Research Assistant | Transportation

Metropolitan Planning Council • Chicago, IL

6d • $18 • Hybrid

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. As a transportation research assistant, we expect the candidate to conduct research that supports our advocacy for sustainable transportation and development policy with an emphasis on transit-oriented development in the suburbs. This includes, but is not limited to, analyzing new business development near station areas, conducting research on transit operations best practices, and assisting with upcoming public events our team is planning.
This position requires approximately 16-30 hours per week, for approximately 6 months, based on a mutually agreed upon schedule. Staff work in-office at least two days 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

Nice To Haves

• GIS, experience with geocoding process
• A bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, urban planning, other relevant field, or depth of equivalent experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of transportation planning is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background and comparative policy research
• Analyze and synthesize complex planning and infrastructure topics
• Identify best practices
• Prepare concise research briefs, memos, and presentation materials
• Support stakeholder engagement, meeting preparation, and coordination
• GIS-Related – Conduct spatial analyses to support research on transportation, safety, and land use trends in suburban station areas

Benefits

• Compensation for this independent contractor position is $18 per hour and a monthly $35 transportation subsidy.
• We welcome students with federal work-study and those seeking course credit to apply.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level