FWS Research Assistant s AI & Data Lab Social Research

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 Langcollege 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 theseconvenings 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 asneeded 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…