Position Overview
The Department of Visual Art seeks a .75 time(30 hours a week) Art Studio/Lab Coordinator to support Photography facilities, including the photo lab, darkrooms, digital printing labs, lighting studios, documentation rooms, equipment checkout, and computer labs. Under the general direction of the Department Chair, and in consultation with area faculty and studio/lab manager, the coordinator is responsible for the operation, maintenance, instructional support, and technical management of these facilities.
The successful candidate will combine technical expertise, organizational skill, and collaborative problem-solving to support teaching, research, and creative production. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students, and may include a flexible schedule with occasional evenings and Saturdays.
Job Description
Photography Facilities and Operations (50%)
- Oversee daily operation of photography facilities, including silver and non-silver darkrooms, lighting studio, classrooms, digital print lab, documentation space, and equipment checkout.
- Coordinate maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of specialized equipment and software.
- Support acquisition, installation, and upkeep of photographic, digital, and media production tools.
- Develop and implement safety protocols and provide technical instruction to students and student employees.
- Consult with faculty and students in support of coursework, research, and creative projects.
- Coordinate equipment checkout systems, maintain inventories, and supervise associated facilities.
- Work closely with Photography faculty to assess equipment and supply needs, support budgeting and purchasing, and plan for improvements to facilities.
Administration, Supervision, and Instructional Support (15%)
- Hire, train, schedule, and supervise student hourly employees.
- Coordinate and supervise graduate instructional support hours.
- Monitor purchases, reconcile expenditures, and assist with budget tracking.
- Maintain inventories of lab equipment and consumables.
- Support departmental initiatives, committees, and other studio areas as assigned.
Photo Documentation (35%)
- Manage photo documentation studio, currently 412.
- Provide professional photo documentation of artwork for undergraduates, graduates, and faculty as needed.
- Manage a schedule of art documentation of approximately 10 hours / week.
- Train student hourly employees to assist in the documentation of artwork.
Summer Responsibilities will focus on:
- Perform preventative maintenance and repairs on equipment and facilities.
- Update computers, software, and digital systems.
- Organize and deep clean labs and studios to prepare for the academic year.
- Oversee equipment checkout systems and inventory maintenance.
- Support faculty use of facilities and equipment for research and creative activity.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chair.
- Document student and faculty work as needed.
Position Requirements
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for special events
Required Qualifications
- BFA/Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3 years of experience in photography, video, or related technical studio practices OR High School diploma/GED equivalency and 7 years of experience in photography, video, or related technical studio practices.
- Proficiency in color correct print lab workflows, including color profiling, color management, and archival inkjet printing, as demonstrated by at least 2 years in a print lab or other printing practice.
- Proficiency in lighting studio workflows and equipment, including strobe pack/mono-head systems and hot light, as demonstrated with at least two years of experience in a lighting studio.
- Experience with Analog (35mm and large format) and digital/video camera equipment and repairs, including new technical developments in digital equipment and processes.
- Experience with darkroom operations, developing, printing, and chemical safety standards.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience documenting 2D and 3D artwork
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively based on applicant materials and interview process.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience cataloging an equipment inventory for check-out
- Familiarity with University of Kansas systems.
- MFA in photography, video, expanded media, experimental media, or related field.
- Demonstrated creative practice that bridges analog and digital photography, lighting studio, printing, and video.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Letter of intent
- Resume
- List of three (3) professional references
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application review begins Monday July 27, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Elise Kirk
elisekirk@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
starts at $37,200 for 75% time
Application Review Begins
Monday July 27, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday August 10, 2026
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University of Kansas
Jul 17, 2026