Research Assistant - Fashion, Memory, Identify & Belonging

The Research Assistant will support a faculty-led project that investigates the intersections of fashion, memory, identity, and belonging. The project integrates research, scholarship, and creative practice, culminating in the development of a collection and a public exhibition. The Research Assistant will contribute to this work through both research activities and design development. The role is designed to provide meaningful academic and professional experience, particularly for students interested in fashion design, cultural studies, and social justice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Must have strong sewing and technical skills. Experience with industrial sewing machines is required.
• 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 on research findings and their integration into design outcomes
• Provide assistance 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
• Contribute a student-led creative response or design piece that reflects their own identity, which may be included in the final exhibition (optional)

Qualifications – Education, Experience, and Skills

• Must be a matriculated New School student, registered at least half-time
• Must have strong sewing skills and demonstrate 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, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Experience with design development, technical documentation, and digital archiving is preferred
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods (such as interviews or oral histories) is a plus
• Commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, and diverse representation in design and scholarship

WORK MODE

Hybrid/Remote - Employees hired for this position primarily work remotely with the occasional on-campus presence required with advanced notice. Employees in this role will also be expected to use their best judgment to be on campus when necessary in order to best fulfill the responsibilities of their job descriptions. #LI-DNI

Hourly Rate: $31.37/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.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between SENS-UAW, Local 7902 and the University.

Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant will support a faculty-led project that investigates the intersections of fashion, memory, identity, and belonging. The Research Assistant will contribute to this work through both research activities and design development. The role is designed to provide meaningful academic and professional experience, particularly for students interested in fashion design, cultural studies, and social justice.