Ceramic Studio Assistant (Potter’s Assistant)

About the role

The University of Malawi is seeking a dedicated Ceramic Studio Assistant to support its pottery programme. The role involves assisting students, maintaining studio equipment, and contributing to the production of ceramic items for teaching and commercial purposes.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare clay bodies and formulate glazes.
• Tutor students on the potter’s wheel.
• Operate and maintain electric kilns, ensuring safety.
• Fire pottery products and recycle clay for assignments.
• Mix class glazes and slips on a regular basis.
• Produce ceramic ware such as vases, tiles, utensils, and electrical insulators.
• Prepare demonstration materials for instructional sessions.
• Supervise and monitor electric kiln firings.
• Assist the Ceramic Technician with additional duties as required.

Required profile

• Minimum Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE), O‑Level, or GCSE.
• Experience in ceramics production, processes and entrepreneurship.
• Certificate in art, ceramics, pottery or a related field (advantageous).
• Demonstrated knowledge of potter’s wheel operation, electric kilns and raw material processing.

Required skills

• Potter’s wheel operation
• Electric kiln operation
• Glaze formulation
• Clay body preparation
• Ceramic ware production