Innovation Lab Assistant

UO HR Website•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Innovation Lab Assistant supports the daily operations, instructional activities, and overall experience of the Sports Product Management (SPM) Innovation Lab. Reporting to the Innovation Lab Manager, this role works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide hands-on assistance with equipment, facilitate demonstrations, and maintain a safe, organized, and fully operational lab environment. This is an in-person position based in Portland, Oregon. The position plays a key role in supporting student learning by reinforcing lab best practices, assisting with coursework and projects, and encouraging experimentation and skill development. In addition, the Innovation Lab Assistant helps ensure readiness for classes, events, and tours, while delivering a welcoming and professional experience to all lab users, including students, staff, industry partners, and visitors. Working hours for this position may vary throughout the year based on program and lab needs and may include evenings and weekends.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience (paid or volunteer), supporting community programs that serve children, youth, or adults OR Associate Degree and one year of work experience (paid or volunteer) which must be working in youth development programs, adult education, teaching, program delivery or related functions.
Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated skill to work with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated skill to use computers for word processing, data management, and communications.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of footwear, apparel, and equipment prototyping, including use of machinery and techniques across the product creation process from concept to production.
Ability to advance and support the mission of the department and university through daily work.
Strong commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and safety-conscious work environment.
High ethical standards and professionalism in all interactions.
Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to remain composed and effective in fast-paced or stressful situations.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to frequent interruptions.
Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and graphic application processes.
Familiarity with innovation lab equipment and standard operating procedures.
Knowledge of the sports product industry product development process.
Effective communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities.
Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a related design discipline.
3 years of experience in product creation, product development, or a related field.
Previous experience in a higher education institution.

Responsibilities

Supports the daily operations, instructional activities, and overall experience of the Sports Product Management (SPM) Innovation Lab.
Works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide hands-on assistance with equipment.
Facilitates demonstrations.
Maintains a safe, organized, and fully operational lab environment.
Supports student learning by reinforcing lab best practices.
Assists with coursework and projects.
Encourages experimentation and skill development.
Ensures readiness for classes, events, and tours.
Delivers a welcoming and professional experience to all lab users, including students, staff, industry partners, and visitors.