Expert for the academic Makerspace of the departments of architecture and interior architecture

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Department: Architecture
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Together we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The University of Antwerp’s Faculty of Design Sciences is looking for a full-time expert for the academic Makerspace of the departments of architecture and interior architecture. The Makerspace is an independent workshop and meeting place where students, PhD students and academic staff develop and sharpen skills related to material testing and model building, using a range of machines and paying attention to the most recent (including digital) techniques.

Position

The position includes the following tasks:

• You are responsible for the operational organisation of the academic Makerspace for the architecture and interior architecture departments.
• You are responsible for the daily support and guidance of students in developing tests and models for their design. You instruct and guide them to operate the machines safely and assist them in fine-tuning their design.
• You organise and conduct workshops for students and also provide courses to develop and sharpen skills, with an eye for a safe and sustainable working environment.
• You are responsible for daily management, lead the team and coach the activities of the other employees in the Makerspace. You also perform the necessary administrative tasks. You are responsible for selling and lending materials to students.
• You are responsible for purchasing materials and collecting unused materials for recycling and reuse.
• You manage the Materials Library where students, teachers and researchers can gain inspiration with a multitude of materials.
• You help determine the further development and design of the Makerspace, in consultation with the members of the academic staff, both with regard to the educational aspect (developing training courses, devising assignments) and with regard to the expansion and commissioning of the machine park.
• You consult independently with the UAntwerp infrastructure and prevention at work services when purchasing and implementing new equipment, tools and materials.
• You monitor the vision of the Makerspace and contribute to increasing its visibility within and outside the faculty.
• You use materials in a sustainable way and pay a lot of attention to reuse. You also pass on this attitude to employees and students.

Profile

• You have a Master degree or equivalent competences gained through prior work experience.
• You have a good knowledge of model making and can handle different materials. You have a technical background or manual skills.
• You demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and you are strong in planning, organising and working independently.
• You are skilled in operation and maintenance of machines; certification is a plus. Experience in a makerspace is a plus.
• You have experience in teaching or coaching employees and/or students. Familiarity with a higher education environment is a plus.
• You are committed and motivated to make the Makerspace the beating heart of the design education and you demonstrate a proactive attitude in realising the vision on maker education. You do not act on your own, but you pay a lot of attention to consultation with various stakeholders, in particular the academic staff from the courses involved.
• You communicate smoothly with users of the Makerspace, always with respect for the learning and/or research process.
• You have good oral and written knowledge of English.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer an appointment as a statutory official.
• You will receive a gross monthly salary within pay band 7.1-9.1 of the pay scales of the Administrative and Technical Staff. Your entry-level grade (usually grade 7) depends on your relevant professional experience.
• You will receive meal vouchers, ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• We offer flexible working hours.
• You will have 40 days of annual leave and collective leave for 1 week when the university is closed, between Christmas and New Year.
• You will be employed in the renovated Makerspace, which will move to the new location on the Mutsaard campus in the heart of Antwerp in the course of 2024. In this dynamic learning and research environment, students, teachers and researchers work together in an innovation-stimulating atmosphere.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here and discover all the other benefits.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this job through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 5 June 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a letter of motivation;
  • your vision of an academic makerspace (max. one A4);
  • an overview of your completed projects that demonstrate your relevant technical skills and experience.
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. The selection process consists of a pre-selection, a job-oriented test in the form of a home assignment and a selection interview with the selection committee. The selection interviews will take place on Friday, June 21. Please take this into account in advance.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the Frequently Asked Questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerp.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. dr. Mario Rinke, spokesman for the academic Makerspace (mario.rinke@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp is a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.