We’re looking for a Lab Manager that will be responsible for the Green Fab Lab at Valldaura Labs, supervising the daily operations of students and faculty. We want a motivated and enthusiastic person who shares our values and beliefs.

ABOUT VALLDAURA LABS AND THE GREEN FAB LAB

Valldaura Labs is a research centre about self-sufficiency located in an antique mansion at the centre of a 140 ha plot and part of the Collserola Metropolitan Natural Park, a green vast area situated on a hill watching over the city of Barcelona. The Green Fab Lab is the laboratory for digital fabrication of the Valldaura Labs and, being one of the first labs devoted to developing projects committed to the positive impact of the digital revolution in a natural and agricultural environment, it is an active node of the Fab Lab Network.

Valldaura Labs is part of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). Based in Barcelona, IAAC is a centre of research, education, production and outreach with the mission of envisioning the future habitat of our society and building it within the present.

ABOUT THE JOB

The candidate will be responsible for leading the lab and coordinating activities and workshops (Digital Fabrication, creative programming, software, hardware, graphics and product design, etc), as well as operating the machines (3d printers, laser cut, milling machine,…) and being responsible of the implementations of the protocols for use, maintenance and security of the inventory of the lab.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to the IAAC Infrastructure Manager.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

The Green Fab Lab future manager shall be proactive, a natural leader and able to work independently. The candidate shall have a management background, with either formal or informal experience in project management or similar. Fab Academy diploma is highly desirable. Experience or knowledge in Digital Fabrication or different types of interactive projects with open source tools like Arduino is also highly desirable. Strong knowledge of or experience in the Fab Lab Network or any organization within the maker culture is a big plus.

We’re looking for a person who can work in a multidisciplinary environment and who is naturally curious and has a strong interest in creative fields, including technical/science/engineering and liberal arts/design/etc.

DESIRED BACKGROUND

One of the following: Engineering, Creative Programming, Electronics, Management, Architecture, Product Design, Interaction Design, etc

A minimum of two years experience in a project management role or similar is required. Experience in Fab labs/ makerspaces or similar organizations within the maker culture is required.

Fab Academy degree is highly desirable.

  • An understanding of basic mechatronics.
  • Experience with image editing, CAD/CAM applications, and design software.
  • Experience with fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, CNC mill, and other related equipment.
  • Experience working in or using manufacturing/industrial and rapid prototyping technology and equipment.
  • Proficient in common desktop applications (web browsing, Microsoft Office Suite, image editing).
  • Some Programming basic skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage and carry out daily operations of the Fab Lab, including:

  • Open and close of the machines;
  • Carry out basic administrative tasks such as order materials or follow up on reparations processes;
  • Coordinate, supervise and ensure a regular schedule of activities and use of the different machines;
  • Coordinate and assist the students and faculty in their fabrication tasks;
  • Being responsible for the daily, monthly and yearly maintenance of each machine;
  • Being responsible for the implementation of the protocols of use and security of the lab for all the people using the lab.
  • Maintain current relationships with teachers and seek new topics and partnerships.
  • Receive visitors to explain the Valldaura Labs and Green Fab Lab project.
  • Keep a tight relation with the IAAC’s other labs team members to share good practises and troubleshooting processes.

KEY COMPETENCIES

  • Strong interpersonal skills, as well as written and oral communication skills, are essential for this position.
  • Confidentiality, maturity, and professionalism at all times are essential for this position.
  • Experience in teaching and/or demonstration of science and technology, especially in a community environment.
  • The ability to work effectively and efficiently, under stressful conditions, to ensure deadlines are met is essential.
  • Autonomous, able to take on responsibilities and coordinate a team efficiently
  • Must have demonstrated, through prior work experience, the ability to identify and resolve, in a courteous and professional manner, complex issues and problems
  • while adhering to an appropriate policy and procedure.
  • Safety – Knowledgeable on all applicable EH&S, OSHA and regulatory requirements.
  • Interest in Art, Technology and Photograph
  • Willing to learn, motivated, enthusiastic and social.

CONDITIONS

Part-time commitment with the possibility to use the lab for the development of personal projects in the rest of the time.
Salary: 10k – 14k € based on the profile
The possibility of living in the facility of the Valldaura Labs.
Transport to and from Valldaura Labs is not provided, therefore in case of not living in the Valldaura Labs disposing of a private mean of transportation (motorbike or car) is highly recommended

SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION

If you are in Barcelona, or you are interested in moving to Barcelona, and working with us, please send us your CV and Portfolio by the 15th of August 2018 to [email protected].
Email subject should be: Green FabLab Coordinator – Job Application