Co-Lab Professional Services Specialist

Work Arrangement:  On-Site
Requisition Number:  272190
Regular or Temporary:  Regular
Location: 

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area:  CENTRAL ADMIN MANAGEMENT CTR
Date:  Aug 12, 2026

Co-Lab Professional Services Specialist 

Be You.  

The Innovation Co-Lab is looking for a Co-Lab Professional Services Specialist to join our team in the Office of Information Technology (OIT). This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Innovation Co-Lab’s Professional Services teams in support of the academic, research, and service needs of the whole Duke community.

In this in-person role you will be the primary point of contact for all aspects of the Co-Lab’s Professional Services. You will collaborate closely with students, faculty, and staff to bring their ideas to life, and support the development of special projects.

Minimum Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's degree in a creative field, technology education or equivalent 
    combination of education and experience
  • Positive attitude and ability to adapt to changing requirements and environment
  • Hands-on problem-solving skills
  • Experience with creating 3D models using CAD software
  • Experience with 3D printing (SLA, MJP, SLS, PolyJet, FDM)
  • Experience designing and executing hands-on training centered on tools use
  • Eager and willing to learn and apply new concepts
  • Comfort presenting services to new users/customers
  • Proven ability to work successfully in both team and individual situations
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Passion for supporting experimentation and creation
  • Ability to lift at least 30 lbs

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Advanced experience with creating 3D models using CAD software

  • Interest in the intersection between 3D printing and research

  • Advanced experience with 3D printing (SLA, MJP, SLS, PolyJet, FDM, PBJ)

  • Advanced experience designing and executing hands-on training

  • Advanced fabrication and design skills

  • Experience running an academic service center

  • Sales and lead generation experience

 

Work Location:  

  • This is an in-person role 

 

Be Bold.  

Service Center Management:  

  • Responsible for the maintenance and operation of OIT’s professional digital 
    modeling and fabrication facilities and service, Bluesmith.

  • Maintenance and management of a fleet of high-end 3D printing and fabrication 
    systems

  • Maintenance of inventory of supported resins, filaments, powders, and other 
    consumables

  • Maintain expert level knowledge of relevant technologies, vendors, and business 
    trends

  • Evaluate new and emerging technologies and, where appropriate, develop 
    operational policies and services to support broad access

  • Ownership of financial processes and documentation

  • Plan for the growth and maturation of the service center with the goal of 
    broadened access to relevant communities at Duke with special attention on 
    supporting and generating leads for more grant-funded research efforts

  • Leadership and training of student employees that support these services

Fabrication and Training:  

  • Develop and conduct hands-on training workshops for Duke’s academic 
    community

  • Assist with promotion of the Co-Lab's capabilities through demonstrations, 
    events, social media, and technical presentations

  • Serve as a technical consultant to faculty and other members of the Duke 
    community on technical hurdles outside their field of expertise

  • Mentoring Co-Lab Grant projects, and other programming designed to broaden 
    access and remove barriers to technology education and experimentation

  • Fabricating special projects to support the Innovation Co-Lab’s goals and mission

Collaboration:  

  • Cultivate relationships and partnerships across campus to help continue to 
    identify gaps in services and equipment offerings

  • Along with leadership, provide continued strategic direction around the Bluesmith
    and Academic support Service Models, through regular outreach to users and 
    stakeholders

 

Choose Duke. 

The Innovation Co-Lab is a creativity incubator embedded within Duke’s Office of Information Technology. We empower students, faculty, and staff to explore emerging technologies and bring their ideas to life. Our team is passionate about responsible innovation, inclusive education, and building projects that make a difference.

Learn more about Duke University’s competitive benefits package at HR.Duke.edu/benefits 



Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.



Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh