Student Asst Specialist_Photographer and Digitization Technician_Fall 2026

The New School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School on-campus role in Chicago supports archival digitization and photography projects. You will scan, photograph, and edit archival material, with training provided for digitization tools and file formats.

Collaboration with archivists ensures high-quality digital assets are produced for the collection. The position involves handling fragile materials, adhering to naming standards, and contributing to social media content ideas.

Qualifications

• Responsible, reliable, focused, and detail oriented.
• Familiar with basic processes related to scanning equipment and software.
• Ability to learn new software quickly.
• Technical understanding of digital photography.
• Familiar with studio lighting and setup.
• Experience and/or interest in working with archival materials is a plus.
• Knowledge of SilverFast scanning software is a plus.
• Experience with audio and video editing, especially using Audacity and/or Handbrake.

Responsibilities

• Produce photographs of archival material with direction from archivist.
• Scan material according to archives’ standards and naming conventions.
• Carefully handle rare and fragile material.
• Perform quality control on digital assets.
• Create derivative files using Adobe Photoshop.
• Upload media and enter information into Collective Access cataloging software (training will be provided).
• Basic audio and video editing.
• Transfer files from various media.
• Assist with ideas and content creation for social media.

Skills

Detail oriented

Reliable

Learn new software quickly

Technical photography knowledge

Studio lighting

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Audacity

Handbrake

SilverFast

Collective Access

Job description

Job Overview

Open to graduate students and undergraduate juniors and seniors. Students in an MFA or BFA Photography program, the BA/BFA dual degree program, Journalism + Design, Creative Publishing & Critical Journalism, Media Studies, and related areas of study are encouraged to apply.

Work Hours & Schedule

Position will be 10 hours a week. Schedule is flexible, between Monday and Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, but must be consistent.

Location & Mode of Work

On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely.

Salary

Hourly Rate: $21/hour

Responsibilities and Duties

This student position assists with scanning and photography of archival material, as well as some audio and video editing. Training will be provided on specialized applications for digitization and file formatting.

Tasks

• Produce photographs of archival material with composition direction from archivist.
• Scan material according to archives’ standards, using aimpoints to ensure tonal quality, and closely adhering to file naming conventions.
• Carefully handle rare and sometimes fragile material.
• Perform quality control.
• Create derivative files using Adobe Photoshop.
• Upload media and enter information into Collective Access cataloging software. (Training will be provided.)
• Basic audio and video editing.
• Transfer files from floppy disks, optical discs, and other removable media.
• Rent, set-up, and return lighting equipment from The New School photography department or outside vendor. All associated expenses will be paid by New School Archives if an outside vendor is used for rental.
• Assist with ideas and content creation for social media.

Minimum Qualifications

• Responsible, reliable, focused, and detail oriented.
• Familiar with basic processes related to scanning equipment and software.
• Ability to learn new software quickly.
• Technical understanding of digital photography.
• Familiar with studio lighting and setup.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or interest in working with archival materials.
• Knowledge of SilverFast scanning software.
• Experience with audio and video editing, especially using Audacity and/or Handbrake.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer (Repeat)

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.

About the New School

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.