Coordinator for the Innovation Hub
Position Overview:
Duke Kunshan University (DKU) is a Sino-US Joint Venture University approved by the Ministry of Education and co-founded by Duke University, Wuhan University and Kunshan City Government. DKU is a non-profit public welfare social organization with independent legal status. The campus is located in Kunshan Yangcheng Lake Science Park, Jiangsu Province.
The Innovation Hub at Duke Kunshan University aims to build a vibrant atmosphere that emphasizes Innovation, Community, Collaboration, and Accessibility. It encourages various activities of creation and knowledge sharing among all members of our community. We seek passionate, organized, and forward-thinking talents to join us. The Coordinator will be responsible for managing an interdisciplinary collaborative space and fostering a culture of innovation; develop a vibrant and inclusive community of creators; provide hands-on guidance to students’ dynamic projects; ensure safety protocols and maintain resources and equipment. The role also includes collaborating on branding initiatives to enhance visibility of the Hub.
Reports to:
Associate Director for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Essential Duties:
Community Building:
- Curate events, activities, and challenges that inspire creativity and innovation.
- Build a strong community of creators, cultivate a dynamic and inclusive environment by promoting collaboration among students, faculty, and staff.
- Act as a liaison between Innovation Hub and other departments to support students’ activities, teaching and research, as well as new initiatives.
Student Support:
- Provide hands-on guidance to users by offering technological support on projects, helping troubleshoot challenges, and encouraging innovative approaches.
- Develop tutorials, website content, and handbooks for lab equipment and emerging technologies.
- Facilitate workshops and co-curricular activities to educate students on various technologies.
- Train and supervise student workers, ensuring they provide user assistance efficiently.
Operation and Administration:
- Oversee the operation of the space, ensuring the proper use and maintenance of all equipment.
- Work with the EHS departments to enforce safety protocols and provide safety training.
- Monitor inventory and maintain supplies and materials for ongoing lab activities.
- Ensure the lab remains open, accessible, and functional during operational hours.
- Assist to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively.
- Responsible for procurement and setup of various equipment in the Space.
- Collaborate with communications teams to build the lab’s brand for creativity and technology, enhancing its visibility both within and outside the DKU community.
- Perform other duties as the lab grows and complexity.
- University employees' job responsibilities will continue to expand in scope and depth as the University grows in size and complexity in its programs.
Required Qualifications:
- The candidate should at least possess an undergraduate degree. A graduate degree is preferred.
- A degree in an engineering or design field involving mechanics, digital fabrication, robotics, human-machine interactions, or relevant fields.
- 2-3 years of relevant experience of working in a maker space or similar collaborative environments.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Technical expertise in design and digital fabrication, electronics, or related maker technologies, such as laser cut, CNC, 3D scanning, 3D printing, VR, CAD tools and ROS (Robot operation system).
- Programming skills in C++, Python or Matlab for human-machine interface.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and community building.
- Ability to provide hands-on support to students with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Self-motivated, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to quickly innovate and iterate.
- Ability to handle ambiguity.
- English speaking and writing skills for effective communication.