Research Assistant - Indigenous Practices & Land-Based Technologies in Art & Design Education

The New School; United States; Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School's Parsons School of Design invites a research assistant to support curricular projects centered on Indigenous material practices, land-based technologies, and community engagement. The role involves research, curriculum development, archival work, and collaboration with faculty, students, and Indigenous communities.

Hybrid work is available; hourly rate is $31.37. You will gain experience in collaborative research, pedagogical development, and community-centered design within a

Qualifications

• Current graduate or undergraduate student at Parsons School of Design.
• Interest in Indigenous studies, art and design education, material culture, fashion, or socially engaged practices.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with archival research, curriculum development, or community-based practices is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Research Indigenous material practices, craft traditions, and land-based technologies.
• Assist with pedagogical development for workshops, educational programming and learning resources.
• Engage in archival and visual research related to Indigenous fashion, art, and design methodologies.
• Compile annotated bibliographies, teaching resources, and reference materials.
• Assist with material experimentation and documentation processes.
• Coordinate communication and scheduling with faculty, students, artists, and community collaborators.
• Support event planning, workshop preparation, and public programming initiatives.
• Maintain organized records of research findings, project timelines, and educational resources.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

Parsons School of Design student

Job description

Position Purpose

This research assistant position will support the development of curricular-based educational opportunities that prioritize Indigenous material practices, relational making methods, and land-based technologies within art and design education at Parsons School of Design. The role includes assisting with research, curriculum development, archival investigation, material experimentation, and community engagement initiatives that center Indigenous making-based knowledge systems and pedagogies. This position will provide the student with valuable experience in collaborative research, pedagogical development, and community-centered design practices within a higher education setting. Through direct engagement with Indigenous methodologies, material practices, and interdisciplinary creative research, the student will strengthen their critical thinking, organizational, and professional skills while contributing to more inclusive and socially engaged approaches to art and design education.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research Indigenous material practices, craft traditions, and land-based technologies.
• Assist with pedagogical development for workshops, educational programming and learning resources.
• Engage in archival and visual research related to Indigenous fashion, art, and design methodologies.
• Compile annotated bibliographies, teaching resources, and reference materials.
• Assist with material experimentation and documentation processes.
• Coordinate communication and scheduling with faculty, students, artists, and community collaborators.
• Support event planning, workshop preparation, and public programming initiatives.
• Maintain organized records of research findings, project timelines, and educational resources.

Qualifications – Education, Experience, and Skills

• Current graduate or undergraduate student at Parsons School of Design.
• Interest in Indigenous studies, art and design education, material culture, fashion, or socially engaged practices.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with archival research, curriculum development, or community-based practices is an asset.

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

Hourly Rate

#LI-DNI Hourly Rate: $31.37/hour

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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.

Institutional Overview

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.