Art/Design Lab Coordinator (Photography Lab)

Position Overview

Job Description

Oversee daily operation of photography facilities, including silver and non-silver darkrooms, lighting studio, classrooms, digital print lab, documentation space, and equipment checkout.

Coordinate maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of specialized equipment and software.

Develop and implement safety protocols and provide technical instruction to students and student employees.

Consult with faculty and students in support of coursework, research, and creative projects.

Career Development

• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise student hourly employees.
• Cook up and supervise graduate instructional support hours.
• Maintain inventories of lab equipment and consumables.
• Support departmental initiatives, committees, and other studio areas as assigned.

Photo Documentation

Manage photo documentation studio, currently 412.

Provide professional photo documentation of artwork for undergraduates, graduates, and faculty as needed.

Manage a schedule of art documentation of approximately 10 hours / week.

Train student hourly employees to assist in the documentation of artwork.

Summer Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on equipment and facilities.
• Update computers, software, and digital systems.
• Organize and deep clean labs and studios to prepare for the academic year.
• Oversee equipment checkout systems and inventory maintenance.
• Support faculty use of facilities and equipment for research and creative activity.
• Document student and faculty work as needed.

Position Requirements

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for special events.
• BFA/Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3 years of experience in photography, video, or related technical studio practices OR High School diploma/GED equivalency and 7 years of experience in photography, video, or related technical studio practices.
• Proficiency in color correct print lab workflows, including color profiling, color management, and archival inkjet printing, as demonstrated by at least 2 years in a print lab or other printing practice.
• Proficiency in lighting studio workflows and equipment, including strobe pack/mono-head systems and hot light, as demonstrated with at least two years of experience in a lighting studio.
• Experience with Analog (35mm and large format) and digital/video camera equipment and repairs, including new technical developments in digital equipment and processes.
• Experience with darkroom operations, developing, printing, and chemical safety standards.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience documenting 2D and 3D artwork.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience cataloging an equipment inventory for check-out.
• Familiarity with University of Kansas systems.
• MFA in photography, video, expanded media, experimental media, or related field.
• Demonstrated creative practice that bridges analog and digital photography, lighting studio, printing, and video.

Additional Candidate Instructions

• In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
• A letter of intent.
• A resume.
• A list of three (3) professional references.

Contact Information to Applicants

Elise Kirk
elisekirk@ku.edu