Digital Fabrication Lab Assistant

Supports a busy, well-equipped self-service graduate school fabrication facility, assisting students and faculty in fabrication research and production, utilizing a wide range of materials, equipment, and software. Helps ensure the lab is safe, well-resourced, and supportive of learning. Responsible for routine maintenance and safe and efficient operation of digital fabrication tools and processes, such as 3D printing, CNC routers and laser cutters. Acquires, installs, configures, and supports users in operating power tools and digital fabrication tools and equipment. Trains lab users about policies and procedures related to the safe use of equipment, materials, and space. Works with technicians, consultants, faculty, staff and students.

Requirements include bachelor's degree or equivalent 5 years of experience, theoretical and practical knowledge of of digital fabrication tools and processes, training and/or experience in industrial hygiene and safety (preferred) or materials science, physics, or chemistry. Academic experience, advanced degree, or experience with architectural, environmental, industrial design and 'maker culture' a plus.

This position supports and enhances hands-on learning in client's instructional preclinical dental laboratories. The role coordinates laboratory activities in the preclinical learning center, partners with faculty to develop and implement course lab components, and trains students and teaching fellows in effective laboratory, design, and manufacturing practices. The position also advises individual students and teams of pre-doctoral students. This complex role includes the following responsibilities:

Student education: Assists faculty with teaching dental technology techniques to pre-doctoral students through practical demonstrations and regular laboratory lectures.
Supports the development of educational activities, including demonstrations on dental technology techniques and the use of dental materials, such as tooth morphology wax-ups, dental models and case design, dental articulators and face-bow transfers, implant surgical stent fabrication, bleaching tray fabrication, precision model sectioning, temporary removable partial dentures, complete denture setup, and partial denture design. Assists faculty in supervising and training pre-doctoral dental students during laboratory sessions. Supports program delivery in accordance with client standards, including one-on-one live case consultation, and works with faculty and staff to promote student success.

Laboratory management: Conducts periodic inspections and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including the media station. Coordinates equipment repairs and replacements and independently performs minor repairs as needed. Manages inventory through accurate recordkeeping and ensures course materials are available. Oversees the day-to-day operation of laboratory space and equipment. Serves as substitute for the AGE laboratory manager in their absence, assuming related duties as needed.

Outsourcing management: Performs quality control for outsourced laboratory work and reviews monthly vendor quality reports. Oversees the laboratory, vendor, and client workflow to ensure the quality of student laboratory work sent out and received for pre-doctoral students, postdoctoral residents, and the Faculty Group Practice.

Tracks and manages laboratory and materials data in the Axium/EHR system.

Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent 5 years of experience, theoretical and practical knowledge of digital fabrication tools and processes, training and/or experience in industrial hygiene and safety (preferred) or materials science, physics, or chemistry.
Academic experience, advanced degree, or experience with architectural, environmental, industrial design and 'maker culture' a plus.

The equipment used in this facility is highly specialized and many pieces require safety precautions including PPE because of hazardous materials, electrical and mechanical hazards, high temperature, and sharp objects. Some lifting and handling of heavy materials may be required.

Notes:
Standard Hours: 40 Hours/on campus

VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.