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

Position overview

Position title: Policy Researcher/Senior 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: 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

Application Window

Open date: April 5, 2026

Most recent review date: Monday, Apr 20, 2026 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, Jul 1, 2026 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

Department Overview

The UC Berkeley Labor Center, at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), UC Berkeley, 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. The Labor Center provides an important source of research and information on unions and the changing workforce for students, scholars, policymakers, and the public. 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. We have nearly 40 diverse staff members.

Position Description

The UC Berkeley Labor Center, at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), UC Berkeley, 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.

Responsibilities include:

• 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 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.

Qualifications

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 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

Full Specialist
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree and at least ten (10) years of professional experience
OR
Master's degree or equivalent international degree and at least eight (8) years of professional experience
OR
PhD or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's or equivalent international degree with three (3) years experience in analyzing public policies at the federal, state, or local level (can include experience before the degree)
• Experience contributing to research on public policy, including tracking legislation and regulations, analyzing and comparing key concepts, and assessing promising policy models
• Familiarity with labor standards and/or climate and energy policies and/or industrial policy and/or economic development, with an understanding of core issues for workers and unions
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with unions and other stakeholders, such as environmental organizations and industry/employer associations
• Demonstrated facilitation and collaboration skills
• Strong policy writing skills
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects independently, meeting project timelines, managing stakeholder relationships, and working discreetly with confidential information

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample #1 - Applied research or policy writing
• Writing Sample #2 - Applied research or policy writing on which you were lead author and/or that focused on climate/energy policies or labor standards
  (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA; Eligible for 3 days remote work