FWS Research Assistant - People’s AI & Data Lab for Social Research

The New School; United States; Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School is seeking a Research Assistant for the People’s AI & Data Lab for Social Research to help plan and deliver workshops and convenings. The role blends event logistics with research support, coordinating speakers, participants, and materials for two‑day and one‑day events, with on‑site and remote collaboration.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail‑oriented, and engages with scholars, civil society, and public‑sector partners while contributing to the lab’s mission and

Qualifications

• Current enrollment at The New School in good academic standing.
• Demonstrated interest in the social, ethical, human rights, or policy dimensions of AI and data.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to track many details and manage multiple deadlines at once.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional correspondence with faculty, external experts, and public-sector partners.
• Ability to locate, synthesize, and clearly summarize academic and policy content.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics and planning for Lab workshops and convenings.
• Develop and maintain planning timelines, task trackers, and run-of-show documents for the two-day Human Rights-Based Approach to AI workshop and other Lab events.
• Reserve rooms and coordinate catering, audiovisual equipment, and in-person, hybrid, or virtual participation setup.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Research ability

Time management

Collaboration

Education

Enrollment at The New School

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Video conferencing

Online registration platforms

Job description

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward‑thinking institutions in the world.

The People’s AI & Data Lab for Social Research is a hub for computational social science and responsible AI at The New School. The Lab explores how the social sciences can lead the development of responsible AI grounded in social justice and public purpose. It brings together researchers, students, and partners to co‑create tools, methods, and training that center equity, context, and social impact, including through the KAIA Network (Knowledge and AI for All) and the Women in AI Fellowship.

The Research Assistant will play a central role in the Lab’s convening program during the 2026–27 academic year. Working closely with Lab leadership and staff, the Research Assistant will support the planning, coordination, and delivery of a two‑day workshop on a Human Rights‑Based Approach to AI, a one‑day workshop on AI in the Public Sector, and other convenings hosted by the Lab. The role blends event logistics with research support, from coordinating speakers and participants to preparing background materials and documenting workshop discussions. The successful candidate is highly organized, detail‑oriented, and a clear, professional communicator who is comfortable engaging with scholars, practitioners, civil‑society and public‑sector partners. They bring a genuine interest in the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of AI. By helping these convenings run smoothly and capturing what emerges from them, the Research Assistant directly advances the Lab’s mission and its visibility as a leading space for public‑interest AI research.

The Research Assistant reports to the Director of the People’s AI & Data Lab for Social Research. The Research Assistant is expected to work on campus 1–2 days per week and in person for the full duration of all workshops and convenings, with the remaining hours worked remotely. The anticipated schedule is approximately 15–20 hours per week, with additional hours around workshop dates as needed and within university limits on student employment.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate logistics and planning for Lab workshops and convenings
• Develop and maintain planning timelines, task trackers, and run‑of‑show documents for the two‑day Human Rights‑Based Approach to AI workshop, the one‑day AI in the Public Sector workshop, and other Lab events
• Reserve rooms and coordinate catering, audiovisual equipment, and in‑person, hybrid, or virtual participation setup in collaboration with the appropriate university offices
• Arrange travel and accommodation for invited speakers and participants, and prepare related vendor, honoraria, and reimbursement paperwork in accordance with university procedures
• Manage communications with speakers, participants, and partners
• Draft and send invitations, confirmations, reminders, and pre‑workshop information packets in a timely and professional manner
• Build and maintain accurate contact lists, registration records, and RSVP tracking for each convening
• Respond promptly to participant and speaker inquiries before, during, and after events
• Provide on‑site support during workshops and convenings
• Set up and break down event spaces and staff registration and check‑in in a welcoming and professional manner
• Monitor the agenda in real time to keep sessions on schedule, and troubleshoot logistical or technical issues as they arise
• Take detailed notes during sessions, capturing key discussion points, questions, and recommendations
• Conduct research to support workshop content
• Identify, compile, and summarize academic literature, policy documents, and resources on human rights‑based approaches to AI, AI governance, and the
• Prepare briefing materials, speaker biographies, reading lists, and participant resource packets ahead of each convening
• Research and recommend relevant scholars, practitioners, and organizations as potential speakers or participants
• Document and synthesize convening outcomes
• Draft workshop summaries, key takeaways, and reports for internal use and for sharing with participants and the public
• Design and distribute post‑event feedback surveys, and summarize results to inform future convenings
• Organize and archive event materials, presentations, recordings, and notes in the Lab’s shared drive
• Support Lab outreach and general operations
• Draft event announcements and content for the Lab’s website, newsletters, and social media channels
• Coordinate event listings and promotion with university communications staff
• Maintain shared calendars and project documentation, and assist with additional Lab research projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current enrollment at The New School in good academic standing; graduate students in the social sciences, public policy, international affairs, human rights, data science, or a related field are strongly encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated interest in the social, ethical, human rights, or policy dimensions of AI and data
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to track many details and manage multiple deadlines at once
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional correspondence with faculty, external experts, and public‑sector partners
• Ability to locate, synthesize, and clearly summarize academic and policy
• Proficiency with standard productivity and collaboration tools, such as word processing, spreadsheets, shared drives, video conferencing, and online registration or survey platforms
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, and handle participant information with discretion
• Availability to work in person for the full duration of scheduled workshops, including the two‑day Human Rights‑Based Approach to AI workshop and the one‑day AI in the Public Sector workshop, with occasional early morning or evening hours around events.
• Prior experience with event planning, conference coordination, or program administration
• Familiarity with international human rights frameworks and/or AI governance and public‑sector technology debates
• Experience working in international, multilingual, or cross‑cultural settings

WORK MODE

Hybrid/Split - Employees hired for this position have regularly scheduled, consistent percentage of time on campus (ex 1‑4x/week) and also work some of the time remotely.

HOURLY RATE: $31.37/hr

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between SENS‑UAW, Local 7902 and the University.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward‑thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant supports the end‑to‑end planning and delivery of the Lab’s workshops and convenings, including a two‑day workshop on a Human Rights‑Based Approach to AI and a one‑day workshop on AI in the Public Sector. Responsibilities include coordinating event logistics, managing communications with speakers and participants, and providing on‑site support, as well as conducting background research and producing post‑event documentation such as notes, summaries, and reports. The Research Assistant also provides general research and administrative support to advance the Lab’s broader research and convening agenda.

Since our founding in 1919, The New School has redrawn and redefined the boundaries of intellectual and creative thought as a preeminent academic center. At our university, students have the academic freedom to shape their unique, individual paths for a complex and rapidly changing world. As a New School employee, you will be a part of the university’s mission to prepare and inspire students to bring about positive change in the world.