University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Senior Research Specialist - Climate Jobs Institute, School of Labor and Employm
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, us, 61803
Senior Research Specialist - Climate Jobs Institute, School of Labor and Employment Relations
Climate Jobs Institute, School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has an opening for a Senior Research Specialist. The Senior Research Specialist will conduct and supervise research at the intersection of climate change, job creation, and economic development. Experience in quantitative data collection, statistical analysis, and economic modeling is preferred.
Location : Champaign-Urbana, IL. Remote or hybrid options (within Illinois) may be considered.
Overview : The Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) at LER was established in 2022 to assist Illinois in transitioning to a zero-carbon economy, with research that foregrounds workers and their communities. We guide state climate policy to reduce emissions and promote high-quality job creation by:
Generating reports, tools, and resources;
Engaging labor, industry, communities, and policy makers;
Mentoring student researchers; and
Fostering applied research collaborations.
Through research rooted in climate and economic justice, we envision a clean energy future where workers and communities prosper. Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate with the CJI leadership team to develop the Institute’s research agenda, ensuring that the research is rigorous, innovative, and relevant to the Institute’s mission.
Design and conduct original applied and academic research focused on the economic and labor market impacts of climate policies and the clean energy transition.
Work collaboratively with CJI faculty, staff, research consultants, stakeholders and student research assistants on research projects.
Manage research projects and research team members to ensure timely and effective delivery of research products.
Apply quantitative research methods to analyze administrative and survey data, compile statistics, model job growth and other economic impacts, and evaluate the state’s clean energy policies and workforce development programs.
Edit and generate research reports and translate research into presentations, policy reports, media articles, and more.
Present at, participate in, and attend conferences, workshops, and public events related to research topics.
Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant and funding proposals for the Climate Jobs Institute.
Travel : 10% travel to public meetings and research sites may be required.
Minimum Qualifications Master’s or advanced degree in public policy, economics, urban planning, law, labor relations, or related discipline. 4–5 years of experience conducting economic, environmental, labor, or policy research and analysis (preferably related to climate change and the clean energy economy). Demonstrated record of research excellence, including publications and grants. At least 1–2 years of experience leading research teams and managing complex research projects. Experience with internet and library searches, designing research studies, and collecting and analyzing data. Familiarity with topics such as climate and clean energy policy, renewable energy and low-carbon sectors, environmental justice, labor markets and institutions, unions, workforce training and economic development programs. Proficiency with software packages and web-based tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, LexisNexis, library databases, statistical analysis software).
Preferred Qualifications
Four to five years of experience in research and/or program evaluation environments.
Experience with shared research computing infrastructure.
Experience with quantitative research methods, including panel regression, event studies, and computational text analysis.
Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Stata, ArcGIS).
Experience with economic modeling and input-output analysis (e.g., IMPLAN, JEDI Models).
Familiarity with labor markets and labor market institutions.
Knowledge of climate, clean energy, or labor policy in Illinois.
Ability to perform public policy research and understand Illinois policy decision-making and law-making processes.
Ability to manage large datasets for public policy analysis.
Experience in quantitative data collection, statistical analysis, and economic modeling.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Work collaboratively with CJI faculty, staff, research consultants, stakeholders and student research assistants on research projects.
Collect, process and analyze data; summarize research results.
Proficiency with various software packages and web tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, LexisNexis).
Ability to work independently for long periods with limited supervision.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
Strong collaborative skills with critical thinking and openness to diverse viewpoints.
Ability to prepare presentations and translate research for varied audiences.
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 11/17/2025. Salary range: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00.
Application Procedures & Deadline Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 31, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the posting. Applications submitted through the University of Illinois jobs site will be considered. Interviews may be conducted before the closing date; however, no hiring decisions will be made until after the search has closed. For more information about this position, contact Associate Professor Richard Benton (rabenton@illinois.edu). For questions about the application process, contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008). Accommodations may also be requested for pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID : 1032772 Job Category : Research Apply at : https://jobs.illinois.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location : Champaign-Urbana, IL. Remote or hybrid options (within Illinois) may be considered.
Overview : The Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) at LER was established in 2022 to assist Illinois in transitioning to a zero-carbon economy, with research that foregrounds workers and their communities. We guide state climate policy to reduce emissions and promote high-quality job creation by:
Generating reports, tools, and resources;
Engaging labor, industry, communities, and policy makers;
Mentoring student researchers; and
Fostering applied research collaborations.
Through research rooted in climate and economic justice, we envision a clean energy future where workers and communities prosper. Duties and Responsibilities
Collaborate with the CJI leadership team to develop the Institute’s research agenda, ensuring that the research is rigorous, innovative, and relevant to the Institute’s mission.
Design and conduct original applied and academic research focused on the economic and labor market impacts of climate policies and the clean energy transition.
Work collaboratively with CJI faculty, staff, research consultants, stakeholders and student research assistants on research projects.
Manage research projects and research team members to ensure timely and effective delivery of research products.
Apply quantitative research methods to analyze administrative and survey data, compile statistics, model job growth and other economic impacts, and evaluate the state’s clean energy policies and workforce development programs.
Edit and generate research reports and translate research into presentations, policy reports, media articles, and more.
Present at, participate in, and attend conferences, workshops, and public events related to research topics.
Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant and funding proposals for the Climate Jobs Institute.
Travel : 10% travel to public meetings and research sites may be required.
Minimum Qualifications Master’s or advanced degree in public policy, economics, urban planning, law, labor relations, or related discipline. 4–5 years of experience conducting economic, environmental, labor, or policy research and analysis (preferably related to climate change and the clean energy economy). Demonstrated record of research excellence, including publications and grants. At least 1–2 years of experience leading research teams and managing complex research projects. Experience with internet and library searches, designing research studies, and collecting and analyzing data. Familiarity with topics such as climate and clean energy policy, renewable energy and low-carbon sectors, environmental justice, labor markets and institutions, unions, workforce training and economic development programs. Proficiency with software packages and web-based tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, LexisNexis, library databases, statistical analysis software).
Preferred Qualifications
Four to five years of experience in research and/or program evaluation environments.
Experience with shared research computing infrastructure.
Experience with quantitative research methods, including panel regression, event studies, and computational text analysis.
Experience with statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Stata, ArcGIS).
Experience with economic modeling and input-output analysis (e.g., IMPLAN, JEDI Models).
Familiarity with labor markets and labor market institutions.
Knowledge of climate, clean energy, or labor policy in Illinois.
Ability to perform public policy research and understand Illinois policy decision-making and law-making processes.
Ability to manage large datasets for public policy analysis.
Experience in quantitative data collection, statistical analysis, and economic modeling.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Work collaboratively with CJI faculty, staff, research consultants, stakeholders and student research assistants on research projects.
Collect, process and analyze data; summarize research results.
Proficiency with various software packages and web tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, LexisNexis).
Ability to work independently for long periods with limited supervision.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
Strong collaborative skills with critical thinking and openness to diverse viewpoints.
Ability to prepare presentations and translate research for varied audiences.
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 11/17/2025. Salary range: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00.
Application Procedures & Deadline Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 31, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the posting. Applications submitted through the University of Illinois jobs site will be considered. Interviews may be conducted before the closing date; however, no hiring decisions will be made until after the search has closed. For more information about this position, contact Associate Professor Richard Benton (rabenton@illinois.edu). For questions about the application process, contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008). Accommodations may also be requested for pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID : 1032772 Job Category : Research Apply at : https://jobs.illinois.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr