Student Ceramics Research Assistant at Whitman College

Whitman College; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College invites applications for Spring 2026 as a Student Ceramics Research Assistant. You will help create large-scale Nigerian/West African-inspired clay works and maintain studio safety and cleanliness under Professor Deshun Peoples.

Work-Study eligible students have priority, with opportunities to learn slip-casting, mold-making, hand-building, wheel-throwing, glaze preparation, and kiln operations, gaining hands-on mentorship in contemporary ceramics.

Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge of clay construction: hand-building, wheel-throwing, mold making or slip-casting.
• Motivation to learn additional ceramics processes and techniques.
• Ability to work with hand and power tools safely and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Process/prepare clay for mold making and/or slip casting.
• Handle plaster molds, lift heavy components, and organize workspaces.
• Mix clay slip and prepare slabs for slip-casting and press-molding.
• Trim and refine pieces on the potter’s wheel; load and fire kilns occasionally.
• Maintain inventory and ensure studio cleanliness and safety.

Skills

Self-directed work

Attention to detail

Hands-on ceramics

Ceramics techniques

Willing to learn

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Gas kilns

Electric kilns

Pug mill

Plaster molds

Clay handling tools

Job description

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JOB TITLE: Student Ceramics Research Assistant

HIRING RANGE: $17.13/hour to $17.13/hour

START DATE: Spring 2026

JOB PURPOSE

The Student Ceramic Research Assistant(s) will work under the direction of Professor of Art, Deshun Peoples to create large-scale Nigerian/West African-inspired clay sculptural and functional objects as well as maintain Ceramic Studio cleanliness and safety. Work-Study eligible students will be given priority, but non-work study students are still encouraged to apply.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITES

• Process/prepare clay for mold making and/or slip casting (occasionally lifting 50+ lbs).
• Handle medium-to-large scale plaster molds, including lifting (50+ lbs) mold parts, cleaning molds, casting/re-casting plaster mold components, and organizing mold-making area(s).
• Mixing clay slip, and Preparing clay slabs or coils for Slip-casting and Press-molding medium-to-large scale ceramics objects (2-4ft long), and assembling.
• Using the potter’s wheel to trim/edit/refine small clay components.
• Occasional loading and firing ceramic kilns.
• Occasional making, sieving, and mixing ceramic glazes.
• Inventory monitoring/upkeep
• Regular Studio cleanliness and safety maintenance.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Individuals must be able to explain and demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Being comfortable with self-directed work and contributing ideas, particularly around process/organization efficiency.
• Attention to detail, and ability to follow directions, especially multi-step process-oriented tasks.
• Desire to create and work with your hands
• Proficiency with Ceramics construction methods (including hand-building and/or wheel-throwing)
• Experience with/Desire to learn other Ceramics processes

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY STUDENTS IN THIS POSITION

• Introduction to Art Apprenticeship learning models and history
• Introduction to professional visual arts practices in contemporary conceptual functional and sculptural ceramics
• Advanced Proficiency with ceramics construction techniques (including hand‑building, mold‑making, slip‑casting, press‑molding, and wheel‑throwing)
• Ceramics kiln loading and firing experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Intermediate knowledge/some proficiency with clay construction techniques, especially hand‑building, wheel‑throwing, and/or mold making/slip‑casting.If you have some experience working with clay/ceramics, but are wondering whether or not your level of experience is sufficient, please apply anyway. A working knowledge of basic skills using hand and power tools is desirable, but not necessary. Successful candidates will be highly motivated to learn new making skills. In this position you will have the opportunity to learn/strengthen your understanding of various clay construction techniques such as hand‑building, slip‑casting, and press‑molding as well as learn how to use various ceramics equipment, including gas and electric kilns, pug mill, plaster molds, etc. Much of what you may gain from this position is up to you, how motivated you are and how willing you are to jump in and get your hands dirty. This role might occasionally involve lifting 50+ lbs of clay or plaster to load into kilns, onto tables, or in lockers at floor/hip/chest height or push/pull carts (with wheels) transporting up to 500 lbs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Appointment of this position ends in December, dependent on funding and available hours. Scheduling will be flexible during breaks and vigorous academic periods. Students who are able to prioritize their schedules, including their academic break schedules, will be given priority when scheduling positions and hours. Beginning as early as September 28th, student(s) will work approximately 5 hours/week for 8 weeks with the possibility of more for special projects.

This application will close Wednesday, September 30th.

SUPERVISOR: Professor Deshun Peoples, Assistant Professor of Art, Ceramics

SUPERVISOR CONTACT: [e-mail]