Technical Studio Assistant

Department

AHD Staff: Music CHIME Admin

About the Department

Sound Practices and Intermedia Lab (SPIL), formerly (CHIME), is a vibrant hub for the fusion of sound practices, composition, and multimedia practices at the University of Chicago. SPIL is comprised of three studios: Studio A (Production and Spatial Audio Lab), Studio B (Production and Synthesis Lab), and Studio C (Equipment Checkout Room). In addition to studio spaces, SPIL regularly produces performances, such as its upcoming yearly event titled Critical Sounds (formerly CHIMEFest), and engages in collaborative projects with artists from across various disciplines, both on campus and throughout the city of Chicago.

Job Summary

The Technical Studio Assistant is an essential role designed to ensure the accessibility and smooth operation of the music technology studio for undergraduate and graduate students. This position involves providing technical expertise, equipment management, and support for both academic and performance-related activities. The role bridges technical proficiency and educational support, fostering an inclusive, well-resourced environment for learning and creativity.

Part-time, benefits-eligible | 20 hours/week. Example schedule: Monday: 11:00am - 4:00pm (5 hours) | Tuesday: assisting courses for moving equipment, audio needs of the events/seminar / etc. (2 hours) | Wednesday: assisting courses for moving equipment, meeting to discuss the needs for the week, lab monitoring, and equipment checkout time (3 hours) | Thursday: 11:00am - 4:00pm (5 hours) | Friday: 11:00am - 4:00pm (5 hours).

To be considered for this role, you must upload all application materials (resume and cover letter).

Responsibilities

• Monitors and maintains studio equipment, including microphones, recorders, and haptic transducers.

• Facilitates equipment check-in/check-out processes.

• Expands studio capabilities by installing and configuring new equipment and software, including assisting to expand the multichannel audio capabilities of SPIL.

• Conducts equipment repairs and tracks inventory.

• Provides assistance to students with software, electronic equipment, and studio-related assignments.

• Assists instructors with equipment setup and breakdown for performance-based courses. 

• Develops accessible studio instructions, such as How to produce sound in the studio using the Digital Audio Workstation in 3 steps.

• Offers specialized guidance in improving technical skills, such as soldering and signal flow.

• Prepares and installs audio needs for concerts, talks, festivals, and other events.

• Provides on-site technical support during events for seamless execution.

• Records, archives, and mixes events. 

• Recruits, schedules, and trains work-study students on specific studio equipment.

• Delegates tasks and oversees their performance to ensure studio standards.

• Applies skills to support the planning, development and execution of audio-visual productions with close supervision.

• Installs, operates and troubleshoots audio-visual systems, such as video conferencing, digital media, and desktop and network-based technologies.

• Provides projection services and presentation support for academic and public events within standard operating procedures. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively which includes professional interaction with Faculty and visiting film makers.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency with music technology tools (including analog and digital audio systems), recording software (ProTools, Ableton, Reaper) and hardware (microphones, audio mixers, preamps, patchbays, etc.), and multichannel and spatialized sound setup.

• Proficiency with reparing/reconfiguring electronic components (contact microphones, cables, patchbays, etc.).

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.

• Excellent organizational skills for managing equipment inventory, recruiting and scheduling work-study students, and event preparation.

• Ability to communicate complex technical information in an accessible way.<