Additional information which candidates should refer to in conjunction with the Job Description and the Job Advert when completing their application form:

By connecting the arts and design thinking into STEM subject areas (science, technology, engineering and maths), STEAMhouse will provide unique business support to cross sector SMEs and start-ups from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP region. Assisted by academics and other experts,users of the facility will ideate, develop and prototype; work in interdisciplinary collaborative teams to respond to challenges; and develop new and innovative products and services,catalysed by creative interventions.

In partnership with the Birmingham based arts organisation, Eastside Projects, STEAMhouse will create new art and design led production facilities, providing technical staff, workshops and equipment which will allow artists, designers and other creativesto work alongside, and with,users from other sectors to prototype and fabricate using a range of materials and processes. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Arts Council England’s Local Growth Fund and the facilities in Digbeth, in the centre of Birmingham’s creative quarter, will open in Autumn 2017.

The post holder will:

  • Oversee the day-to-day running of the Digital Prototyping workshop; manage usage, provide expertise in a wide range of digital and CNC production techniques and work with STEAMhouse users from creative disciplines, and other sectors, to prototype ideas and develop innovative new products, processes, design objects and artworks. Digital Prototyping equipment will include a CNC router, FDM 3D printers, laser cutter, benchtop subtractive CNC modelling mill, 3D scanners, vinyl cutter, sublimation printer and associated software.
  • Be an agile practical problem solver, able to provide high-level technical advice and propose innovative solutions to complex creative and design challenges. The postholder will work with users and staff, through the Open Route and the Innovation Workshop programme; facilitating production, working with ideas, sketches and preliminary drawings, advising on processes, materials, modifications, alternatives and further developments of ideas or designs to increase ease and quality of production, signposting to specialist production facilities beyond STEAMhouse if necessary.
  • Support,and contribute to, research collaborations by facilitatingprototyping, iteration and project development.
  • Be involved in the practical dimensions of the refit of the building including working on the detailed fit out of the workshops and and installing and setting up equipment.
  • Offer advice and direction to STEAMhouse users and fellow staff members in the form of technical advice and practical demonstrations. You will work with the STEAMhouse team to design group workshops, short courses, and events and willdeliver training sessions with individuals and groups; ranging from basic instruction and induction, through to in-depth training on specific machines, software packages, materials or techniques.