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

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

Position title: Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program (Associate/Full Specialist)

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step  current salary scale for this position is the Represented Specialist Series Salary Scale. A reasonable full-time salary estimate for this position is $75,600-$128,400.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Spring 2026

Position duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Position location: Berkeley, CA;
Eligible for 3 days remote work.

Department overview: The UC Berkeley Labor Center at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE) conducts research and education on issues related to labor and employment. The Labor Center's curricula and leadership training serve to educate a diverse new generation of labor leaders. The Labor Center carries out policy‑relevant research on topics such as job quality and workforce development and works with unions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop innovative policy perspectives and programs.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a high‑impact, high‑visibility organization and to work with a nationally recognized team of researchers, policy analysts, and educators. The Labor Center has nearly 40 diverse staff members.

Position description: The Labor Center 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.

• 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 the 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.

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree, or at least three (3) years of professional experience with a Master’s degree or equivalent international degree.

Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree, or at least eight (8) years of professional experience with a Master’s degree or equivalent international degree, or at least two (2) years of professional experience with a PhD or equivalent international degree.

• Master’s or equivalent international degree with three (3) years experience in analyzing public policies at the federal, state, or local…