Policy Researcher​/Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program; Associate​/Specialist - U

Position Overview

Policy Researcher / Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program

Salary range: $75,600 - $194,800 (UC academic salary scales)

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start:
Spring 2026

Position duration:
One year with possibility of extension based on funding and performance

Application window:
Open from February 10, 2026 to June 30, 2026. Final review date February 24, 2026. Applications 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, is seeking a policy research specialist to conduct policy‑relevant research on health coverage, health care affordability, and health care workforce issues for California’s low‑income and immigrant working families and communities of color. The role is suited for applicants with strong foundational research skills and an interest in labor and economic justice.

• Plan and conduct policy‑relevant qualitative and quantitative research on health coverage, health care affordability, and health care workforce issues in California and nationally
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and policymakers on health care and labor and employment topics
• Serve as co‑author or lead author on research reports and policy briefs
• Contribute to fundraising proposals for research projects
• Coordinate with researchers on other UC campuses
• Engage the public through presentations, media responses, op‑eds, and public testimony
• Support the Center’s efforts to build a diverse generation of future labor researchers, including working with and/or supervising graduate student researchers

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/ equivalent + 5+ years professional experience OR Master’s/ equivalent + 3+ years experience
• Full Specialist:
  Bachelor’s/ equivalent + 10+ years experience OR Master’s/ equivalent + 8+ years experience OR PhD/ equivalent + 2+ years experience

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Economics, Public Health, Sociology, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant research and policy analysis experience
• Strong quantitative skills and experience with large datasets; proficiency in STATA and/or R
• Familiarity with Census, California Health Interview Survey, or California Health Care Access and Information data
• Track record of conducting research on health care and/or labor issues with attention to race, immigration status, and income
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state health care policies and major health policy issues
• Experience with health care sector financial analysis and/or health economics
• Advanced writing skills for policy research reports
• Strong collaboration skills and experience working with unions, consumer organizations, state agencies, and university stakeholders
• Ability to scope and manage multiple research projects and competing timelines

• Curriculum Vitae (most recently updated)
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample #1 – Applied research or policy writing
• Writing Sample #2 – Applied research or policy writing as lead author and/or focused on health care or labor issues (optional)

References: 3–5 required (contact information only)

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Apply at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
05275

UC 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.

Further information on affirmative action and non‑discrimination can be found in the University of California’s policies.

Job location:

Berkeley, CA;
Eligible for up to 3 days remote work.