Student Ceramics Research Assistant at Whitman College

Whitman College; Walla Walla (WA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Whitman College is seeking a Student Ceramics Research Assistant (Work-Study) to support large-scale Nigerian/West African-inspired clay sculptures under Prof. Deshun Peoples.

Responsibilities include clay preparation, mold handling, slip-casting, wheel work, kiln operation, and glaze tasks in a busy ceramic studio. Ideal candidates are self-directed, detail-oriented, and eager to learn various ceramics techniques from hand-building to mold-making.

Qualifications

• Intermediate knowledge with clay construction techniques
• Ability to lift up to 50+ lbs as needed
• Willingness to learn and adapt to studio processes
• Comfort with self-directed work and following multi-step tasks

Responsibilities

• Process/prepare clay for mold making and/or slip casting.
• Handle large plaster molds including lifting and cleaning.
• Mix clay slip and prepare slabs/coils for slip-casting and press-molding.
• Use potter's wheel to trim and refine components.
• Occasional loading and firing of ceramic kilns.
• Occasional glaze preparation and mixing.
• Inventory monitoring and upkeep.
• Regular studio cleanliness and safety maintenance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Self-directed work

Desire to create and work with hands

Ceramics construction methods

Willingness to learn

Tools

Ceramics kilns

Pug mill

Plaster molds

Hand tools

Job description

Student Ceramics Research Assistant (Work-Study)

JOB TITLE: Student Ceramics Research Assistant (Work-Study)

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.

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

SUPERVISOR CONTACT: [e-mail]