Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions with Environmental Frontiers Campus
Opportunity Description:
The Environmental Frontiers Initiative invites applications for EFCampus Undergraduate Research Assistants for Summer Quarter 2024. EFCampus is a unique experiential learning program that creates student-faculty research opportunities focused on the intersection of environmental sustainability and urbanization. The program supports teams of undergraduate research assistants who analyze campus data, operational systems, and community behaviors to identify actionable recommendations that advance the University’s sustainability goals. Projects are aligned with the University’s larger Sustainability Plan, and are mentored by University faculty and staff from Facilities Services. This year, EFCampus will expand its projects with collaborative, community-engaged pilot research in Chicago neighborhoods.
Research assistant positions are full-time roles for the 10 weeks of Summer Quarter (June 10 to August 16), and are paid $16/hour. This is a hybrid opportunity, with an expectation of working 2-3 days per week in the office and the option to work remotely the remaining days over the summer. For questions, please contact Emily Padston at padston@uchicago.edu.
Primary Responsibilities:
EFCampus student research assistant positions are full-time for the 10 weeks of Summer Quarter 2024, with potential to extend into the 2024-2025 academic year on a part-time basis. Undergraduate RA’s will work in teams on structured projects identified by the Office of Facilities Services, faculty, and staff, with mentorship provided by a graduate student lead. Student work will align with the goals outlined in the University’s broader Sustainability Plan, including a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across the University operations by 2030. The projects for Summer 2024 have not been finalized yet, but current EFCampus projects include: 1) Lab Building Energy Analysis and Design, and 2) Business Air Travel Emissions Analysis with Booth. You can review past projects on our program page to get a general sense of the type of research involved. We are also planning to pilot a project extending into neighboring communities this summer.
Student teams will meet regularly with the EF Graduate Student mentor, who will ensure that communication across units keeps all partners abreast of student work and any issues arising with campus data collection and dissemination. Undergraduate RA tasks will include: quantitative analysis; best practices research; gathering stakeholder input; identifying optimal sustainability interventions; documenting project progress; and presenting key findings to EFCampus faculty and staff.
Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be current undergraduate students at the University of Chicago in Summer 2024. Students who graduate in June 2024 are not eligible.
Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated ability in/knowledge of some or all of the following:
- Environmental issues/challenges, including energy systems
- Data visualization and management
- Community outreach and surveying
- Coding, programming, and/or statistics
- Communication and presentation skills
- Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work as part of a team
Application Process:
Learn more and apply: https://miurban.uchicago.edu/opportunities/environmental-frontiers/undergradra/
You can also apply through Handshake: https://uchicago.joinhandshake.com/jobs/8661406/share_preview