OCHE Intern

Job Summary

Policy Lab serves as a core component of the Nucleus Institute’s mission, bridging frontier research and state governance to deliver clear, actionable guidance to Utah’s Legislature. This selective internship is designed to cultivate the next generation of policy leaders, immersing students in the full arc of the legislative process while distilling expert scientific knowledge into real‑world policy impact. Policy Lab interns engage in a specialized, two‑semester program.

Responsibilities include observing the legislative process firsthand, contributing to a long‑term research agenda, and executing independent policy projects. Strong research and writing skills, an aptitude for systems thinking, and a commitment to translating scientific expertise into actionable legislative solutions are essential.

Framework Mastery:
Complete training in foundational policy frameworks, including systems thinking, wicked problems, and deliberative democracy.

• Legislative Learning: Connect with local lawmakers to gain firsthand understanding of state policy making.
• Research Infrastructure: Design, build, and maintain a comprehensive research database system for tracking tech innovation policy developments across various jurisdictions (local, state, national, international).
• Data and Analysis: Create stakeholder mapping tools, develop standardized templates for research briefs, and gain competence in research workflow and citation management systems.
• Applied Policy Research: Conduct comparative policy analysis (e.g., AI regulation approaches), support evidence‑based policy research through data collection, policy design thinking, and policy evaluation.
• Cohort Leadership & Knowledge Sharing: Serve as a mentor and transition lead by training incoming interns, thoroughly documenting research workflows, and ensuring the program’s sustained operational success.

• High School Diploma, or equivalency
• Currently enrolled in a Utah institution of higher education.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to analyze complex information and present it clearly and concisely.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, self‑driven, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with research databases and tools.
• Availability to commit to 10‑12 hours per week for the duration of the internship

• This is a paid hourly position at $15 an hour.
• Interns are encouraged to work with their academic advisors to arrange for school credit based on their university’s requirements.
• Interns must remain students for the duration of the internship.
• 10‑12 hours per week (flexible schedule for independent work).
• Ability to travel to Salt Lake City once per week during the 2027 legislative session.

• Pay: $15 per hour
• Full‑time or part‑time:
  Part‑time
• Hours per week: 10‑12
• Location:
  
  Salt Lake City, UT
• Schedule:
  
  Flexible, independent work
• Travel:
  Once weekly to Salt Lake City during legislative session

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to…