Innovation Lab Assistant

Regular, ongoing full-time position represented by SEIU Local 503.

About the role

The Innovation Lab Assistant supports the daily operations, instructional activities, and overall experience of the Sports Product Management (SPM) Innovation Lab. Reporting to the Innovation Lab Manager, this role works closely with faculty, staff, and students to provide hands-on assistance with equipment, facilitate demonstrations, and maintain a safe, organized, and fully operational lab environment. The position plays a key role in supporting student learning by reinforcing lab best practices, assisting with coursework and projects, and encouraging experimentation and skill development.

This in-person position is based in Portland, Oregon. Working hours may vary throughout the year based on program and lab needs and may include evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations and instructional activities of the SPM Innovation Lab.
• Provide hands-on assistance with lab equipment and facilitate demonstrations.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and fully operational lab environment.
• Assist students with coursework, projects, and skill development.
• Ensure readiness for classes, events, and tours.
• Deliver a welcoming and professional experience to all lab users, including students, staff, industry partners, and visitors.
• Advance and support the mission of the department and university through daily work.
• Maintain a safety-conscious work environment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant experience (paid or volunteer) supporting community programs that serve children, youth, or adults, or Associate Degree and one year of work experience (paid or volunteer) in youth development programs, adult education, teaching, program delivery, or related functions.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences.
• Skill in using computers for word processing, data management, and communications.
• Working knowledge of footwear, apparel, and equipment prototyping, including use of machinery and techniques across the product creation process from concept to production.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and graphic application processes.
• Familiarity with innovation lab equipment and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of the sports product industry product development process.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to frequent interruptions.
• High ethical standards and professionalism in all interactions.
• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to remain composed and effective in fast-paced or stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a related design discipline.
• Three years of experience in product creation, product development, or a related field.
• Previous experience in a higher education institution.

Pay

$20.19 - $30.11 per hour.

Benefits

The University of Oregon offers a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Learn more about benefits.

About the department

Since 1914, the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business has taught students the critical skills they need to think for themselves, to be leaders in a dynamic world, and to make better decisions on behalf of the people and resources they manage. The college is a top business school with a unique mission and vision that draws strength from its links to the Pacific Rim and the distinctive qualities of Oregon culture: innovation, sustainability, active lifestyles, financial stewardship, and respect for individuality and diversity within an increasingly global community.

The Lundquist College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest accreditation standard for business schools internationally. The college’s undergraduate program was first accredited in 1923, and its accounting program was accredited in 1989. Only 746 (6 percent) of the world's 12,600 business schools are AACSB accredited. The college’s accounting program also holds this distinction, placing it among an elite 178 programs—just 1.4 percent of the world's business schools.

The Sports Product Management program (SPM) is an 18-month program that exists as part of a collaboration with the Oregon Executive MBA program in Portland. Together, the two programs are known as the Lundquist Portland Programs. Within SPM, industry’s top talent educates future leaders through experiential education grounded in innovation, sustainability, and global business perspective. Educators in SPM bring a combination of education and extensive industry experience, with many holding a Master’s degree or PhD. Instructors have professional experience working in leadership roles within various functional areas of large and small sports product companies. SPM matches the hands-on expertise of its instructors with PhD professors who are subject-matter experts and internationally recognized for their research in sports apparel, footwear, and equipment. All faculty and staff in the program have a sincere interest in mentoring and advising students on their future careers.