Policy Researcher​/Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program; Associate​/Specialist - UC B

Application Window

Open date:
April 5, 2026

Most recent review date:
Monday, Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date:
Wednesday, Jul 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position title:

Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher

Salary range:
The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $75,600–$128,400.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start:
Spring 2026

Position duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance

The UC Berkeley Labor Center, at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), UC Berkeley, conducts research and education on issues related to labor and employment. The Labor Center’s curricula and leadership training serve to educate a diverse new generation of labor leaders. The Labor Center carries out policy‑relevant research on topics such as job quality and workforce development and works with unions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop innovative policy perspectives and programs.

The Labor Center provides an important source of research and information on unions and the changing workforce for students, scholars, policymakers, and the public.

The UC Berkeley Labor Center’s Green Economy Program seeks a Policy Researcher or Senior Policy Researcher. The role will involve significant collaboration with unions, environmental organizations, and community-based organizations, and other stakeholders at the state and federal level to advance a worker‑led clean energy agenda.

• Conduct policy research and analysis, and collaborate on developing new policy models in the area of workforce standards, economic development, and industrial policy related to the energy transition
• Serve as co‑author and/or lead author on policy research reports and briefing memos, and draft op‑eds and public testimony
• Contribute to the team’s work providing technical assistance to stakeholders, policymakers, and media on policy debates surrounding labor and the energy transition
• Support Program Leads with outreach to partner organizations, build and strengthen relationships, and facilitate collaboration
• Work closely with the Program’s team in identifying new research projects and opportunities for collaborating with field partners
• Support Program Leads in developing curriculum and delivering trainings for unions, worker advocates, and other stakeholders
• Supervise and mentor student workers

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree.

• Associate Specialist
  :
  
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least five (5) years of professional experience
  
  • OR Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least three (3) years of professional experience
• Full Specialist
  :
  
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least ten (10) years of professional experience
  
  • OR Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least eight (8) years of professional experience
  
  • OR PhD or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience

• Master’s or equivalent international degree with three (3) years experience in analyzing public policies at the federal, state, or local level (can include experience before the degree)
• Experience contributing to research on public policy, including tracking legislation and regulations, analyzing and comparing key concepts, and assessing promising policy models
• Familiarity with labor standards and/or climate and energy policies and/or industrial policy and/or economic development, with an understanding of core issues for workers and unions
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with unions and other stakeholders, such as environmental organizations and industry/employer associations
• Demonstrated facilitation and collaboration skills
• Strong policy writing…