PRL Course Assistant Application Information

a photo of 24 students posing in front of the PRL

Applications for 2025-2026 positions are closed. Dates and details for positions during 2026-2027 will be updated during Winter Quarter 2026.

Department Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering will accept applications for 50% 3 quarter-long (Fall/Winter/Spring) Course Assistant positions for the Product Realization Lab and various courses, beginning in Fall Quarter. Applications should be submitted through the Google Form linked below.

Core Duties

PRL CA positions consist of a combination of 4-hour shifts “on duty” supporting open hours, structured labs, or workshops in the PRL, along with course support for one of the several courses supported by or hosted in the PRL. The work week will average no more than twenty (20) hours per week over the duration of the Appointment, and may include night and weekend work.  Minimum and preferred qualifications for this role are listed below.

Mandatory meetings:

  • CA training in person on campus during the two quarters leading up to the start of Autumn Quarter, M-F 8:30am-5:30pm

  • Participation in once-weekly lab meetings with lunch provided (scheduled quarterly, typically a Tuesday or Wednesday, from 12:30-1:30pm).

  • Participation in quarterly “Meet the Makers” project showcase during Finals week.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be admitted into a graduate degree program at Stanford University, and eligible for assistantship appointment.

  • Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.

  • Specific vision abilities required by this position include near, distance, and peripheral vision.

  • Ability to respond to sounds or alarms in the lab, ability to complete tasks safely in a loud environment.

  • Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to four hours.

  • Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.

  • Must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, etc.

  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Priority given to Stanford Masters students in Mechanical Engineering.

  • Demonstrated interest and ability in engineering and design-related courses and practice

  • Demonstrated interest and potential for teaching, mentoring, and leadership

  • Eager to learn, resourceful, takes initiative 

  • Detail-oriented

  • Empathetic and approachable

Application Deadline

The application deadline for Academic Year 2025-2026 was March 31, 2025 12:00PM PDT

Application Procedure 

Complete the application via a Google Form and include the following documents:

  • Autobiography (limit 1 page) Help us understand your life experiences and passions

  • Statement of Purpose (limit 1 page) Why do you want to be a PRL CA?

  • Resume

  • Portfolio (show and tell us about your past design and making work; we suggest a cap of 15-20 pages)

  • Transcript (unofficial copy ok, separate from the rest of the portfolio)

Contact

Marlo Kohn, Associate Director, marlod@stanford.edu

EEO Disclosure

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the university will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.