Taubman Visualization Lab (TVLab) Research Associate (On site, term-limited position)

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a Research Associate for the Taubman Visualization Lab. This full-time, term-limited position focuses on managing lab operations, supporting educational programming, and conducting independent research. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree and experience in digital media and visualization.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous time off

Retirement plan with matching contributions

Qualifications

• Experience in digital visualization, media production, or narrative design.
• Interest in pedagogy, public discourse, and digital experimentation.
• Familiarity with AI tools, Blender, Unreal Engine, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily activities in the TVLab, including scheduling and communications.
• Develop and lead workshops for students and faculty.
• Support visualization pedagogy and maintain lab resources.

Skills

Digital visualization

Media production

Narrative design

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Tools

AI tools

Blender

Unreal Engine

Job description

Taubman Visualization Lab (TVLab) Research Associate (On site, term-limited position)

Join to apply for the Taubman Visualization Lab (TVLab) Research Associate (On site, term-limited position) role at University of Michigan

Taubman Visualization Lab (TVLab) Research Associate (On site, term-limited position)

16 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Taubman Visualization Lab (TVLab) Research Associate (On site, term-limited position) role at University of Michigan

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

University of Michigan provided pay range

This range is provided by University of Michigan. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$50,000.00/yr - $50,000.00/yr

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file.

The review of resumes will begin when the posting closes. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted via email. The interview process will consist of an initial 30-45 minute screening interview and one or two additional interviews for select candidates. Additionally, samples of relevant work may be requested.

Job Summary

The TVLab at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is a platform for experimental media, narrative design, and public-facing communication based at Taubman College. The lab supports emergent forms of architectural pedagogy, critical visualization, and public programming. The TVLab Research Residency offers designers and thinkers the opportunity to deepen their practice within an interdisciplinary environment, while contributing to the daily operations and life of the lab.

The TVLab research associate is a one-year, term-limited position from July 2025 through June 2026 that will work with TVLab Manager (our organizational chart) to support the lab's ongoing operations and research agenda. This is a full-time role, intended for individuals who are not currently enrolled in academic programs. The position requires in-person presence for all TVLab programming including classes, lectures, workshops, and similar events. Remote work may be permitted only on days without programming or when no administrative tasks require on-site presence.

This is a hands-on position, suited for someone with an interest in hybrid media, design education, and experimental workflows. Your role will involve a combination of teaching support, digital organization, technical research, and public engagement.

Responsibilities*

• Manage daily activities in the TVLab, including scheduling, communications, and tool maintenance.
• Help develop and lead workshops and tutorials for students and faculty, especially around visualization tools and media workflows.
• Support visualization pedagogy across courses by scaffolding media-based assignments, critique digital output, and maintain lab resources.
• Report directly to the TVLab director and collaborate on lab planning and strategy.
• Help plan and produce public-facing programming, including exhibitions, screenings, and online publications.
• Manage a growing inventory of software, digital tools, and collaborative platforms.
• Develop an independent research project over the course of the year, to be publicly shared.
• Contribute to an evolving media archive of the lab's work and curricular contributions.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and research assistants on special projects and experimental ideas.
• Research and test the latest visualization tools and workflows.
  
  
  

Outcomes

By the end of the residency, the research associate is expected to produce a public-facing research project; this may take the form of a short animated film, publication, online archive, exhibition, or workshop; developed in conversation with the TVLab's mission and the broader college community. The college will provide $5,000 in research funding to support this work.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated experience in digital visualization, media production, or narrative design
• Interest in the intersections of pedagogy, public discourse, and digital experimentation
• Familiarity with AI tools, Blender, Unreal Engine, or equivalent
  
  
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The salary for this position is $50,000. Factors used to determine salary include experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor transparency throughout the recruiting process.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.

Please Note

• Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. Applicants will not be sponsored for work visas.
  
  
  

Our Shared Values

We aim to create a community of mutual respect and trust where everyone's backgrounds, identities, and views are represented without any threat of bias, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. Learn more about the shared values we have for our community.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Michigan by 2x

Get notified about new Laboratory Researcher jobs in Ann Arbor, MI.

Research Laboratory Tech Assoc. & Interm.

Ann Arbor, MI $52,600.00-$63,800.00 22 hours ago

Research Laboratory Tech Assoc - Term Limited

Ann Arbor, MI $70,000.00-$75,000.00 5 months ago

Advanced Biology Expertise Sought for AI Training

Instructor - Part Time (Biology Applicant Pool)

Advanced Biology Expertise Sought for AI Training

Ann Arbor, MI $43,000.00-$48,000.00 1 day ago

Advanced Biology Expertise Sought for AI Training

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.