Policy Researcher​/Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program; Associate​/Specialist

Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program (Associate/Full Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center

Position title:

Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program

Salary range:
The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by the rank and step  the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). The current full-time base salary range for this position is $75,600 - $194,800. Off‑scale salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start:
Spring 2026

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

Open date:
February 10, 2026

Next review date:
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

The UC Berkeley Labor Center, at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), has an opening for a policy research specialist to join our dynamic organization at the forefront of research and education on the most pressing economic challenges affecting working families in California and communities across the country. The Center provides timely, policy‑relevant research on labor and employment issues, and helps educate a new and diverse generation of union and worker organization leaders and students.

The Policy Researcher will conduct policy‑relevant research related to health coverage, health care affordability for workers and their families, and the health care workforce. The Health Care Program's research especially examines health care policy impacts for California’s low‑income and immigrant working families and communities of color. This position is well‑suited for applicants with strong foundational research skills and an interest in labor and economic justice, and offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a high‑impact, high‑visibility organization and to work with a nationally‑recognized team of researchers, policy analysts, and academics.

• Plan and conduct policy‑relevant qualitative and quantitative research on health coverage, health care affordability, and health care workforce issues in California and nationally
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and policymakers on health care and labor and employment topics
• Serve as co‑author or lead author on research reports and policy briefs
• Contribute to fundraising proposals for research projects
• Coordinate with researchers on other UC campuses
• Engage the public via presentations, responding to media requests, authoring op‑eds, and providing public testimony
• Support the Center's efforts to build a diverse generation of future labor researchers, including working with and/or supervising graduate student researchers

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

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

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 Ph.D. or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's…