Policy Intern, Nucleus

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.

• Complete training in foundational policy frameworks, including systems thinking, wicked problems, and deliberative democracy.
• Connect with local lawmakers to gain firsthand understanding of state policy making.
• Design, build, and maintain a comprehensive research database system for tracking tech innovation policy developments across various jurisdictions (local, state, national, international).
• Create stakeholder mapping tools, develop standardized templates for research briefs, and gain competence in research workflow and citation management systems (e.g., Zotero, Notion).
• Conduct comparative policy analysis (e.g., AI regulation approaches), support evidence‑based policy research through data collection, policy design thinking, and policy evaluation.
• 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.
• Current undergraduate or graduate students attending Utah universities. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.
• Strong research and writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information accurately and concisely.
• Genuine interest in technology policy and innovation shaping Utah’s future.
• Availability to commit to 10‑12 hours per week for the duration of the internship.

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 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 the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information can be located on the University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page. Online reports may be submitted h.edu.