Research Specialist - Climate Jobs Institute - School Of Labor & Employment Relations

Research Specialist - Climate Jobs Institute - School of Labor & Employment Relations

Job Summary

The School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has up to 3 immediate openings for Research Specialists at the newly established Climate Jobs Institute (CJI). Research Specialists will conduct research at the intersection of climate change, job creation, and economic development.
This position is based in Champaign-Urbana, IL within LER on the campus of the University of Illinois. Hybrid options within Illinois are available for consideration.
The Climate Jobs Institute at LER was established in 2022 to assist the State of Illinois in its transition to a zero-carbon economy. CJI conducts research to help minimize job loss; maximize high-quality job creation and economic development; and facilitate just transitions, workforce development programs, and activities necessary to meet the increased labor demand in Illinois’ clean energy sector.
Through policy research and relationships with on-the-ground partners, the Institute will provide the information that policymakers, state clean energy workforce programs, labor and environmental movements, industry leaders, and others need to navigate Illinois’ historic transition to a zero-carbon economy. CJI’s research and analysis will lead to policy and workforce development recommendations at the local, state, and national levels.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze current Research and Public Policy.
• Compile information and statistics.
• Evaluate the state's clean energy workforce development programs.
• Generate literature reviews.
• Conduct fieldwork.
• Collect and analyze information from libraries and data centers.
• Edit and generate research reports and translate the research into presentations, policy reports, media articles, and more.
• Present at, participate in, and attend conferences, workshops, and public events related to research topics.
• Edit grant and funding proposals for the Climate Jobs Institute related to research topics.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as economics, environmental science, urban planning, policy, or finance.
• 1-2 years of experience conducting economic, environmental, labor, or policy research and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit research reports for publication using appropriate style guides.
• Ability to prepare presentations and craft documents that translate research and complex concepts for various audiences.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment, providing independent and critical thinking while also considering diverse opinions and approaches.
• Experience with internet and library searches, designing research studies, and collecting and analyzing data.
• Familiarity with many of the following research topic areas including climate and clean energy policy, renewable energy and other low-carbon economic sectors, environmental justice, labor unions, and workforce training and economic development programs.
• Ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and be flexible with changing work priorities.
• Ability to work independently for long stretches of time with limited supervision.
• Experience and skill using and learning different software packages and web-based tools for research projects (e.g., Microsoft Office, Lexis Nexis, library databases, and Qualtrics).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or advanced degree in public policy, economics, urban planning, law, labor relations, or related discipline.
• 1-2 years program evaluation experience.
• Ability to manage large datasets and extrapolate from data for use in public policy analysis.
• Experience with qualitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Knowledge of the construction industry, public sector procurements, or union organizing.
• Extensive knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency industries in Illinois.
• Capability to perform public policy research and understand the decision-making and law-making process in Illinois.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/16/2024. The salary range for the position is $60,000-$80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Hybrid work may be considered for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 20, 2024. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Professor Richard Benton, rabenton@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1022953
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu