Research Technician, Fiber

Maryland Institute College of Art; Mica (WA); On-site; USD 27,855 - 34,068; Part time

Job summary

The Maryland Institute College of Art seeks a part-time Research Technician for the Fiber Studio. This 10-month temporary position involves assisting with studio operations, supervising student access, and providing technical support.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art or relevant experience in a fiber studio. Knowledge of fiber processes and good communication skills are essential. Hourly pay ranges between $20.22 and $24.73.

Qualifications

• Practical experience with fiber materials and techniques.
• Ability to assess and troubleshoot household sewing machines and looms.
• Experience operating household sewing machines, floor looms, or TC2 loom.

Responsibilities

• Assist with operations and maintenance of the Fiber Studio.
• Supervise student access to the studio and enforce policies.
• Provide technical support to students and student workers.

Skills

Fiber materials and techniques

Mechanical sensibility

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaboration ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art or related

Tools

Adobe Suite

Google applications

Household sewing machines

Floor looms

TC2 Digital Jacquard loom

Job description

Job Summary

Research Technician, Fiber Studio – part‑time (20 hours per week) temporary 10‑month position (August through May). Reports to the Studio Manager of the Fiber Studio, located within the Fabrication Studios Division of Academic Affairs. Hourly pay $20.22 to $24.73. Union SEIU Local 500.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day‑to‑day operations and maintenance of the Fiber Studio, ensuring equipment operates safely and supplies are stocked.
• Supervise student homework access to the studio and enforce studio policies.
• Serve as an educational resource and support for undergraduate and graduate students regarding studio processes.
• Provide technical support to students and student workers (students technicians and/or work‑study).
• Maintain and prepare the TC2 loom.
• Assist with maintaining Environmental Health and Safety compliance, conduct EHS training for MICA employees, maintain required EHS documentation, enforce EHS policies, and demonstrate safe studio practices.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining studio equipment.
• Enforce studio policies and demonstrate safe use of equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes.
• Assist and guide fiber studio student workers.
• Contribute to tutorials for studio processes and techniques.
• Help maintain studio supplies by communicating with the Studio Manager.
• Share research findings to improve the Fiber Studio and its classes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical working experience with fiber materials, processes, and techniques.
• Good mechanical and material sensibility.
• Ability to assess and troubleshoot household sewing machines and looms.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with students and faculty.
• Excellent communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art or a four‑year degree with experience working in a fiber studio.
• Demonstrated experience operating household sewing machines, floor looms, and/or a TC2 Digital Jacquard loom.
• Required to lift, pull, and carry up to 45 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Adobe suite and Google applications.
• Experience with, troubleshooting, and basic maintenance of knitting machines.
• Experience working as a technician in a fiber studio, preferably in an academic environment.
• Experience with knitting machines, digital embroidery machines, pattern making, and fiber digital fabrication methods.

Conditions of Employment

• Candidate must successfully complete a full background check.
• Required to work evenings and weekends.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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). 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 MICA.