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Policy Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lab/ Production Technician

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

May provide in-person training on test equipment, test methods, general lab policies and lab safety training to other personnel. · Materials/Inventory: May generate purchase orders for general lab ...

Medical lab Technician /Technologist are responsible for accurately processing, analyzing and ... Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within ...

Lab Tech

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$23.55/hr

Lab Tech I Location: Valparaiso, IN Pay: $23.55 per hour Shift: 2-3-2 - Rotating Schedule ... EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY It is Sun's policy that applicants for employment are recruited ...

Lab Technician

Merrillville, IN

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Lab Technician Who we are: Atkore is forging a future where our employees, customers, suppliers ... Adhere to Atkore's safety policies and core values of Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork ...

Lab Technician

Merrillville, IN

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Lab Technician Who we are: Atkore is forging a future where our employees, customers, suppliers ... Adhere to Atkore's safety policies and core values of Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork ...

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Policy Lab information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$26

$46

How much do policy lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy lab in Chicago, IL is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Policy Lab vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy LabPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a background in public policy, political science, or related fields; some roles may require a master's degreeSimilar credentials; often a bachelor's or master's in public policy, political science, or related areas
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, collaborative teams, often in think tanks, government agencies, or NGOsResearch and analysis in government agencies, consulting firms, or advocacy organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by policy labs within government, academia, or non-profits to develop innovative policy solutionsCommonly employed by government departments, think tanks, and consulting firms to evaluate and develop policies

While both Policy Labs and Policy Analysts work within the policy sector, Policy Labs focus on innovative, experimental approaches to policy development often through research and collaboration. Policy Analysts typically conduct detailed analysis, evaluation, and reporting to inform decision-making. The roles are complementary but differ mainly in their focus and methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Analyst in a policy lab, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Analyst in a policy lab, you need strong research, data analysis, and critical thinking skills, typically supported by a degree in public policy, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as Stata, R, or SPSS), data visualization tools, and experience with policy evaluation methods are common technical requirements. Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for presenting findings and working with diverse stakeholders. These skills are vital for producing evidence-based policy recommendations that drive effective decision-making and impact.

What is a Policy Lab?

A Policy Lab is an interdisciplinary team or initiative that brings together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to design, test, and evaluate innovative solutions to public policy challenges. Policy Labs use evidence-based methods, such as data analysis, behavioral insights, and pilot programs, to inform government decisions and improve public services. They often act as a bridge between academic research and practical policy implementation, ensuring that new policies are grounded in real-world evidence.

What types of projects do team members typically work on in a Policy Lab, and how is collaboration structured?

In a Policy Lab, team members often engage in projects that analyze public policies, evaluate their impacts, and develop evidence-based recommendations for government or organizational stakeholders. Collaboration is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together professionals from fields such as economics, political science, data analysis, and public administration. Teams typically work in agile groups, sharing insights and dividing tasks such as research, stakeholder engagement, and report drafting. Regular meetings and collaborative tools are used to ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
What job categories do people searching Policy Lab jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Policy Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,099 per year, or $26 per hour.

Summer Research Assistant - Energy & Environment Lab (2026)

UChicago Energy & Environment Lab

Chicago, IL

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Summer Research Assistant, Energy & Environment Lab 

Location:Chicago, IL 

Who We Are 

The University of Chicago Energy & Environment Lab (E&E Lab) partners with agencies at the local, state and federal level to identify, rigorously evaluate, and help scale programs and policies that reduce pollution and improve environmental outcomes, while ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy. The E&E Lab uses natural experiments, randomized controlled trials, behavioral economics, and machine learning to help policymakers identify and generate evidence around innovative approaches to their most pressing environmental and energy-related challenges. 

The E&E Lab is part of the University of Chicago's new Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. The Lab's mission is to partner with government agencies to identify and rigorously evaluate policies with the greatest potential to improve human lives at scale; the Lab's evidence-based approach gives policymakers and practitioners the knowledge they need to effectively achieve the greatest social good per dollar spent. 

Job Summary 

The E&E Lab is seeking Summer Research Assistants (RAs) with strong research, methodological, and programming skills to support large-scale environmental policy research projects. The RAs will work on a portfolio of economics projects, designed to evaluate the impact of promising energy and environmental interventions. Typical research projects involve the analysis of environmental and energy data, utilizing quasi-experimental and experimental methods to provide government partners with guidance on key policy questions. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Coding, review, and cleaning of data. 
  • Data analytics, statistical analysis, and building econometric and/or machine learning models. 
  • Project development and coordination. 
  • Literature reviews. 
  • Presentation of results of analysis (e.g., graphs and tables). 
  • Assisting in writing, formatting, and editing reports and works for publication and for dissemination to partners. 

Job Requirements 

Competencies: 

  • Interest in and aptitude for developing advanced programming and analytic skills. 
  • Experience with at least one statistical analysis language required; R, or Python strongly preferred. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize multiple sources. 
  • Strong initiative and a resourceful approach to problem-solving and learning. 
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
  • High attention to detail and organizational skills. 
  • Knowledge of environment and/or energy policy issues preferred. 

Education: 

  • Significant progress towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in economics, computer science or related discipline. 
  • Coursework in economics, applied math, computer science, statistics. 
  • Research experience in an academic setting preferred. 

Documents Required: 

  • Resume 
  • Cover Letter 
  • Academic transcript(s) 

The internship duration is ten weeks, with a flexible start date. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with decisions made on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

The E&E Lab main office is in Chicago; some research staff are based in the offices of our federal and state government partners. 

To apply, please complete the form and upload your resume, cover letter, and transcript below. Questions and inquiries about the summer position should be directed to eelabhiring@uchicago.edu. 

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.Â