Innovation Lab Liaison

University of Oregon•Portland, OR

1d•$20 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Innovation Lab Liaison 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 technical support, maintain specialized equipment, and facilitate ensure a safe, organized, and fully operational lab environment. This position is also responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting equipment used in footwear, apparel, and product development; supporting demonstrations; assisting students with lab resources and processes; and coordinating supplies and materials used in academic products. Examples of equipment includes sewing machines, Strobel machines, 3D printers, and other specialized prototyping tools. The Innovation Lab Assistant plays a key role in supporting student learning by providing technical guidance, reinforcing safe and effective use of lab equipment and resources, supporting students with coursework and projects, and encouraging experimentation and skill development. In addition, the position ensures the lab is ready for classes, events, and tours, supporting a welcoming and professional experience to all lab users, including students, staff, industry partners, and visitors. In support of student project execution, this role collaborates with domestic and international manufacturing partners on sourcing materials, prototyping, and production activities to help students gain exposure to industry-standard product creation processes and supply chain practices. This is an in-person position based in Portland, Oregon and may require varied working hours throughout the year, including evenings and weekends based on program and lab needs.

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

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a related design discipline.
Three years of experience supporting product creation, prototyping, product development, or related technical operations.
Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting equipment used in apparel, footwear, or product development environments.
Knowledge of footwear, apparel, or equipment construction and/or development processes from concept through production.
Experience working in an educational, makerspace, innovation lab, fabrication lab, or similar environment.

Responsibilities

Support the daily operations, instructional activities, and overall experience of the Sports Product Management (SPM) Innovation Lab.
Provide technical support to faculty, staff, and students.
Maintain specialized equipment.
Ensure a safe, organized, and fully operational lab environment.
Maintain and troubleshoot equipment used in footwear, apparel, and product development.
Support demonstrations.
Assist students with lab resources and processes.
Coordinate supplies and materials used in academic products.
Provide technical guidance to students.
Reinforce safe and effective use of lab equipment and resources.
Support students with coursework and projects.
Encourage experimentation and skill development.
Ensure the lab is ready for classes, events, and tours.
Support a welcoming and professional experience to all lab users.
Collaborate with domestic and international manufacturing partners on sourcing materials, prototyping, and production activities.