Assistant Instructor and Fabrication Lab Manager (Two Positions)

University of South Florida•Tampa, FL

11d

About The Position

The University of South Florida is hiring two Assistant Instructor and Fabrication Lab Managers, one supporting the School of Art and Art History and one supporting the School of Architecture and Community Design. The successful candidates will be hands-on makers and educators who lead teaching shops, help students use analog and digital tools safely and skillfully, support student projects, and teach a fabrication course. The art position focuses on sculptural and three-dimensional fabrication across materials including wood and metal; the architecture position emphasizes digital fabrication and model making. The roles require a strong commitment to safety, collaboration with faculty, and supervision and mentorship of student employees. Crossover work and shared resources between the positions, schools, and college are anticipated. The USF School of Art and Art History offers an interdisciplinary MFA program and degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art History. The School of Architecture and Community Design offers an accredited Master of Architecture and a preprofessional Bachelor of Design in Architecture, and conducts research through the Florida Center for Community Design and Research. Applicants must provide a letter of interest describing fabrication and teaching experience and stating a preference for the art or architecture position, or openness to either; a CV or resume; and three references. To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 5, 2027, though applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field, or equivalent qualifications based on professional experience.
Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of analog woodworking equipment.
Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of metal fabrication and/or digital fabrication equipment, such as CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers.
Demonstrated leadership in team or supervisory settings.
Strong commitment to supporting a community of students, artists, and designers.
Under the stated degree equivalency clause, four years of direct experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree, subject to applicable employment eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field, such as art, architecture, design, theatre, or the built environment.
Experience supporting sculptural fabrication, architectural model making, or both.
Teaching experience in a studio, shop, or fabrication setting.
Experience managing a shop, lab, or makerspace, including budgets, inventory, and safety programs.

Responsibilities

Teach a fabrication course, such as wood, metal, or digital fabrication.
Lead demonstrations and workshops that support studio courses, in consultation with faculty.
Advise students on materials and fabrication methods for sculpture, architectural models, prototypes, and other projects.
Develop and enforce lab safety protocols and manage compliance with USF-mandated safety training.
Maintain and calibrate equipment and keep it in safe operating condition.
Serve as liaison with USF Environmental Health and Safety, Physical Plant, and other campus units.
Hire, train, and supervise lab support staff and student employees.
Manage the lab budget, inventory, and supply orders.
Plan and carry out equipment and facility upgrades.
Lead start- and end-of-semester shop preparation and support school events.
Perform other duties as assigned.