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

Position Overview

Policy Researcher / Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program (Associate or Full Specialist) – UC Berkeley Labor Center.

Salary range: A reasonable full‑time salary estimate 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, Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Applications will be accepted until this date; those received after the review date will only be considered if the position remains unfilled.

The UC Berkeley Labor Center, part of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), conducts research and education on labor and employment issues. The Center’s curricula and leadership training educate a diverse new generation of labor leaders and conduct policy‑relevant research on topics such as job quality, workforce development, and the green economy, working closely with unions, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

The Labor Center has an opening for a Policy Researcher or Senior Policy Researcher in its Green Economy Program. The role may be hired at the Associate or Full Specialist rank, depending on work experience and educational background.

The researcher will contribute to the Program's research on workforce standards and strategies related to the energy transition, as well as worker‑led approaches to economic development and industrial policy. The position will involve significant collaboration with unions, environmental and community 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 workforce standards, economic development, and industrial policy related to the energy transition.
• Serve as co‑author and/or lead author on policy research reports, 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, building and strengthening relationships, and facilitating collaboration.
• Work with the Program’s team to identify new research projects and opportunities for field‑partner collaboration.
• 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.

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 5 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least 3 years of professional experience.
• Full Specialist – Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least 10 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least 8 years of professional experience OR PhD or equivalent international degree and at least 2 years of professional experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s or equivalent international degree with at least 3 years of experience analyzing public policies at the federal, state, or local level.
• Experience contributing to public‑policy research, including tracking legislation and regulations, analyzing key concepts, and assessing promising policy models.
• Familiarity with labor standards, climate and energy policies, industrial policy, or economic development, with an understanding of core issues for workers and unions.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with unions, environmental…