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

Position Overview

Position title:

Policy Researcher / Senior Policy Researcher
Salary range:
The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step  estimated full‑time salary for this position is $75,600 – $128,400.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start:
Spring 2026
Position duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Open date:
April 5, 2026
Next review date:
Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)
Final date:
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until the final date; 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), seeks a Policy Researcher or Senior Policy Researcher for its Green Economy Program. The role may be filled at the Associate or Full Specialist rank depending on work experience and educational background. The incumbent will contribute to research on workforce standards and strategies related to the energy transition, and worker‑led approaches to economic development and industrial policy that support building a green economy.

• Conduct policy research and analysis and collaborate on developing new policy models in workforce standards, economic development, and industrial policy related to the energy transition.
• Serve as co‑author or lead author on policy research reports and briefing memos, and draft op‑eds and public testimony.
• Provide 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 to identify new research projects and opportunities for collaboration with field partners.
• Assist Program Leads with 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 of experience in analyzing public policies at the federal, state, or local level.
• 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 skills.
• Experience managing projects independently, meeting project timelines, managing stakeholder relationships, and working discreetly with confidential information.

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample #1 – Applied research or policy writing.
• Writing Sample #2 – Applied research or policy writing on which you were lead author and/or that focused on climate/energy policies or…