AI Makerspace Lab Manager

Position Summary:

This person will manage the Walter Library AI Makerspace in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). This position will coordinate and empower student workers to take care of day-to-day lab activities such as training students to access equipment, maintaining a clean and orderly facility, fixing broken equipment, performing preventative maintenance tasks, taking inventory, placing orders, etc. The manager's primary focus will be to leverage the AI Makerspace equipment and resources to implement educational programming for the benefit of CSE students. The manager should focus on content creation and bigger-picture goals rather than day-to-day lab tasks. This position reports to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in CSE and is a 12-month, 100% full-time Professional & Administrative position.

Responsibilities:

30% - Develops and implements workshops, training courses, competitions, events, and other opportunities for CSE students to learn and apply practical AI, design, and engineering skills. Measures the impact of programming in the Lab through user surveys, student feedback sessions, and other data capture methods to improve the labs' educational impact.

30% - Directs student workers to ensure the day-to-day operations of the makerspaces are taken care of and the labs are meeting the needs of CSE students. Works with staff to maintain computer hardware, software, and other equipment, order supplies, purchase new equipment, train lab users, offer design help, and do anything else needed to ensure that lab users have a good experience.

15% - Establishes internal and external contacts and partnerships related to student innovation, design, and fabrication. Leverages these connections to plan community outreach and industry networking opportunities for students and recruitment events for CSE.

15% - Works with CSE faculty and staff to encourage more direct curricular use of the AI makerspaces; designs curriculum, trains faculty and TAs, and schedules the spaces.

10% - Maintains budgets, reports, and statistics necessary for makerspace upkeep and operations. Monitors revenues and expenses. Researches makerspaces and AI-based curricula around the globe, including at other universities, to bring best practices to CSE.

Required:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field, with at least 4 years of experience, or a BA/BS with at least 6 years of relevant post-degree experience
• Experience using and training AI Models, including but not limited to Neural Nets, EdgeML, Speech-2-Text, Text-2-Img, In-Painting, and publicly available Large Language Models
• Exceptional level of customer service and ability to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning.

Preferred:

• Experience in managing a hands-on educational environment, such as a makerspace, arts program, or fabrication lab. This includes maintaining an orderly and professional laboratory environment.
• Experience supervising people.
• Working knowledge of common educational robot platforms, such as Arduinos and REV/FIRST Robotics platforms.
• Experience developing tutorials and self-paced teaching materials.
• Experience with Python and Google Co-Lab.
• Experience with C++, Python, Java, or other programming languages.
• Experience working with microcontrollers and single-board computers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Particle Photon, etc.
• Experience using and creating research-informed practices in an educational environment.
• Strong understanding of the safe operation of hand tools and automated robot systems. Ability to provide safety-focused instruction and foster an environment where students feel encouraged to experiment safely and ask questions.
• Courteous and effective communication style. Ability to pivot instruction based on the needs of individual students.
• Commitment to continual learning. Curiosity about new materials, tools, and methods. Comfortable learning alongside students and admitting when unsure of an answer.

CSE is developing a new student-centered AI Makerspace to open Fall 2025. The space will offer students access to cutting edge AI technology, collaboration areas, and expert assistance to support them as they explore AI. Engaging workshops, seminars, and programs will be offered to bring students into the space who otherwise may not encounter AI in their studies. This posting is for the inaugural manager of the AI Makerspace, which will include oversight of the space, technology, programming, and consultative services offered in the Makerspace.

Pay Range: $70,000-$90,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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