Research Technician, 2D Prototyping

Maryland Institute College of Art; United States; On-site; USD 15,780 - 25,700; Part time

Job summary

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore seeks a part-time Research Technician for the 2D Prototyping Studio to support operations, instruction, and student access. The role involves assisting with equipment, safety compliance, and tutorials, with hours spanning evenings and weekends as needed.

The ideal candidate has a relevant Bachelor's degree and experience with Risograph, 2D prototyping, and related tools, and will collaborate with students and faculty in the Academic Services

Qualifications

• Bachelor, Fine Art or a four-year degree with experience in 2D prototyping or a Risograph shop.
• Experience operating Risograph and other print/copy machines, laser cutters, bookmaking and binding equipment, and software for 2D prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day operations and maintenance of the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Supervise student homework access to the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Serve as an educational resource for Undergraduate and Graduate students.
• Provide assistance to the Printmaking Studio Manager.
• Maintain Environmental Health and Safety compliance and training.
• Provide technical support to students in the studio.
• Monitor and maintain equipment in the studio.
• Enforce studio policies and safe use of tools and processes.
• Support 2D Prototyping Studio student workers.
• Contribute to tutorials for processes and techniques.
• Maintain supplies by communicating with the Studio Manager.
• Share research to enhance the studio and classes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

2D prototyping

Mechanical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Art or related

Tools

Risograph

Laser cutter

Adobe Creative Suite

Bookmaking equipment

Binding equipment

Job description

Welcome to the official site for employment opportunities at MICA. At MICA, we empower our employees to use their talent in a variety of ways. We are pleased that you are interested in career opportunities offered at MICA.

Job Title: Research Technician, 2D Prototyping Studio - Temporary. Department: Academic Services. Division: Academic Affairs. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Reports to (Position Title): Studio Manager, Printmaking. Work Schedule: Part-time, 15-20 hours per week | regular business hours, evenings, and weekends. Grade: 4. Hourly Rate: $20.22 - $24.73 (where a candidate falls within the range is based on years of experience and internal equity).

General purpose: The 2D Prototyping Studio Research Technician assists with the general operations of the 2D Prototyping Studio; supports Fall and Spring instruction and student homework access to the 2D Prototyping Studio following campus protocols; supports research in the studio; and has access to the facility to pursue individual research outside of work hours.

Summary of Essential Functions

• Assist with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the 2D Prototyping Studio, ensuring that all equipment operates effectively and safely, and supplies are stocked and available.
• Assist with supervising student homework access to the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Serve as an educational resource and support Undergraduate and Graduate students regarding related processes of the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Provide assistance to the Printmaking Studio Manager.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining Environmental Health and Safety compliance, conducting EHS training for MICA employees working in the Academic Services Fabrication Studios, maintaining required EHS documentation, enforcing EHS policies, modeling safe studio practices, and generally ensuring safety.
• Provide technical support to students in the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining equipment in the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Enforce studio policies and demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes in the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Provide assistance and guidance to any 2D Prototyping Studio student workers (student technicians and/or work-study).
• Contribute to tutorials for processes and techniques used in the 2D Prototyping Studio.
• Help maintain supplies for the 2D Prototyping Studio by communicating with the Studio Manager and department Program Coordinators.
• Share research to enhance the 2D Prototyping Studio and classes held therein.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Practical working experience with 2D prototyping processes and techniques for digital and mechanical tools and equipment. Good mechanical sensibility. Ability to assess and trouble‑shoot digital and mechanical tools and equipment. Strong organizational skills. Ability to collaborate with students and faculty. Good communication skills.

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor, Fine Art or a four-year degree with experience working in a 2D Prototyping or Risograph shop. Demonstrated experience operating Risograph and other print/copy machines, laser cutters, bookmaking and binding equipment, and software for 2D Prototyping processes. Required to lift, pull and carry up to 45 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with the Adobe suite.
• Demonstrated experience working with, troubleshooting, and basic maintenance of Risograph machines.
• Demonstrated experience working as a technician in a 2D or print shop, preferably in an academic environment.
• Experience working with the following:
• Skills running a Risograph Duplicator.
• Experience with button press, cutting tools including hobby and utility knives, and paper cutters.
• Skills in printmaking.
• Skills in illustration.
• Skills in graphic design.

Reporting to this position

No direct reports.

Conditions of Employment

Candidate must successfully complete a full background check. Required to work evenings and weekends. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis.

Physical demands and work environment

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 45 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. but ear protection may be required at times.

Required Training

• Handbook orientation
• Anti-Harassment
• Hazard Communication
• Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention
• COVID – 19 Cleaning and Personal Protection Equipment

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Acknowledged nationally as a premier leader in art and design education, MICA is deliberately cultivating a new generation of artist – one that is capable of seamlessly integrating innovation, entrepreneurship and creative citizenship with contemporary approaches to art, design and media. MICA is redefining the role of the artists and designers as creative, solutions-oriented makers and thinkers who will drive social, cultural, and economic advancement for our future. As the oldest continuously degree‑granting college of art and design in the nation, MICA is located in Baltimore, deeply connected to the community. It is a leading contributor to the creative economy regionally and a top producer of nationally and internationally recognized professional artists and designers.