Research Associate I (Partner Coordinator) - Energy Resources Center

University of Illinois Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

The University of Illinois Chicago Energy Resources Center invites applications for a Research Associate I (Partner Coordinator) based in Chicago, IL. This entry‑level position supports the pollinator habitat conservation programs and coordinates with national partners.

Responsibilities include reviewing program applications, assisting with meetings and webinars, coordinating tasks with partner organizations, and performing data collection and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social science or related field required.
• Knowledge of research concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience in biology, environmental compliance, wildlife ecology, energy or transportation infrastructure, or sustainability.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 Office and Google Workspace platforms.
• Experience in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, R, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organization.
• Exhibits clear writing and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical reviews of program applications, implementation plans, and other documentation provided by program partners.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute, and interpret research results.
• Perform complex data collection and analysis techniques.
• Assist with planning and organizing meetings and webinars, including scheduling, preparing agendas and presentations, and note-taking.
• Assist with partner coordination and outreach, including managing task forces, direct communications, document control, and other tracking activities.
• Perform independent literature reviews or background research to become familiar with technical knowledge needed for this role.
• Perform other related administrative or research tasks as needed.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Research concepts

Coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in social science or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365 Office

Google Workspace

ArcGIS Pro

ArcGIS Online

R

Adobe Illustrator

Canva

Job description

Research Associate I (Partner Coordinator) - Energy Resources Center

Hiring Department: Energy Resources Center

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1042547

Posting Close Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Salary: The previously determined salary range for this position was $49,000.00 to $55.000.00.

UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary
This position requires a passionate and motivated entry-level individual to support the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Energy Resources Center's (ERC) pollinator habitat conservation agreements for the energy and transportation sectors. The ideal candidate has a strong interest and passion for sustainability and pollinator conservation. This position would primarily support administration of the nationwide Monarch Butterfly Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (Monarch CCAA) and the Nationwide Conservation Benefit Agreement for Bumble Bees (Bumble Bee CBA).

The UIC ERC facilitates the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group, which provide expertise and resources to 400+ organizations, primarily from the transportation and utility sectors, interested in promoting pollinator habitat and healthy ecosystems on energy and transportation landscapes.

• Perform technical reviews of program applications, implementation plans, and other documentation provided by program partners.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute, and interpret research results.
• Perform complex data collection and analysis techniques.
• Assist with planning and organizing meetings and webinars, including scheduling, preparing agendas and presentations, and note-taking.
• Assist with partner coordination and outreach, including managing task forces, direct communications, document control, and other tracking activities.
• Perform independent literature reviews or background research to become familiar with technical knowledge needed for this role.
• Perform other related administrative or research tasks as needed.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in social science or related field required.
• Knowledge of research concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience in biology, environmental compliance, wildlife ecology, energy or transportation infrastructure, or sustainability.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 Office and Google Workspace platforms.
• Experience in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, R, Adobe Illustrator, or Canva preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organization.
• Exhibits clear writing and verbal communication skills.

• Experience working on, or supporting, UIC's Sustainable Landscapes Program and Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group initiatives is preferred.

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.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.