Research Assistant | Housing

Position Title:Research Assistant Housing

Type:Contractor

Location:Chicago Loop (hybrid)

Role Overview:

Metropolitan Planning Councilis seeking a Research Assistant to support a statewide housing research initiative co-led with the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University focused onidentifyingand understanding barriers to housing production across Illinois diverse regions. The project combines quantitative and qualitative research with statewide stakeholder engagement to develop a data-driven framework that explains how housing supply challenges vary across geographies and markets.

In this role the Research Assistant willprimarilysupportqualitativeresearch and analysis activities including background researchinterviewssynthesis of findings and preparation of research materials while also providing support for coordination and stakeholder engagement as needed.

This independent contractor position requires a time commitment of approximately 20 hours per week for26 weeks with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance.The start date is flexible with a preference foranAprilor Maystart.This role is well suited for graduate students advanced undergraduates or early-career professionals seeking hands-on experience supporting applied policy research and statewide engagement.

All candidates must be based in the State of Illinois.This is a hybrid or fully remote role depending on the Research Assistants location withinthe state.Candidates based in Central or Downstate Illinois are strongly encouraged to apply.

• For Research Assistants based in the Chicago region the role includes an expectation of in-person work at MPCs Chicago office for meetings and collaboration as needed approximately 8 hours per week.

• For Research Assistants based outside the Chicago region the role may be performed fully remotely with in-person work focused on fieldwork and meetings in their region as needed.

Core Responsibilities:

Research & Analysis Support

• Conducting background research literature reviews and policy scans related to housing supply zoning land use development costspermittingprocesses and government capacity

• Supporting the collection review and analysis of administrative and regulatory data such as local zoning codes building codespermittingdata and other publicly available government datasets

• Assistingwith 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

Research Documentation & Synthesis

• 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

Stakeholder Engagement & Project Support

• Supportinglogisticsand preparation for advisory group meetings stakeholder interviews workshops and regional convenings

• Preparing background materials and detailed meeting notes

• Assistingwith scheduling follow-up and coordination with partners as needed

Communications & Materials Support

• Assistingwith preparation and formatting of presentation materials summaries and internal research documents

• Supporting efforts to present research findings in clear accessible ways for different audiences

Required Skills & Qualifications:

MPC seeks an individual who is research-minded organized and able to manage multiple tasks. The ideal candidate will be:

• 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 andaccuratewriter able to summarize complex material

• Curious about housing land use and public policy

• Professional and comfortable working with multiple collaborators

• Experience or coursework related to housing policy urban planning public policy economics or related fields is preferred but not.

Education and Experience

• Experience supporting research analysis or policy projects through academic internship or professional experience

• Demonstrated ability to collect organize and synthesize information from multiple sources

• Experience with research documentation note-taking or analytic support

• A bachelors degree in public policy urban planning political science economics or a related field is preferredbut not

• Enrollment in or completion of a graduate program is desirable but not

Academic or internship experience may substitute for professional experience

Working Environment:

Candidates must be based in Illinois.This is a hybrid or fully remote position based on the research assistants location in the state.Candidates based in the Chicago region will beexpected to be hybrid as needed for in-person meetings and coordinationin MPCs Chicago office.MPC is a collaborative organization and we encourage active cross-team and cross-project learning and engagement regardless of work location.

Compensation:

Compensation is $18 per hour and MPC provides a $35/month transportation subsidy. Students with federal work-study and those seeking course credit are welcome to apply.

How to Apply

Pleasesubmitthe following materialsto

• A cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience or a short relevant writing sample

• Your résumé or CV

Application Deadline: Friday April 3 2026 at 4:00 pm CST

No phone callsplease.

About MPC

Dedicated to shaping a better bolder more equitable future for everyone Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) believes that every neighborhood has promise.Every community should be heard. And every person can thrive. Since 1934 this independent nonpartisan organization has served metropolitan Chicagos communities and residents to change perceptions reimagine conversations and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities businesses and governmentsMPC is a bold change-maker addressing the regions toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving.

For more information on MPC please visit our website:

EEOC/Diversity Statement:

MPC is an equal opportunity stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity equity and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds ages and abilitiesto apply. We will not tolerate harassment discrimination or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees

Required Experience:

Junior IC