland, Oregon and mayrequire varied working hours throughout the year, includingevenings and weekends based on program and lab needs.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two years ofrelevant experience (paid or volunteer), supporting communityprograms 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 relatedfunctions.
• AND
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skill to work with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated skill to use computers for word processing, datamanagement, and communications.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to advance and support the mission of the department anduniversity through daily work.
• Strong commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, andsafety-conscious work environment.
• High ethical standards and professionalism in allinteractions
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to remaincomposed and effective in fast-paced or stressful situations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiplepriorities and adapt to frequent interruptions.
• Effective communication skills, including written, verbal, andpresentation abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Footwear Design, IndustrialDesign, or a related design discipline.
• Three years of experience supporting product creation,prototyping, product development, or related technicaloperations.
• Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting equipmentused in apparel, footwear, or product developmentenvironments.
• Knowledge of footwear, apparel, or equipment construction and/ordevelopment processes from concept through production.
• Experience working in an educational, makerspace, innovation lab,fabrication lab, or similar environment.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successfulcompletion 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 benefitspackage to eligible employees, including health insurance,retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information aboutbenefits, visit ourwebsite.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institutioncommitted to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americanswith Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualifiedindividuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of anyprotected status, including veteran and disability status. TheUniversity is committed to providing reasonable accommodations toapplicants and employees with disabilities. To request anaccommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion,national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genderexpression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions),age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (includingfamily medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship,service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and statelaw), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use ofleave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activitiesand employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicablelaws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy.Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity andAccess. Contact information, related policies, and complaintprocedures are listedhere.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregonprepares an annual report on campus security and fire safetyprograms and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire SafetyReport is available online.