Kawader Research Assistant - Live Performance

Allocation Assist Middle East; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

New York University Abu Dhabi invites applications for a Kawader Research Assistant Fellow in Live Performance, Creative Practice and Research within the Arts and Humanities division in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Supervised by Arts Professor Joanna Settle, the position supports research spanning performance, visual arts, curation, and interdisciplinary practice.

The fellowship combines creative development with research administration, project coordination, arts pedagogy, and opportunities to develop

Qualifications

• BA or BFA in arts practice field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated advanced abilities as a visual artist and/or performance artist.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication.
• Ability to collaborate with artists, researchers, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Mac computers; Excel and Word skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to assigned creative and artistic research projects.
• Assess feasibility of potential new research directions.
• Support writing projects and annual planning.
• Coordinate with NYU Abu Dhabi functions to support research plans.
• Assist with grant submissions and budgeting.
• Manage project calendars and communications.
• Support undergraduate and graduate research assistants.

Skills

BA/BFA in arts

Visual artist

Organization skills

Interpersonal communication

Mac proficiency

Excel

Microsoft Word

Budget tracking

Education

BA or BFA in arts practice field

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

Mac OS

Job description

Kawader Research Assistant - Live Performance Job Snapshot

Role: Kawader Research Assistant - Live Performance

Job Details

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE, Industry: Higher Education, Function: Research, Experience: Not specified, Job Type: Full Time, Salary: Not disclosed, Gender: No Preference, Candidate Nationality: Not specified, Work Arrangement: On-site

Creative Practice and Research The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Settle on ongoing and emerging artistic research projects. These activities involve creative collaborations across the UAE, Asia, Europe, and the United States. Depending on project requirements, the Research Assistant may engage with international collaborators, artists, curators, cultural institutions, biennials, and other creative convenings. The role also includes support for the Research Assistant 's own artistic and research practice, providing space to develop independent creative projects alongside collaborative research activities.

Position Overview

New York University Abu Dhabi invites applications for a Kawader Research Assistant Fellow in Live Performance, Creative Practice and Research within the Arts and Humanities division in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Supervised by Arts Professor Joanna Settle, Associate Dean, Arts and Creative Practices, the position supports research and creative projects spanning performance, visual arts, curation, and interdisciplinary artistic practice. The fellowship combines creative development with research administration, project coordination, arts pedagogy, and opportunities to develop the Research Assistant 's independent artistic practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to assigned creative and artistic research projects.
• Assess the feasibility of potential new research directions.
• Support assigned writing projects.
• Participate in annual research planning.
• Coordinate with relevant NYU Abu Dhabi functions to support implementation of research plans.
• Assist with research applications and grant submissions.
• Manage the weekly coordination of projects in development.
• Schedule meetings, activities, and project requirements.
• Manage project-related correspondence.
• Conduct topical research using library and online resources.
• Conduct material research through locations, travel, rehearsals, and online resources.
• Support project budgeting and reimbursement processes.
• Attend relevant events and creative activities.
• Maintain Professor Settle 's inter-project and institutional Google calendar.
• Provide oversight and coordination support for undergraduate and graduate research assistants.
• Participate in discussions concerning new ideas, research processes, discoveries, and observations.
• Contribute to the development of Professor Settle 's courses and gain experience in arts pedagogy.

Project Coordination

The fellowship provides practical experience in the administrative and operational aspects of artistic research.

• Coordinating project logistics.
• Supporting international creative collaborations.
• Tracking project budgets.
• Monitoring grant expenditures.
• Managing reimbursements.
• Maintaining schedules and project calendars.
• Coordinating communications among collaborators and institutions.
• Supporting research planning and implementation.

Required Qualifications

• BA or BFA in an arts practice field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated advanced abilities as a visual artist and-or performance artist.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with artists, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to advance collaborative work calmly and consistently.
• Fluency with Mac computers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Foundational spreadsheet knowledge, including formulas used for data management and budget tracking.

Preferred Background

• Participation in highly selective fellowships.
• Experience in live performance.
• Experience in interdisciplinary artistic practice.
• Interest in developing expertise in project administration.
• Interest in budgeting and financial tracking for creative projects.
• Interest in artistic research management.

Program Deliverables

• A 45-minute Artist Talk followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer session.
• Artistic body or bodies of work developed independently, collaboratively, or in parallel with Professor Settle 's research activities.

Professional and Artistic Development

The Kawader fellowship provides a full-time paid research position for up to three years and includes mentorship from NYU Abu Dhabi faculty.

• Professional development and training.
• Exposure to interdisciplinary artistic research and creative practice.
• Engagement with international artists, collaborators, curators, and cultural institutions.
• Experience supporting creative projects across multiple international locations.
• Development of practical project administration and research management skills.
• Experience with grant expenditure monitoring and budget tracking.
• Exposure to arts pedagogy and course development.
• Mentorship and support for independent artistic research and creative work.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Statement of interest.
• Portfolio of artistic work completed within the last two years.
• Academic transcript or transcripts.
• Two letters of recommendation or referee contacts.

UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.

Kawader Research Assistantship Program

This position is offered through the NYU Abu Dhabi Kawader program, a three-year national capacity-building research fellowship program that provides outstanding graduates with experience in an advanced academic research environment. The individually tailored program includes two pathways designed for Emirati graduates considering further graduate education or a career in research.

About New York University Abu Dhabi

New York University Abu Dhabi is a research university in Abu Dhabi and part of NYU 's global university network. Its academic and research activities span the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and engineering. Within Arts and Humanities, NYU Abu Dhabi supports creative practice, artistic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with international academic and cultural communities.