Research Assistant - Fashion, Memory, Identify & Belonging

The New School • New York, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Assistant supports a faculty-led project investigating the intersections of fashion, memory, identity, and belonging. The project combines research, scholarship, and creative practice, culminating in the development of a collection and a public exhibition. The role contributes to the project through research activities and design development and is designed to provide academic and professional experience, particularly for students interested in fashion design, cultural studies, and social justice.

The position is hybrid/remote. Employees primarily work remotely, with occasional on-campus presence required with advance notice. Employees are also expected to use their judgment about being on campus when needed to fulfill the role's responsibilities. The hourly rate is $31.37. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between SENS-UAW, Local 7902 and the University.

Requirements

• Must be a matriculated New School student registered at least half-time.
• Strong sewing and technical skills; experience with industrial sewing machines is required.
• Strong sewing skills and a solid understanding of garment construction, seam finishes, and fabric properties.
• Strong interest in fashion design, cultural identity, memory studies, or social justice in creative practice.
• Research and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, and diverse representation in design and scholarship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with design development, technical documentation, and digital archiving.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods, such as interviews or oral histories.

Responsibilities

• Assist with conducting wardrobe interviews, oral histories, and related field research.
• Support the organization, transcription, and management of research materials, including archival documents and visual references.
• Contribute to design documentation, including sketches, technical notes, and material-sourcing records.
• Provide hands-on design support, such as fabric research, garment sampling, and finishing details.
• Assist with garment construction tasks, including cutting, sewing, and fitting under faculty guidance.
• Participate in discussions about research findings and their integration into design outcomes.
• Assist with exhibition preparation, including cataloguing works, preparing material, and coordinating logistics.
• Collaborate with the faculty supervisor to ensure research and design tasks are completed in a timely and organized manner.
• Optionally contribute a student-led creative response or design piece reflecting the student's own identity, which may be included in the final exhibition.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed