Opens September 23, 2013; applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. EDT on
October 18, 2013. Expected start date is January 6, 2014.

The Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and
Innovation (Lemelson Center) is dedicated to exploring invention in history
and encouraging inventive creativity in young people. The Lemelson Center
operates two public galleries within the National Museum of American
History: Spark!Lab (http://sparklab.si.edu), a hands-on invention activity
center for children and families, and the Lemelson Hall of Invention, which
features exhibitions on invention- and innovation-related themes. Both
spaces are currently under renovation and are expected to reopen to the
public in spring 2015.The Lemelson Center is also developing the Spark!Lab
National Network, which is an extension of the NMAH-based Spark!Lab with
sites in children¹s museums, science centers, and/or other institutions
outside of Washington, DC.

In Spark!Lab, the focus is on visitors Œdoing¹ rather than listening to or
watching demonstrations or experiments. Spark!Lab provides hands-on learning
opportunities to engage children ages 6-12 and their families in the history
and process of invention. Visitors participate in a variety of invention
activities, play thought-provoking games, explore inventors¹ notebooks, and
invent. All Spark!Lab activities and experiences are grounded in American
history, and are intended to foster inventive creativity and the development
of 21st century skills.

The Lemelson Center is recruiting for an Interpretive Exhibit Coordinator to
help develop hands-on activities for the renovated Spark!Lab and for
Spark!Lab National Network sites, and to maintain activities and interactive
elements in both Spark!Lab and the Lemelson Hall of Invention. The Exhibit
Coordinator will:

develop and fabricate hands-on activities for use in Spark!Lab and at
Spark!Lab National Network sites work with visitors and other Spark!Lab
staff to regularly assess and evaluate activities and identify ways to

improve the Spark!Lab experience
perform routine maintenance of the hands-on, educational, and exhibit
components in Spark!Lab and the

Lemelson Hall of Invention
consult with Spark!Lab National Network sites on activity development and
maintenance issues assist in training Spark!Lab floor staff and volunteer
docents
generally assist with other Lemelson Center programs and activities as
needed

The best qualified applicants will have experience developing, prototyping,
fabricating, implementing, and evaluating hands-on activities for children
and families, and will have skills in the operations and maintenance of
simple tools and machinery. A bachelor¹s degree or equivalent experience in
a relevant field is preferred.

This is a full-time, 2-year Trust (non-Federal) position at IS-9, Step 1.
The salary is $51,630 with excellent benefits. To apply, please submit by
email a cover letter, resume and photos and brief descriptions of three
activities or exhibits you have developed by 5:00 p.m. EDT on October 18,
2013 to:

Tricia Edwards
Education Specialist
Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation National Museum of
American History, Smithsonian
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
MRC 604, PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
edwardst@si.edu – Email

The Smithsonian is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women,
minorities, people with disabilities, and candidates of all backgrounds are
encouraged to apply.