Intern Positions in the Shapiro Design Lab

The University of Michigan Libary's Shapiro Design Lab (SDL) seeks undergraduates to be Design Lab Interns. Interns will help run the Lab on a day-to-day basis, participating in the broader learning communities of the Lab, and take on leadership roles to help grow the Lab with their own ideas and passions.

The University of Michigan Library's Shapiro Design Lab is an ever-evolving experimental space founded on peer learning, engaged learning, and interdisciplinarity. It encompasses three different spaces, all on the first floor of the Shapiro Undergraduate Library:

  • PIE Space (Prototype | Inspire | Explore), an open space that features a Prototyping Cart, whitebaords, Design Library, large screens and sound dome, and a repurposed vending machine, the Design-o-Matic 4000.
  • Media Production Rooms,which can be used for audio/video production, CAD, and graphic design
  • Workshop, which has a number of "making" tools (letterpress, vinyl cutter, laser cutter, soldering stations, 3D printers).

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Staffing Open Lab in the Workshop
    • Project consultations and equipment help for Lab community members
  • Daily operations maintenance of the Design Lab
    • Cleaning and organizing of Lab spaces
    • Checking equipment and performing basic troubleshooting
  • Exploring and developing your own interests and talents as part of the learning community
  • Attend at least three workshops offered through the Design Lab and other campus partners. Interns are encouraged to explain in their application areas they would like to learn more about, as well as share their own expertise with the Design Lab.

Interns must demonstrate:

Dependability and timely communication

  • Ability and desire to work both collaboratively and cooperatively in the service of building a learning community in the Lab
  • Interest in collaborating with individuals from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints
  • Interest in interdisciplinary scholarship and/or creative research
  • Schedule availability to work 3-4 hour shifts at a time

Interns will be expected to work 10-15 hours per week, at a pay rate of $13/hour. Ample training opportunities will be provided, both informally with colleagues in the Design Lab and formally through workshops and classes from different parts of the University.



To apply, please complete the following by September 20, 2019:

  1. Fill out the online application.
  2. Send a resume to shapirodesignlab@umich.edu.

If you have any questions, please email shapirodesignlab@umich.edu.