Research Assistant | Research
About The Position
Research assistants meaningfully contribute to Metropolitan Planning Council’s equity-focused urban planning and public policy initiatives. This entry-level role provides high-quality research, writing, analytical, and project support across policy areas such as zoning and land use, transportation, housing and community development, green infrastructure and water use. Candidates with interest and experience in the areas of housing, urban governance, urban politics, and municipal and regional finance are preferred. This position requires approximately 15-20 hours per week, running from April 15 – October (ending date flexible) based on a mutually agreed upon schedule. Staff work in-office at least twice a week from our Chicago Headquarters, with remote work on other days.
Requirements
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
- Ability to clearly communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences
- Effective project management and multitasking skills
- Able to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong attention to detail
- Interest in urban politics and policy
- Experience with spatial, quantitative, and qualitative research methods and data analytic techniques
- At least two yeas of experience working with large data sets, GIS, and other statistical analysis software
- A bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, urban planning, other relevant field, or depth of equivalent experience is preferred
- Completion of, or enrollment in, a postgraduate degree is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Conduct background and comparative policy research
- Analyze and synthesize research articles, policy reports, and planning documents
- Identify best practices and implementation models
- Prepare concise research briefs, memos, and presentation materials
- Support stakeholder engagement, meeting preparation, and coordination
- Contribute to implementation planning and evaluation efforts
- Analyze primary and secondary data (quantitative and qualitative)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
