Photography Media Arts (PHMA) Lab Manager

St. Edward's University; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

St. Edward's University is seeking a part-time Photography + Media Arts Lab Manager in Austin, Texas. The role involves overseeing laboratory operations, supporting faculty, and managing student workers. Ideal candidates will have a background in photography and strong communication skills, fostering a safe and efficient lab environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of both analog and digital photography is essential.
• Ability to supervise and train students effectively.
• Experience with equipment maintenance and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and management of the lab.
• Train and supervise student lab monitors.
• Manage PHMA reservations and inventory systems.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Education

BA, BFA, or BS in Photography or Studio Art

Job description

Photography Media Arts (PHMA) Lab Manager


Department of Visual Studies
3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, United States
Hourly
Part Time

Photography + Media Arts (PHMA) Lab Manager

Visual Studies Department

St. Edward's University, a nationally ranked, independent Catholic university and Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), invites applications for a part-time, 9-month with expectation of renewal, staff position, Photography + Media Arts (PHMA) Lab Manager, in the Department of Visual Studies, beginning August 2025. St. Edward's is characterized by its commitment to the Holy Cross educational mission of educating the hearts and minds of a diverse student body deeply committed to social justice.

The successful candidate will oversee the daily operations, management, and staffing of a laboratory assigned to the Department of Visual Studies. The lab manager is responsible for the smooth operation of the laboratory and related facilities, ensuring the safe use and proper maintenance of equipment and supplies. Working directly or through delegated student workers, the lab manager supports PHMA faculty with facility setup, lab-related activities, and responds to the specific needs of courses as they arise.

St. Edward's University embraces excellence through diversity and especially encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority groups. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to supporting a diverse student body.

For consideration, the candidate:

• Ideally holds a BA, BFA, or BS in Photography or Studio Art with a photography focus or possesses equivalent experience in a related field-such as commercial photography or photography lab and darkroom work.
• Ideally, the candidate will demonstrate substantial knowledge of or experience with both analog and digital photography.
• Ability to do required functions or learn how to do them (e.g., leveling an enlarger, etc.) and ability to train students to assist in carrying out such tasks.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information to groups-for example, providing orientation to incoming students on darkroom procedures, safe chemical handling, and relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Analytical, evaluative, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to analyze and track costs (e.g., use of G-Suite tools such as Google-Sheet) and develop and recommend cost-effective procedures.
• Ability to calibrate, maintain, modify, and/or repair laboratory equipment, or a demonstrated willingness and capacity to research and learn these skills as needed.
• Ability to continue and/or develop appropriate safety policies for the facility/equipment users.
• Ability to analyze complex information, and to define and solve problems.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Prior supervision experience preferred.
• Successful completion of an employment and/or criminal background check.

Essential Responsibilities Include:

• Assists faculty in the use of the PHMA facility, equipment, and other resources.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises student Lab Monitors.
• Manages the PHMA reservation and inventory system.
• Maintains a range of equipment, including digital and film cameras (such as 35mm, medium format 6x6 cm, and 4x5-inch field cameras), studio and location lighting, light modifiers, grip equipment, tripods, light meters, and related accessories.
• While in-depth disassembly of 35mm cameras is not required, the applicant should be capable of performing basic equipment repairs and providing informed recommendations regarding when gear should be serviced by an external repair facility.
• Manages consumable inventory, such as traditional wet-process lab chemistry, paper, alternative processes chemistry and facility.
• Manages and implements equipment check-out and check-in procedures.
• Maintains a safe and efficient working environment by training and supervising student workers and providing equipment and lab orientation sessions for class cohorts.
• Promotes positive interpersonal relations with faculty, staff, and students.
• Communicates effectively, respectfully, and collegially with all stakeholders/constituents.
• Assists the PHMA Program Director and Department of Visual Studies Chair with budget management including recommendations for and discussion of equipment purchases.
• Works with and assists as necessary the School of Humanities Environmental Management Systems Coordinator.
• Responsible for regulatory and policy compliance as it applies to the position.
• Other duties as assigned, trained for and qualified to do.

For detailed information, please see the job description.

HOW TO APPLY Applicants should apply online at https://stedwards.applicantpro.com. Application packages should include:

• cover letter,
• resume
• names, and contact information for three references,

Applicants should submit materials by June 30, 2025 for full consideration; however, the position will remain open until filled.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL STUDIES

The Department of Visual Studies, one of seven departments within the School of Arts and Humanities, engages students in the critical understanding and creative production of contemporary culture. A diverse and engaged faculty support students in their efforts to shape their futures within a complex, interdisciplinary and technologically mediated world. We are dedicated to developing the creative and technical skills of students through our programs: Animation, Art, Art History, Graphic Design, Photography & Media Arts, User Experience Design, and Video Game Development.

ABOUT ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1885 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward's University is a private, Catholic, liberal arts institution of approximately 2,500 undergraduate and 500 graduate students located in Austin, Texas. It is an exciting time to be part of the St. Edward's community as the university increases its global engagement to educate students about the opportunities and challenges of a 21st-century world. SEU is a diverse community that appreciates faculty and students from all backgrounds. Consistent with its Holy Cross heritage, the university is strongly committed to diversity and global initiatives. More information about St. Edward's University may be found at www.stedwards.edu.

Commitment to the Holy Cross Mission St. Edwards University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity, respect, inclusion, and safety for all members regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity, socio-economic background, or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations, to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position, it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community. For more information on our commitment to diversity, please visit our website, https://www.stedwards.edu/about-us/living-our-mission

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: St. Edward's University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. We require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for employment, and we are not offering visa sponsorship at this time.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check is required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.


To apply, please visit https://stedwards.applicantpro.com/jobs/3761157




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