Job Summary
Bucknell University is seeking an Art Assistant in Printmaking. The primary role of the Art Assistant in Printmaking is to assist the printmaking and design professor with class activities and the day-to-day operations of the printmaking shop and design facilities. The Art Assistant also ensures the safe student use of the facility on nights and weekends. The Art Assistant helps students with technical issues on projects, maintains equipment and materials, orders supplies, performs maintenance…
on the printing presses and digital printers, and cleans the printmaking shop as necessary.
This position is an excellent stepping-stone for a student who has recently completed their undergraduate studies or is about to graduate, and who is interested in pursuing an MFA in studio art but wants a couple of additional years to develop a stronger portfolio and gain experience. The close mentoring provided in this position, as well as the access to equipment and resources of the wider University will enable a motivated person to become a highly desirable candidate for graduate study. The Art Assistant hired for this position will have 24/7 access to the printmaking studio and design facilities to work on their own projects when not involved in Art Assistant duties.
This is a 25-hour per week, limited benefits-eligible position. This position is a termed position, ideally beginning in August 2026 and continuing through early May 2027. There is a possibility of renewal for a second year (contingent upon favorable evaluations).
As a role model in the classroom, the Art Assistant must exhibit a high level of professionalism, be punctual, and respond promptly to emails and other inquiries. We seek a candidate whose experience and expertise will contribute to Bucknell's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.
Job Duties
- Assist the printmaking professor with class activities and the day-to-day operations of the printmaking studio and design facilities. This includes aiding in demonstrations of technical processes including mixing ink and use of tools and presses when asked by the professor
- Oversee safe student use of equipment in the printmaking studio during classes and on nights and weekends. This includes ensuring the safe use of the presses, acids, solvents, shears, and other equipment, providing students with extensive instruction on how to use the equipment, acids, solvents, etc. safely and efficiently.
- Perform work in the maintenance, inventory, and procurement of equipment and supplies. This includes: mixing and changing etch solutions for zinc and copper plates; regularly clean, oil, and maintain printing presses using the press lubrication guide; regularly clean and maintain the digital printers in the printshop and design facilities; maintain an inventory of all inks, solvents, paper, and other required materials; order and purchase supplies as needed; repair and maintain tools as needed.
- Keep the printmaking studio and design facilities clean and well ordered; Coordinate with facilities staff about maintenance issues that need to be addressed; Prepare materials for hazardous waste pickup.
- Assist in other departmental duties as needed, such as installation of student work in the department gallery and hallways, and other duties as assigned by supervisor
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Studio Art
- Familiarity with a range of printmaking-related equipment and media, and an understanding of equipment and material safety
- Must be dependable, have strong work ethic, and good communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Well versed in intaglio, lithography, relief, silkscreen and/or digital printing