IT:U is a new technical university in Austria (Linz) dedicated to digital transformation, driven by interdisciplinary research and project-based learning to actively shape this transformation and advance it with a solution-oriented approach.
Lab Expert for our Digital Design Lab DESY (f/m/d)*
Make our cutting edge project based learning methodology become reality at IT:U.
As Lab Expert for our Digital Design Lab DESY (f/m/d), you will be responsible for teaching, managing and developing an environment in which students can experience the transformative power of digital tools and methods in the design process.
DESY: Our Design Lab guides students through the design thinking process, combining hands-on prototyping with materials like paper, textiles and clay with digital fabrication methods such as 3D printing, laser cutting and vinyl cutting. It offers a holistic workflow from concept to production. DESY represents a creative, detail-oriented maker who explores new fabrication methods to solve real-world challenges and spark dialogue on social and global issues. The lab is equipped with tools for both physical and digital making, including 3D and resin printers, laser and vinyl cutters, sewing machines, airbrushing equipment, and post-processing tools for refining prototypes and presentation models.
Your tasks and responsibilities:
- Implement a comprehensive lab organization concept, ensuring proper maintenance of digital infrastructure, smooth operations, and timely software updates.
- Manage lab schedules in collaboration with lecturers.
- Instruct and teach students on digital technologies and innovation tools, providing hands-on support for technical setups, applications, and troubleshooting.
- Develop and maintain a robust lab safety concept, enforce safety protocols, participate in required safety certification courses, and provide necessary safety training to both students and university members.
- Align laboratory resources with project-based learning requirements and coordinate with external vendors for software, platforms, and equipment procurement.
- Identify and develop synergies with other labs and participate in larger research and education projects involving multiple labs.
Your strengths and skills:
- PhD degree or equivalent related to digital design methods and tools or a similar field, with profound work experience (e.g. in the field of product design, UI/UX design, system design, industrial design).
- Proficiency in working with digital technologies and tools relevant to innovation, prototyping, and digital design, including 2D design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent open-source alternatives, and 3D design tools such as Blender, Rhino, or comparable platforms.
- Hands-on experience operating digital prototyping and manufacturing equipment, including laser cutters, FDM and resin 3D printers, and related fabrication technologies.
- Teaching experience, experience in supporting practical digital design and innovation projects, and translating digital opportunities into real-world applications is highly welcome.
- Profound understanding and practical application of Design Thinking methodologies, with a particular focus on integrating digital tools and technologies throughout the innovation and development process.
- Strong understanding of responsible technology use, compliance, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
- Fluent written and spoken English at a minimum C1 level.
What you can expect:
- Work in a highly inspiring academic environment together with other lab experts, lecturers and researchers from an interdisciplinary background.
- Facilitate project-based learning for students and train them on cutting edge equipment and methods.
- Be the creator of a space where innovative learning and motion capture methods thrive.
- Unique opportunity to help build a new university.
- Attractive campus with good transportation connections.
- Free parking or Climate Ticket Upper Austria.
- Flexible working hours through a flextime model and the option for home office.
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