Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a résumé in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
About Rice
Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.
Position Summary
The Makerspace Program Coordinator will be responsible for developing and leading makerspace classes and seminars on subject matter such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking, utilizing equipment in the Moody Center for the Arts Workshop and Makerspace. Assists students with a wide range of fabrication and design challenges, answering first-line questions and ensuring proper safety procedures are followed.
The ideal candidate is an experienced, engaging instructor who can confidently lead hands-on classes in areas such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking, translating technical processes into clear, accessible learning experiences. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety, proactively enforcing protocols and fostering a culture of responsibility within a shared workshop environment. With strong, well-rounded makerspace acumen, they are adept at troubleshooting fabrication challenges and supporting students, faculty, and artists across a wide range of design and production needs.
Workplace Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and safely navigate in and around active workshop environments, including proximity to fabrication equipment and tools.
Workplace Location
This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a hiring salary of $58,000 -$60,000 annually. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
2+ years of experience in a workshop or makerspace setting utilizing 3D modeling, woodworking, and metalworking
In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Skills:
Proficiency with applicable specialized software, equipment, tools, and machinery
Excellent interpersonal skills to teach, guide, and work with students
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Prior experience and knowledge in safety and maintenance of an innovative, specialized lab
Ability to work independently and coordinate a wide range of faculty, staff, students, and visitors
Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to diagnose equipment issues
Passion for the arts, education, and student engagement
Preferences
3D printing experience and knowledge of FDM and SLA consumer-level machines
CNC router experience
CNC machining experience
Knowledge of Vectric software
Laser cutting and vinyl cutting experience
Essential Functions
Leads undergraduate and graduate student classes and seminars on subject matter such as woodworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting
Interacts with and takes direction from the Workshop Director to ensure adequate preparation and supplies are available for use
Develops new curriculum and expands existing curriculum for Rice student classes utilizing equipment in the Moody Center Workshop and Makerspace
Ensures all safety measures and protocols are observed during classroom instruction
Completes and files incident reports as needed
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab, workshop, studio, or makerspace, including all equipment and machinery
Provides continuity, expertise, and supervision to students, assisting them in resolving design and technical problems, equipment use, and understanding available resources
Responsible for lab equipment, materials, and supplies, including cleanliness, maintenance, operation, inventory (life cycle and replacement schedule), and procurement
Supervises student workers
Works with IT to generate and load specialty software, as applicable
Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions
Works with the Senior Director of Exhibitions, Preparator, and visiting artists on fabrication projects related to Moody exhibitions and programs
Exhibits a welcoming and patient teaching style for students of all knowledge levels
Assists Rice students with a wide range of fabrication and design problems and answers first-line questions
Mentors students in designing and implementing projects, including the use of materials, design methods, and repairs
Provides general support to faculty, including assistance with teaching preparation, provision of materials, and equipment usage
Leads safety orientation sessions for students, faculty, and staff prior to their use of equipment
Works collaboratively with faculty and visiting artists to support their fabrication needs and assist them in achieving their project goals
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.