Student Assistant Specialist - Academic Science Labs

The New School; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School seeks a Lab Assistant Specialist to support student learning in University Academic Science Labs. Responsibilities include organizing materials, maintaining living cultures, and creating visuals for lab protocols, with a focus on beginner students in STEM and STEAMD topics.

Hybrid on-campus and remote work options are available. You will assist in teaching activities, manage lab cleanliness, prepare materials, and help expand our science education initiatives for residents in

Qualifications

• STEM background with basic math and biology.
• Strong communication and organized workflow.
• Follow-through demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Train for the role early in the semester – 10 hours in September.
• Organize lab supplies and assist in the curation of teaching materials.
• Clean and maintain the lab environment weekly.
• Sterilize tools, materials and lab benches weekly.
• Create and distribute promotional materials related to activities for residents in Kerrey Hall.
• Maintain the growth and conditions of living organisms during long-term lab activities.
• Prepare materials and set up and break down of lab activities before and after class.
• Assist in teaching lab activity.
• Update and create visuals for lab protocols and curricular resources remotely in the first third of the semester.

Skills

STEM background

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

The University Academic Science Labs were designed to serve all students and thus we not only offer lab based courses with no prerequisites we offer employment to students interested in gaining more skills and supporting their peers in their intellectual and creative growth related to STEM and STEAMD learning. This is in line with the Student Affairs mission of promoting empowered change makers. We are seeking academically strong students who have. completed the Biodesign Lab course spring of 2026 and/or have interest in staying current in this field and gaining more skills to support their community and professional practice. Skills in communication design and with a strong secondary STEM training makes for a strong candidate, as well as someone who can take directive, and has exemplary follow through.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Train for the role early in the semester – 10 hours in September
• Organize lab supplies and assist in the curation of the teaching collection of microbialspecimens as needed 4-6 times per semester
• Clean and maintain the lab environment weekly
• Sterilize tools, materials and lab benches weekly
• Create and distribute promotional material related to activities for residents in Kerrey Hall related to sustainability, science fiction, Bioart, Biodesign
• Maintaining the growth and conditions of living organisms during long-term lab activities
• Prepare materials and set up and break down of lab activities before and after class
• Assist in teaching lab activity
• Update and create visuals for lab protocols and curricular resources in the first third of the semester (remotely)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• STEM background specifically basic math and biology
• Strong communication skills, organized work flow, and exemplary follow through

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of a prior lab course

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: $21 per hour

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.

Responsibilities: The Lab Assistant Specialist will support student learning by organizing and tracking materials needed for the lab to operate, and developing visual materials and content for lab protocols specific to those with little knowledge in STEM. The Specialist will also edit and improve existing materials, support the growth of living organisms, prepare and break down for lab activities and gain skills in growth media preparation and sterile environments. These activities will result in the delivery of stellar lab learning experiences to students registered in classes and for those that are one -off workshops serving the community at large and residents in Kerrey Hall under the supervision of the University Academic Science Labs Director and Faculty in Residence Katayoun Chamany.

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.

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.