Computation & Electronics Technician, VCUarts Qatar

Computation & Electronics Technician

 Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts Qatar

Position Summary 

The Computation & Electronics Technician oversees major aspects of the daily operation of the VCUQ Electronics Lab, including maintenance, scheduling, inventory management, technical support, equipment purchasing, and space planning. The VCUQ Electronics Lab will coordinate with the other VCUQ technical services including the Digital Fabrication Labs. The Electronics Lab Coordinator provides student instruction in collaboration with other faculty, supports training through the creation and maintenance of authorization systems and direct consultations with students, and supports training of lab technicians and lab monitors. The coordinator supports both faculty and student research by providing knowledge, technical expertise, and hands-on assistance in all areas related to the VCUQ Electronics Lab, including: Electronics design (basic circuit design, microcontroller coding, power & testing), Electronics assembly (PCB assembly, soldering, component identification, etc.), Programming & Coding, Robotics & Fabrication.
In addition to managing the operations and lifetime of the VCUQ Electronics Lab, the coordinator will also manage the growth of the lab, including: strategic planning for future purchases & growth, design and layout of spaces and furniture, design and implementation of support systems and logistics.
The coordinator maintains relevance in their field through study of relevant technologies, software, and developments in the industry.

Major Activities/Essential Functions 

• Oversees all aspects of the daily operation, use, and development of the VCUQ Electronics Lab. 
• Works closely with the Kinetic Imaging Director, Kinetic Imaging faculty, and Digital Fabrication Director to research, develop, and outfit a contemporary electronics and robotics lab that would support faculty and student research, and course activity at VCUarts Qatar.
• Instructs and assists in program facilitation, including class projects, the school’s exhibitions program, training and authorizations. 
• Maintains excellent standard equipment and spaces. Including but not limited to, soldering equipment and supplies, microcontroller and electronic components, electronic testing and sensing equipment, robotic fabrication, and relevant safety equipment.
• Coordinates with the Student Employment Office to organize SEP schedules and timecards.
• Liaises with IT and FM departments to resolve daily infrastructural issues. 
• Maintains the schedule for all facilities, including room and machine bookings. 
• Administers authorizations, permissions and configurations across organizational systems  
• Manages Inventory and tool checkout. Administering inventory systems, organizing storage and advising on re-ordering of materials. 
• Provides technical support for lab hardware and software in collaboration with Lab Monitors
• Ensures safe use of machines and facilities 
• Assembles new equipment as needed 
• Promotes a friendly, proactive and prolific work environment for faculty, staff and students. 
• Maintains and pursues technical aptitude in all Software and Hardware associated with the facility in aid of all aspects listed above. 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education, Certifications, Skills and/or Experience 

• Experience in an administrative assistant capacity OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position OR Bachelor's degree in related field of study.
• Must have a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy. 
• A strong public service orientation to interact and communicate with a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software (MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) 
• Work requires continual attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands. 
• Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of constant change.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. 
• Excellent time management skills, ability to multitask and work to tight deadlines.
• Willingness to work within a cooperative structure, be flexible and be able to handle last minute tasks.
• Positive attitude and desire to be in a customer service-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU school of the arts in Qatar.

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.