Research Assistant​/Associate; Junior​/Assistant​/Associate Specialist - California Policy Lab

Application Window: April 22, 2026 – June 30, 2026

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.

• Position title: Research Assistant/Associate
• Salary range: $65,000–$95,000 (based on UC academic salary scales)
• Percent time: 100%
• Anticipated start: June 2026
• Position duration: 1 year, possible extension

The Research Assistant/Associate is a critical member of CPL research teams working on policy issues such as criminal justice, education, employment, health, and the social safety net. They will apply a variety of data analysis and statistical modeling approaches to large datasets in real‑world settings, collect, clean and prepare data, collaborate in research design and model development, and implement studies via advanced data analysis on multiple projects concurrently.

• Analyze sensitive individual‑level administrative data; prepare and summarize information; recommend and implement statistical approaches.
• Clean, link, and prepare data sets from government sources using STATA or similar languages (SAS, R, SPSS, Python).
• Communicate with government partners about data requests and data issues.
• Collaborate on the design, documentation, testing and implementation of research studies, largely using quantitative methods for causal impact assessment.
• Prepare graphs, tables, and other displays of research results; assist with preparation of manuscripts and presentations, including gathering references, copyediting, and ensuring internal consistency.
• Research and summarize academic and applied research.
• Assist the Executive Director and Research Director with administrative aspects of research projects and the Lab’s other activities.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrollment in such a program.

• Assistant Specialist:
  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least two years professional experience, or a Master’s degree or equivalent international degree.
• Associate Specialist:
  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least five years professional experience, or a Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least three years professional experience.

• Graduate degree in a related field.
• STATA programming skills or knowledge of another similar language (SAS, R, SPSS, Python).
• Demonstrated quantitative skills, knowledge and experience in data/statistical analysis, including analyzing large governmental datasets.
• Proficiency with additional statistical or programming languages such as R, Python, or SAS.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including writing skills.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively manage time and multi‑task, and see assigned parts of projects through to completion deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Experience working with large and complex datasets.
• Experience working on randomized controlled trials.
• Experience managing projects and client relationships.

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• 3 references (contact information only)

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley may hire people with conviction histories after reviewing the information in context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

2521 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA; eligible for 2 days remote work per week.

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. The University is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

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