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

Location: No Campus Location, United States of America

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

Minimum 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 producti