"Policy Researcher, Low-Wage Work Team (Assistant/Associate Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center"

Position overview

Position title: Policy Researcher

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t24-b.pdf The current full-time base salary range for this position is $63,500 - $88,000. 'Off-scale' salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2025

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

Application Window

Open date: August 28, 2025

Most recent review date: Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

UC Berkeley Labor Center Overview

The UC Berkeley Labor Center, at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), has an opening for a policy research specialist to join our dynamic organization at the forefront of research and education on the most pressing economic challenges affecting working families in California and communities across the country. The Center provides timely, policy-relevant research on labor and employment issues, and helps educate a new and diverse generation of union and worker organization leaders and students.

Position Description

The Policy Researcher will support a variety of research and policy initiatives related to low-wage work, labor standards, and equity, under the guidance of senior researchers. This position is well-suited for applicants with strong foundational research skills and an interest in labor and economic justice, and 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 academics.

Position Responsibilities

• Contributing to the low-wage work team at the Labor Center, conducting academic and policy-related research relevant to low-wage workers and working families, with a focus on immigrant workers, women and workers of color
• Under supervision, conducting research and policy analysis using various research methods
• Assist in providing technical assistance to stakeholders, policy makers, media and internal staff on issues related to low-wage work, labor standards, and other labor and employment topics
• Review and summarize relevant academic literature, policy proposals, and legislation
• Contribute to grant proposals and project documentation
• Participate in presentations to stakeholder organizations and policymakers

Department: https://irle.berkeley.edu/

Unit: https://laborcenter.berkeley.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Assistant Specialist
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience
OR
Master's degree or equivalent international degree
Associate Specialist
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree and at least five (5) years of professional experience
OR
Master's degree or equivalent international degree and at least three (3) years of professional experience

The Labor Center is unable to offer visa sponsorship for these positions.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's or equivalent degree in Economics, Sociology, Industrial Relations, Geography, Public Policy or a related field, plus at least 2 years of experience in research or policy (can be before the degree)
• Interest or background in labor markets, inequality, race, gender, or immigration
• Working knowledge of statistical software, such as STATA or R
• Interest in working with labor, community, or public sector partners

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Policy Writing Sample #1
• Policy Writing Sample #2

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05113

Help contact: elopezlira@berkeley.edu

Job location

Berkeley, CA; Eligible for 2 days remote work (40%)