POSITION OVERVIEW

The New York Hall of Science is seeking an exhibit designer to contribute to the conceptualization, creation, and iteration of human-centered museum exhibitions that empower visitors of all ages to recognize and develop their agency in the world through STEM education. As a designer you will be part of a very collaborative exhibits team that is working with researchers, educators, and youth to create innovative development processes and joyful, provocative STEM learning experiences for NYSCI’s diverse audiences. 

The exhibit designer will join the exhibits team, one of four teams within the Research, Exhibits and Programs division of NYSCI. The designer will contribute to existing exhibit development projects, participate in strategic planning for future projects, and work closely with colleagues from other departments, visitors, and Explainers (floor staff) to iterate on existing exhibit offerings. The designer will participate in and contribute to an open and inclusive exhibition process that is both highly aspirational in its goals and committed to operational excellence.    

NYSCI’s Research, Exhibits, and Programs (REP) department includes 50 informal STEM educators, researchers, and exhibit, program and curriculum designers and developers. We embrace and benefit from the professional and personal diversity of our team’s expertise, perspectives, and experiences. The group works in a variety of configurations to develop and implement creative, participatory learning experiences that awaken the curiosity of children, families, and teachers. The REP department team aspires to be a learning community that values openness, curiosity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create an informed environment through internal communications and participation in external networks of partners and collaborators. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Contribute to the core work of the Exhibits team.

• Work with the entire Exhibits team to redevelop existing exhibits and create new exhibits that help the institution achieve its mission: to nurture generations of passionate learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens through an approach we call Design Make Play.
• Use human centered design in all the design decisions in all design decisions to create an inclusive, welcoming learning environment in the museum. 
• Create visualizations of exhibit ideas by sketching, and by modeling in 3D with cardboard and in CAD. 
• Explore new technology (digital and analog) to create interactive exhibit experiences. 
• Work with the Pilot Tester to build pilots and prototypes of exhibit ideas to test with visitors. 
• Work with the Exhibits Shop to help determine how to build exhibits.

Collaborate with other NYSCI departments to ensure the quality and feasibility of NYSCI exhibits.

• Work with cross-departmental teams to design exhibits that work for all stakeholders in the museum. (Visitor Services, Marketing Comms, Research, Scientists, Maintenance, Education, Custodial, etc) as well as for our audiences.
• Work with visitors, community members, experts, advisors and Explainers (floor staff) to co-create exhibit experiences
• Work with the Exhibit Prototyper and the R&D Department to test and iterate exhibit ideas and learn from and with visitors. 
• Work with Marketing and Visitor Services to help craft exhibitions that will drive visitorship and support revenue generation along with meeting our mission. 
• Help to make the process of creating exhibits accessible to the rest of the museum by using transparent processes and building productive cross-departmental collaborations.

Concept and Schematic Phases

• Sketch exhibit ideas.
• Collaboratively generate Exhibit ideas. 
• Build cardboard pilot tests and other representations of ideas to test ideas without audiences. 
• Help our co-creation partners learn about sharing ideas in a collaborative design process.

Design Development and Construction Documentation Phases

• Work with team to refine exhibit elements
• Create CAD Drawings of exhibit elements
• Create basic renderings of over-all exhibitions for proposals and grants. 
• Work with Exhibit Prototyper and Exhibits Shop to develop and test prototype exhibits with audiences. 
• Help our co-creation partners learn about steps and skills involved in the exhibit design process.
• Learn from and with our team, our colleagues and our visitors to craft an exhibit experience that works for our audiences. 
• Work with the rest of Exhibits team to make the designs buildable within our means (value engineering, working with Exhibit Shop to refine processes and materials.) 

Fabrication Phase

• Work with Exhibits Shop or external fabricators to answer fabrication questions and refine designs through process.  
• Other related duties, and responsibilities, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• 4 years of experience in exhibition design, exhibit shop work, product design.
• Bachelor’s Degree in design, engineering, art, craft/ manufacturing, sculpture, product design, industrial design, museum studies, or a related field; and or its work experience equivalent
• Experience working directly with museum visitors. 
• Knowledge of fabrication techniques (wood, metal, some electronics) is a must, experience with fabrication. 
• Familiarity with digital and traditional fabrication techniques, materials and adhesives. 
• Knowledge and experience working on creative teams particularly on collaborative design teams. 
• Familiarity with best practices in exhibition design and development for interactive science centers.

REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to the philosophy and mission of the New York Hall of Science
• Ability to contribute to the fabrication of prototypes is required. 
• Proficient in CAD and SketchUp, and Adobe Creative to create detailed technical drawings, 3D models, and design visualizations for exhibitions
• Hand drafting skills
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stationary works station: The employee must be able to remain in a stationary sitting position for up to 8 hours a day with appropriate breaks.
• Manual dexterity: The role requires the frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity: The employee must have the visual ability to perform extensive computer work for long periods, including reading and analyzing data on a computer screen.
• Communication: The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.
• Ability to push/pull carts loaded with materials or exhibition pieces.
• Careful handling of delicate artifacts or artwork to avoid damage.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior work experience in informal learning research or facilitation in an informal setting is a plus.
• Expertise in scientific topics.
• Knowledge of coding, building, and electronics
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and/or Mandarin, both written and spoken. Ability to effectively communicate and translate between languages in a professional setting, ensuring clarity and accuracy (preferred)

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume, cover letter and design portfolio through our online careers center.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.

No phone calls or faxes please.

Interview Process

• Introductory interview (Zoom Video)
• Successful candidates will be invited to submit a portfolio work sample
• Panel Interview (Onsite at NYSCI)

Application Deadline: June 7, 2024

EEO Statement:

The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace.

If there are preparations, we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.