We're hiring Student Research Assistants!

Healthy Materials Lab and Donghia healthier Materials Library (DhML) are hiring Student Research Assistants. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference to students who submit by Monday, September 7, 2026. Open only to students of The New School.

In this role, you will work with the Donghia healthier Materials Library and Healthy Materials Lab research team as we expand our fundamental materials research and evaluation projects, assess materials to add to HML’s online Material Collections, source materials for the library, assist in the development of practice-based materials implementation tools, and help us transform housing for the future. This work will be conducted from DhML, where research assistants will also help visitors find and borrow samples, give brief verbal presentations on our work to classes and other visitors, and maintain the library space and collection. 

These are highly competitive, future-oriented positions that prove to be valuable and well-appreciated on resumes with architecture and design offices. This is an on-campus position for a minimum of 6 hours per week. 

This is a union position at $31.37 based on student employment.

Requirements:

• 2nd-4th year undergraduate or graduate student at The New School majoring in a relevant design field. 
• A prerequisite for starting the position is the completion of the HML online program in Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings
• Must be available to begin training in the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester, with a firm commitment for Fall 2026 and Spring 2026

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Open and close the Library; maintain a clean, organized space.
• Learn and follow library systems, including databases and organizational tools.
• Assist students, faculty, and design professionals; present on the work of HML and DhML to visiting classes.
• Process checkouts, returns, labeling, and refiling of materials.
• Conduct and document materials research; maintain organized databases and spreadsheets.
• Source and build DhML’s physical material collection; communicate with manufacturers for product information and samples.
• Support the Researchers with administrative and ad hoc projects.
• Contribute to the development of tools that support material specification changes for designers and architects.
• Experience working in a variety of communities; particularly with a strong ability to respectfully represent and advocate for individuals from historically under-represented communities

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong collaborative, friendly spirit; dependable,  punctual, adaptable, and eager to take initiative on new projects.
• Interest in material research and design, especially how materials relate to health and environmental outcomes.
• Friendly and comfortable assisting peers, faculty, and visiting professionals in a library or academic setting.
• Ability to use research tools and learn new tools, including databases, organizational systems, and Excel.
• Self-motivated, able to manage multiple tasks and stay organized across timelines.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills; attention to detail and clarity in presentation.
• Familiarity with materials and design processes; experience with visual documentation is a plus.
• Skills in Adobe Creative Suite, graphic design, and AutoCAD are helpful but not required.

To apply, please click here where you will be asked to submit a brief statement of interest, resume, and work samples (text/video/visual/audio) that resonate with the mission of Parsons Healthy Materials Lab and Donghia healthier Materials Library. 

If you have any questions, please contact healthymaterialslab@newschool.edu.

Healthy Materials Lab is convinced that the strength and resilience of a team comes from diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applicants to apply who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color), LGBTQ, women, immigrants, and people with disabilities.