AI Living Lab Student Assistant

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico seeks a student assistant for the AI Living Lab to support daily lab operations and exhibit maintenance. The role involves assisting with hydroponics, aquaponics, and animal habitats, and coordinating demonstrations for adult visitors.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a degree program, maintain half-time enrollment, and can commit to work-study requirements. This off-campus activity does not involve work with minors and supports lab education and content creation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a student at UNM, enrolled at least half-time for fall and spring semesters.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress required if Work Study.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily operation and organization of the AI Living Lab.
• Prepare labs, workstations, and demonstration areas for adult appointments and visitors.
• Support hydroponic and aquaponic systems; plant care and basic maintenance.
• Assist with water-quality testing and laboratory activities as directed.
• Maintain plants and educational exhibits; support reptile habitats.
• Prepare materials and supplies for sessions and demonstrations.
• Clean and maintain work areas and lab equipment.
• Monitor supplies and notify Lab Director when replenishment is needed.
• Assist with setting up and breaking down events, workshops, demonstrations.
• Document lab activities via photos, videos, and written records.
• Support content creation for the AI Living Lab YouTube channel and social media.
• Explain lab purposes and activities to adult visitors; ensure safety procedures are followed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

Enrollment in degree program

Job description

Student Advanced Level

Requisition ID: req37623

Working Title: AI Living Lab Student Assistant

Pay: $18.00 Hourly

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: Off Campus Work Study (454F)

Employment Type: Student Employment

Student Type: Work-Study

Status: Non-Exempt

Background Check Required: No

For Best Consideration Date: 8/27/2026

Position Summary

Organization: STEM is Child's Play - AI Living Lab

Location: AI Living Lab

An Off-Campus Work-Study position - MUST have a Work-Study Award

STEM is Child's Play Foundation is seeking an AI Living Lab Student Assistant to support the daily operation of the AI Living Lab. This position is designed for college students interested in science, technology, agriculture, environmental science, AI, or education.

The Student Assistant will work across the laboratory, hydroponics and aquaponics systems, reptile habitats, AI programming areas, and general lab operations. This position works exclusively with adults. The AI Living Lab is open by appointment only and does not involve programming with minors in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the daily operation and organization of the AI Living Lab
• Prepare the laboratory, workstations, and demonstration areas for scheduled adult appointments and visitors
• Support hydroponic and aquaponic systems, including plant care and basic system maintenance
• Assist with basic water-quality testing and laboratory activities as directed
• Help maintain plants, growing systems, aquaponics systems, and educational exhibits
• Assist with reptile and habitat care according to established procedures
• Prepare materials, equipment, and supplies for scheduled sessions and demonstrations
• Clean, organize, and maintain work areas and laboratory equipment
• Monitor supplies and notify the Lab Director when materials need to be replenished
• Assist with setting up and breaking down community events, workshops, and demonstrations
• Help document lab activities through photos, videos, and written records
• Support content creation for the AI Living Lab's YouTube channel and social media
• Help adult visitors understand the purpose and activities of the AI Living Lab
• Follow laboratory, animal-care, equipment, and general safety procedures
• Report equipment problems, safety concerns, or damaged materials to the Lab Director
• Perform other duties necessary to keep the AI Living Lab operating effectively

Minimum Qualifications

Enrolled in a degree seeking program at UNM, Enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) at UNM for fall and spring semesters (Audit hours do not count), and if Work Study, you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a college or university program
• Interest in STEM, AI, science, technology, agriculture, environmental science, or a related field
• Comfortable working with plants, water, laboratory equipment, animals, and technology
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Dependable and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn new equipment, procedures, and technologies
• Ability to work in a hands-on environment where duties may change from day to day

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.