Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program; Associate/Specialist - Labor Center
Listed on 2026-06-27
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Research/Development
Research Analyst, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Economics -
Government
Data Scientist
Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program (Associate/Full Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center
The UC Berkeley Labor Center, at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), UC Berkeley, has an opening for a Policy Researcher or Senior Policy Researcher in its Green Economy Program, which may be hired at the Associate or Full Specialist rank, depending on years of work experience and educational background.
The Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher will contribute to the Program's research on workforce standards and strategies related to the energy transition, and worker-led approaches to economic development and industrial policy aimed at building the green economy. The position 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.
Responsibilities include:
- 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 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 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.
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 PhD or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience.
Preferred qualifications:
- 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 skills
- Demonstrated experience in managing projects independently, meeting project timelines, managing stakeholder relationships, and working discreetly with confidential information
Application Requirements:
- 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 labor standards (Optional)
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
About UC Berkeley:
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world.
Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
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