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Position Introduction:
The OU Fabrication Lab, part of the Tom Love Innovation Hub, supports and promotes innovation and creativity, enables rapid prototyping, and provides opportunities for experiential learning, research translation, and professional growth for OU students and the broader university community.
Student staff members play an important role in the daily operation of the Fabrication Lab and in creating a safe, welcoming, and collaborative environment for everyone who uses the space. Students in this position will assist with the operation, upkeep, and maintenance of the lab; welcome and engage with visitors; help users safely and effectively operate Fabrication Lab equipment; and perform general administrative and organizational duties.
A major part of this position is helping others learn. Student staff will develop familiarity with the tools, equipment, and processes available in the Fabrication Lab and use that knowledge to guide users through the process of turning their ideas into physical prototypes and projects. Staff members are not expected to know everything when they begin the position; training and opportunities to develop technical skills will be provided.
In addition to general lab operations, student staff may have opportunities to work alongside university faculty, researchers, student organizations, community members, and entrepreneurs on prototypes and special projects. These experiences may involve design, fabrication, problem-solving, testing, and the use of a variety of digital fabrication and prototyping technologies.
This position is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop technical skills, communication skills, leadership, creative problem-solving, and professional experience while contributing to a collaborative environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and learning.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Fabrication Lab student staff members are expected to contribute to the safe, effective, and welcoming operation of the lab.
- Welcome and assist Fabrication Lab visitors, helping create an approachable environment where students, faculty, staff, and community members feel comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and learning new skills.
- Assist and teach users how to safely operate Fabrication Lab equipment and tools, providing guidance on equipment operation, materials, fabrication processes, and good shop practices.
- Learn and maintain proficiency with Fabrication Lab equipment and processes through hands-on training, independent learning, and continued skill development.
- Promote and maintain a safe working environment by following established safety procedures, monitoring appropriate equipment use, identifying potential hazards, and helping users follow lab policies and procedures.
- Perform routine cleaning, organization, and maintenance of the Fabrication Lab, including returning tools and materials to their proper locations, maintaining clean workspaces, completing equipment checks, and helping ensure the lab is ready for daily use.
- Support the operation and maintenance of Fabrication Lab equipment, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting, documenting equipment issues, and communicating problems that require additional attention.
- Help users develop and fabricate projects, including assisting with design decisions, material selection, file preparation, prototyping, troubleshooting, and identifying appropriate tools or fabrication processes.
- Support special projects and collaborations involving university faculty, researchers, student organizations, entrepreneurs, community partners, and other Innovation Hub programs.
- Contribute to workshops, demonstrations, tours, outreach activities, and special events, including helping prepare equipment and materials, assisting participants, and representing the Fabrication Lab to visitors and the broader community.
- Complete assigned administrative and operational tasks, including maintaining records, organizing materials and supplies, assisting with inventory, and supporting other day-to-day needs of the Fabrication Lab.
- Communicate effectively with fellow student staff and professional staff, sharing information about projects, equipment issues, visitor needs, and other matters necessary for the smooth operation of the lab.
- Contribute to the continued improvement of the Fabrication Lab by identifying problems, proposing solutions, sharing ideas, developing resources, and taking ownership of projects that improve the experience of lab users.
- Represent the Fabrication Lab and Tom Love Innovation Hub professionally, demonstrating reliability, curiosity, initiative, respect, and a willingness to help others learn.
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