Co-Lab Professional Fabrication & Design Specialist

Duke Clinical Research Institute
United States, North Carolina, Durham
Jul 14, 2026
Co-Lab Professional Fabrication & Design Specialist Be You. The Innovation Co-Lab is looking for a Co-Lab Professional Fabrication & Design Specialist to join our team in the Office of Information Technology (OIT). This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Innovation Co-Lab's Bluesmith and DesignHub team in support of the design and fabrication needs of the whole Duke community. In this in-person role you will be the primary point of contact for all aspects of the Bluesmith and DesignHub program from initial consult to final project delivery. You will collaborate closely with students, faculty, and staff to bring their ideas to life, and support the development of special projects. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a creative field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Positive attitude and ability to adapt to changing requirements and environment Hands-on problem-solving skills Experience with creating 3D models using CAD software Experience with 3D printing (SLA, MJP, SLS, PolyJet, FDM) Proven record of managing design and fabrication workflows from start to finish Passion for teaching others about making and designing Eager and willing to learn and apply new concepts Comfort presenting services to new users/customers Proven ability to work successfully in both team and individual situations Excellent verbal and written communication skills Passion for supporting experimentation and creation Ability to lift at least 30 lbs Preferred Qualifications: Advanced experience with creating 3D models using CAD software Interest in the intersection between 3D printing and research Advanced experience with 3D printing (SLA, MJP, SLS, PolyJet, FDM, PBJ) Advanced fabrication and design skills Experience running an academic service center Sales and lead generation experience Work Location: This is an in-person role Be Bold. Service Center Management: Responsible for the maintenance and operation of OIT's professional digital modeling and fabrication facilities and services, ie. Bluesmith and DesignHub. Maintenance and management of a fleet of high-end 3d printing and fabrication systems Maintenance of inventory of supported resins, filaments, powders, and other consumables Maintain expert level knowledge of relevant technologies, vendors, and business trends Evaluate new and emerging technologies and, where appropriate, develop operational policies and services to support broad access Ownership of financial processes and documentation Plan for the growth and maturation of the service center with the goal of broadened access to relevant communities at Duke with special attention on supporting and generating leads for more grant-funded research efforts Leadership and training of student employees that support these services Fabrication and Training: Develop and conduct design training workshops for the Duke community Assist with promotion of the Co-Lab's capabilities through demonstrations, events, social media, and technical presentations Serve as a technical consultant to faculty and other members of the Duke community on technical hurdles outside their field of expertise Mentoring Co-Lab Grant projects, and other programming designed to broaden access and remove barriers to technology education and experimentation. Fabricating special projects to support the Innovation Co-Lab's goals and mission Collaboration: Cultivate relationships and partnerships across campus to help continue to identify gaps in services and equipment offerings. Along with leadership, provide continued strategic direction around the Bluesmith Service Model, through regular outreach to users and stakeholders Choose Duke. The Innovation Co-Lab is a creativity incubator embedded within Duke's Office of Information Technology. We empower students, faculty, and staff to explore emerging technologies and bring their ideas to life. Our team is passionate about responsible innovation, inclusive education, and building projects that make a difference. Learn more about Duke University's competitive benefits package at HR.Duke.edu/benefits Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.