How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file.
The review of resumes will begin when the posting closes. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted via email. The interview process will consist of an initial 30-45 minute screening interview and one or two additional interviews for select candidates. Additionally, samples of relevant work may be requested.
Job Summary
The TVLab at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is a platform for experimental media, narrative design, and public-facing communication based at Taubman College. The lab supports emergent forms of architectural pedagogy, critical visualization, and public programming. The TVLab Research Residency offers designers and thinkers the opportunity to deepen their practice within an interdisciplinary environment, while contributing to the daily operations and life of the lab.
The TVLab research associate is a one-year, term-limited position from July 2025 through June 2026 that will work with TVLab Manager (our organizational chart) to support the lab's ongoing operations and research agenda. This is a full-time role, intended for individuals who are not currently enrolled in academic programs. The position requires in-person presence for all TVLab programming including classes, lectures, workshops, and similar events. Remote work may be permitted only on days without programming or when no administrative tasks require on-site presence.
This is a hands-on position, suited for someone with an interest in hybrid media, design education, and experimental workflows. Your role will involve a combination of teaching support, digital organization, technical research, and public engagement.
Responsibilities*
- Manage daily activities in the TVLab, including scheduling, communications, and tool maintenance.
- Help develop and lead workshops and tutorials for students and faculty, especially around visualization tools and media workflows.
- Support visualization pedagogy across courses by scaffolding media-based assignments, critique digital output, and maintain lab resources.
- Report directly to the TVLab director and collaborate on lab planning and strategy.
- Help plan and produce public-facing programming, including exhibitions, screenings, and online publications.
- Manage a growing inventory of software, digital tools, and collaborative platforms.
- Develop an independent research project over the course of the year, to be publicly shared.
- Contribute to an evolving media archive of the lab's work and curricular contributions.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and research assistants on special projects and experimental ideas.
- Research and test the latest visualization tools and workflows.
Outcomes:
By the end of the residency, the research associate is expected to produce a public-facing research project; this may take the form of a short animated film, publication, online archive, exhibition, or workshop; developed in conversation with the TVLab's mission and the broader college community. The college will provide $5,000 in research funding to support this work.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Demonstrated experience in digital visualization, media production, or narrative design
- Interest in the intersections of pedagogy, public discourse, and digital experimentation
- Familiarity with AI tools, Blender, Unreal Engine, or equivalent
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The salary for this position is $50,000. Factors used to determine salary include experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor transparency throughout the recruiting process.
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.
Please note:
- Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.
- Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. Applicants will not be sponsored for work visas.
Our Shared Values
We aim to create a community of mutual respect and trust where everyone's backgrounds, identities, and views are represented without any threat of bias, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. Learn more about the shared values we have for our community.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.