Now accepting applications for Summer 2026 and the 2026–2027 academic year
Application deadline: March 13, 2026
Online application is available here.
Do research that matters
The Climate Jobs Institute is seeking motivated graduate students to join our Research Assistantship Program, an applied research experience at the intersection of clean energy, labor policy, and workforce development.
As a CJI Research Assistant, you’ll help inform Illinois’ clean energy transition — centering workers, communities, and job quality — while building practical research skills and working closely with experienced mentors.
What you’ll do
CJI Research Assistants contribute to real-world research used by policymakers, advocates, labor leaders, and community partners. Past and current projects include:
- Conducting focus groups and co-authoring our Federal Rollbacks, Local Impacts reports on federal clean energy tax credit changes and workforce impacts
- Compiling and synthesizing data for the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Regional Data Packets, used statewide by clean energy stakeholders
- Analyzing socioeconomic impacts of coal plant and coal mine closures
- Transcribing oral histories and archiving photographs to document coal workers’ stories
- Interviewing solar workers and analyzing job quality and working conditions
- Conducting background research on clean energy manufacturing in Illinois
- Evaluating the economic impacts of solar and wind investments on jobs and utility bills
- Researching state and municipal policies related to data centers and energy use
…and much more.
Mentorship & learning
Research Assistants are mentored by experienced CJI staff and gain:
- Hands-on experience with qualitative and quantitative research
- Exposure to Illinois clean energy policy and labor standards
- Opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and projects
- Professional development support and constructive feedback
Who should apply
We welcome applications from University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign graduate students in fields including (but not limited to):
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Law
- Urban Planning
- Sociology
- Environmental Studies
- Labor and Industrial Relations
- Related social science or policy-focused fields
Applicants must be enrolled at UIUC for the duration of the assistantship.
While students may apply for a single term, preference is given to applicants who can commit to multiple semesters or the full academic year.
Time commitment & compensation
- Fall & Spring: 15–20 hours per week
- Summer: Up to 40 hours per week
- Location: In person, with office space in the Labor and Employment Relations Building
Compensation includes:
- Tuition benefits (for students eligible for a tuition waiver)
- Stipend during summer, fall and spring semesters
Application process
- Complete the online application form
- Share your experience, skills, and research interests
- Upload a resume or CV
Deadline: March 13, 2026
Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview in early April
What our Research Assistants say
“Being part of a collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven team taught me not only technical skills but also the importance of working with purpose, which encouraged my professional growth. This opportunity significantly strengthened my capabilities and solidified my passion for integrating climate justice with community development as a planner.”
— Anukriti Mehta, Master of Urban Planning, CJI RA 2024–2025
“I received great feedback and support from the CJI team. CJI does an excellent job of combining quantitative and qualitative research, which has helped me view policies from a different perspective and conduct analysis with broader considerations.”
— Zichang Liu, PhD Candidate in Economics, CJI RA 2025–2026
Ready to apply?
Join a research team committed to advancing a just, worker-centered clean energy transition in Illinois.