How to Apply
Candidates must submit both a cover letter, highlighting relevant experience and interest in this position, and a cv/resume. Only submissions with both documents will be considered.
Job Summary
Stamps Pre-College is seeking a creative, collaborative artist, designer, and educator to serve as the Studio Lead for our grant-funded BioDesign Studio program this summer.
As Studio Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the art and design experience for a small cohort of high school students. You will assist in developing and delivering a curriculum that bridges the innovative research of Dr. Jouha Min's lab with interdisciplinary studio art and design practice. Through hands-on projects, demonstrations, lectures, excursions, and critiques, you will inspire participants, foster their creativity, and guide them toward college-level rigor and personal growth.
The Studio Lead is primarily an in-person role involving routine visits to the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor's North Campus. However, some tasks may be completed virtually as well.
What You'll Do
This immersive summer commuter program is perfect for students ready to unlock their creativity, collaborate with experts, and explore how art and science can make a real-world impact.
BioDesign Studio highlights materials science and engineering through an artistic lens, inspired by the innovative research of Dr. Jouha Min, a faculty member in the U-M's College of Engineering.
When people need medical implants, like artificial joints or heart devices, infections can cause serious problems for patients, including implant failure and even amputation. Traditional methods to fight these infections mostly target bacteria, but often ignore how the body's immune system reacts to the implant itself. Dr. Min's research aims to design new biomaterials that help keep infections away by working with the body's natural immunological defenses.
Students will:
- Join a small cohort and receive individualized attention and mentorship
- Collaborate closely with Dr. Min's research group and gain college-level research exposure
- Design, fabricate, and analyze 2D and 3D surface topographies with experimental shapes and patterns
- Use Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to capture intricate micro- and nano-scale details
- Enhance SEM images in Photoshop, adding artistic elements for a creative twist
- Submit your science-inspired artwork to the BioArtography program, where pieces are displayed and sold to support public science education
Responsibilities*
- Develop and implement an engaging art and design curriculum informed by current biomaterials research and scientific themes
- Mentor and support students as they synthesize scientific concepts with creative expression through individual and collaborative projects
- Provide demonstrations, facilitate critiques, and offer personalized guidance to help students refine their artistic and design skills
- Collaborate closely with Dr. Min's research team, fellow instructors, and Pre-College staff to ensure a seamless interdisciplinary experience
- Lead excursions to campus galleries, museums, and other relevant sites to enrich the studio curriculum
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants, and cultivate a supportive, inclusive, and creative learning environment
- Uphold University of Michigan and Stamps Pre-College policies, and maintain adherence to the program schedule
Required Qualifications*
- BA/BFA degree
- Engagement with contemporary art/design through personal practice
- Interest in STEAM education
- Respect for diversity and a willingness to learn about other cultures
Desired Qualifications*
- MA/MFA degree (completed or in progress)
- High school/college teaching experience
- Fluency in Adobe CC
- Familiarity with the Stamps School of Art & Design and the University of Michigan
- Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills
- Maturity and integrity
- A positive and caring personal attitude
Modes of Work
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
Additional Information
Program Details
- Modality: Commuter / In-Person
- Dates: July 13- Aug 6
- Day/Time: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
- Timezone: Eastern Time
- Location: Stamps School of Art & Design
Compensation
BioDesign Studio is a grant funded project. The Studio Lead will be paid $25.00 per hour
Background Screening
This is a temporary position that is contingent upon completion of required criminal background screening, as specified in SPG 601.34 (Policy on Minors Involved in University-Sponsored Programs or Programs Held in University Facilities).
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.