Postion: Ground Connections Fellows

The Ground Connections team of the Digital Media Commons (DMC) at the James and Anne Duderstadt Center is hiring student fellows passionate about learning and teaching new skills in the fields of fabrication, media production, and design. Fellows support U-M students, faculty and staff members using the DMC's technologies. The position is a unique opportunity to work in a technology-rich, student-centered, creative environment. Note: we are hiring fellows to start at the beginning of Winter semester, 2026. 

Fellows will learn the skills to support our user base in the following areas:

• Fabrication skills: 3D printing, laser cutting, PCB milling, electronics, and woodworking 
• Multimedia skills: audio and video production and editing, graphic design, media conversion, and stop-motion animation
• Prototyping and design skills: rapid prototyping, paper crafting, sewing, digital embroidery

The Fellowship program has a multi-year structure of training. During the first year, you will be trained in the essential skills to staff and support the following service locations: Fabrication Underground, Groundworks Media Lab, Multimedia Workrooms, Personal Studio, and the Design Labs. For descriptions of each space, please visit our website. In your third semester and beyond, you'll pick an area of specialization to develop expertise based on your individual interests and goals.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend shifts in Ground Connections spaces in the Duderstadt Center (North Campus)
• During your shifts, accomplish required training in technical and communication skills, offered through a combination of in-person mentoring and Canvas modules
• Manage Ground Connections spaces on shift: provide individual consultations to assist users of the space; greet users and track how they interact with the space's resources; promote collaboration within the space; maintain the space's tools, technology, and infrastructure; help maintain a safe and clean work environment; and support Ground Connections workshops, projects and events
• After completing your first-year training, develop specialized expertise and skills in the area or topic of your choice

Compensation

Starting pay is $15, with regular pay increases for fellows who meet training and performance goals.

How to Apply

To help us get to know you better, please include a cover letter along with your resume. We'd love to hear about why you are interested in this role.

Required Qualifications

• Strong interest in multiple technologies/areas supported by Ground Connections
• Willingness to learn new skills and use a variety of machines and tools
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Experience in customer service, mentorship, or experience working as a member of a team
• Commitment to remain in the Ground Connections Fellowship Program for at least six semesters or three years

Desired Qualifications

• Introductory experience in one or more of the following activities: Digital fabrication; audio and/or video production; drawing, animation, graphic design, using shop tools such as drills and saws; making an object "smart" with electronic devices; sewing and/or fiber arts
• Experience developing and/or teaching workshops