Spr '26 & Summer Student Exhibit Design Assistant (WS-ST1)

Job Title: Student Exhibit Design Assistant

Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)

Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

Department Name: Department of Biology / Neuroscience Program

Unit Number (5 digits): 50000-50280 (NSF:CAREER:Coevol Sens Sys)

Length of Position: See Employment Authorization

Contact Person/Supervisor: Associate Professor of Biology and Director of the Neuroscience Program

Wage Range: $12.00-13.00

Description of the Position (Purpose of the Position)

The Lee Lab of Neural Systems and Behavior is working on a museum exhibit called “Sound Seekers”. The Student Exhibit Design Assistant will support the development of this exhibit, which will be on display at the Great River Children’s Museum in St. Cloud, MN in summer 2026. The Student Exhibit Design Assistant will help create engaging visual materials, refine informational displays, and contribute creative ideas to enhance public understanding of animal communication and auditory neuroscience.

Transferable Skills

• Communication: Translate scientific concepts into clear, visually engaging materials for public audiences.

• Critical Thinking: Evaluate how design choices influence audience understanding.

• Creativity & Design Thinking: Use design software to produce high-quality visuals.

• Teamwork: Collaborate with faculty and other contributors.

• Professionalism: Manage deadlines and communicate progress.

• Leadership: Propose creative solutions for exhibit design.

• Career and Self-Development: Gain experience in science communication and exhibit design.

• Organization: Manage multiple design components and revisions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design informational posters and visual displays

• Translate scientific content into accessible visuals

• Develop typography and layout for exhibit panels

• Create or refine graphics and diagrams

• Collaborate and iterate on exhibit concepts

• Revise designs based on feedback

• Prepare files for printing or display

• Ensure visual consistency across materials

• Assist with exhibit setup planning

Qualifications

• Required:

• Interest in visual design or communication

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Attention to detail

• Willingness to engage with scientific content

• Preferred:

• Experience with design tools (Adobe, Canva, etc.)

• Experience with poster or information design

• Relevant coursework or equivalent experience

• Interest in science communication or museums

Physical and Environmental Factors

This position requires sitting for extended periods, repetitive computer use, and occasional lifting of materials (<20 lbs.). Candidates must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Details

Hours: ~10 hours/week (flexible)

Start Date: Immediate

End Date: Through June 17 (flexible)