Want to inspire and support the next generation of undergraduate researchers at Illinois? The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is looking for motivated and personable undergraduate students in all majors who are excited to introduce and support peers through the Illinois research experience as an Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassador (IURA). If you have participated in a research project, be it through coursework, assisting faculty, research staff, or graduate students, or conducting a mentored project of your own, we invite you to apply to become an Ambassador and help other students along their research journeys. We are particularly interested in adding students in humanities, arts, business, and education to our team of Ambassadors.
This application is for Ambassador positions for AY 2026–27 (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027). Ambassadors are paid $15 per hour and are expected to work 30 hours per semester. Selected ambassadors are expected to be able to commit to working both semesters. During Spring 2026, new hires will undergo onboarding and orientation where they will receive all necessary training on being an Ambassador as well as be expected to work 4 hours at the Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 30, 2026 (times to be scheduled).
Program Description
IURAs are a collaborative cohort of accomplished and experienced students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Ambassadors promote undergraduate research on The University of Illinois campus and help the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) develop and maintain student-focused programs that represent our University's diverse array of research disciplines.
Responsibilities
IURAs must be active participants in all assigned responsibilities, including occasional mandatory weekend and evening events, for the full academic year. As an Ambassador, you will:
- Mentor, support, and guide undergraduate students at various stages of their research journey through one-on-one meetings, drop-in sessions, and outreach.
- Represent and promote OUR's mission to current and prospective undergraduate researchers at on-campus recruiting and outreach events, classroom presentations, and other informational sessions.
- Lead or assist in workshops on undergraduate research and participate as a panelist to share your experience in undergraduate research.
- Support OUR's social media campaigns.
- Assist in the organization and logistics of the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- Be required to attend monthly Ambassador cohort meetings covering professional development topics such as training in peer mentoring, communication, public speaking, event planning, outreach, and program development.
Requirements
Time commitment
- Ability to dedicate 10 hours in the Spring 2026 and 30 hours in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.
- Ability to dedicate at least 4 hours to assist with the Undergraduate Research Symposium in April.
- Commitment to actively participate in all assigned responsibilities, including occasional mandatory weekend and evening events.
Required skills and experiences
- At least 1 semester of engagement in research/creative inquiry.
- Strong communication skills.
- Proven reliability, organization, personability, and respectfulness.
- A strong commitment and excitement for the opportunity to support current and prospective undergraduate researchers.
Preferred
- Experience with peer mentorship or advising.
Does my experience count as research?
Research looks different across various fields! How do you know if you have research experience? You probably have experience if you have: participated in a research-based course; participated in a research program; are currently pursuing a thesis, capstone project, or independent study.
You may also have experience if you have done any of the following under the supervision of a graduate student, faculty, or research staff member: conducted lab work; conducted literature reviews; conducted textual analysis of different literature; analyzed primary sources; conducted interviews, surveys, or focus groups; produce creative work (e.g., story, artwork, etc.) based on some of the previous steps.
To learn more about the IURA program and how to apply, check out our call for applications. If you are unsure if your experience counts, reach out to us! We are happy to answer any questions. Contact us at ugresearch@illinois.edu.
Deadline to apply is Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:59pm.
