The NYU Furman Center and Prof. Ingrid Gould Ellen seek an undergraduate research assistant. Preference will be given to rising sophomores or juniors (classes of 2029 and 2028) who can start by no later than September 1, 2026, and stay on through the full 2026-2027 academic year, but all applications will be considered. At the NYU Furman Center, we are committed to fostering a community that values diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences and to training the next generation of housing policy leaders.

The undergraduate research assistant will work primarily on a project about the long-run effects of the federal Title I urban renewal program (1949-1974) on the families who were displaced. The work will involve both primary source-based historical research and mapping. All candidates should exhibit an interest in the Center’s research areas (housing, neighborhoods, and urban policy).

Day-to-day activities may include: qualitative historical research about urban renewal program boundaries and timing, data cleaning, documentation and data description, quantitative analysis, mapping, and spatial analysis.

Qualifications and skills: Applicants will ideally have some background in historical research. We will prioritize applicants who have some experience with programming, particularly GIS programming and tools, but commitment to learn these tools is also acceptable. Please highlight relevant skills and your degree of proficiency in your resume or cover letter. The strongest applications will include samples of prior work or other documentation demonstrating experience or aptitude in these areas.

Compensation: In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the hourly base salary range for this student employment position will be $17.00 per hour.

Desired start date and duration: This position is for the 2026-2027 academic year. There is potential for full- or part-time work during school breaks and in future academic years.

Hours per week: Students must be able to work 10-20 hours per week during standard business hours during the fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters.

To apply: Interested candidates should email the required documents listed below as attachments to furmanjobs@nyu.edu with the subject line “Undergraduate Research Assistant Application.”

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript
• Anticipated availability for fall 2026 and start date

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.