Hybrid Research Assistant – Housing

at Metropolitan Planning Council

• Job title: Research Assistant – Housing
• Job type: Contract
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $18 per hour
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Chicago, United States

About the role

• Research Assistant supporting a statewide housing research initiative focused on barriers to production. Engaging in qualitative research, analysis, and stakeholder coordination from Chicago or remote in Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Conducting background research, literature reviews, and policy scans related to housing supply, zoning, land use, development costs, permitting processes, and government capacity
• Supporting the collection, review, and analysis of administrative and regulatory data, such as local zoning codes, building codes, permitting data, and other publicly available government datasets
• Assisting with the compilation, cleaning, organization, and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research findings produced by MPC staff and external research partners
• Supporting preparation of research memos, summaries, briefing materials, and working drafts of reports
• Helping document research methods, assumptions, and key findings
• Summarizing insights from interviews, focus groups, and advisory group discussions for integration into research outputs
• Supporting the organization of datasets, notes, and analytic materials
• Supporting logistics and preparation for advisory group meetings, stakeholder interviews, workshops, and regional convenings
• Preparing background materials and detailed meeting notes
• Assisting with scheduling, follow-up, and coordination with partners as needed
• Assisting with preparation and formatting of presentation materials, summaries, and internal research documents
• Supporting efforts to present research findings in clear, accessible ways for different audiences

Requirements

• Detail-oriented and methodical, with strong organizational skills
• Comfortable working with qualitative and/or quantitative information, including publicly available administrative or regulatory data
• A clear and accurate writer, able to summarize complex material
• Curious about housing, land use, and public policy
• Experience or coursework related to housing policy, urban planning, public policy, economics, or related fields is preferred but not required

Benefits

• $35/month transportation subsidy