PolicyLab Intern
Job Summary
PolicyLab serves as a core component of the Nucleus Institute's mission, bridging frontier research and state governance to deliver clear, actionable guidance to Utah's Legislature. This selective internship is designed to cultivate the next generation of policy leaders, immersing students in the full arc of the legislative process while distilling expert scientific knowledge into real-world policy impact.
PolicyLab interns engage in a specialized, two-semester program. Responsibilities include observing the legislative process firsthand, contributing to a long-term research agenda, and executing independent policy projects. Strong research and writing skills, an aptitude for systems thinking, and a commitment to translating scientific expertise into actionable legislative solutions are essential.
Responsibilities
Framework Mastery: Complete training in foundational policy frameworks, including systems thinking, wicked problems, and deliberative democracy.
- Legislative Learning: Connect with local lawmakers to gain firsthand understanding of state policymaking.
- Research Infrastructure: Design, build, and maintain a comprehensive research database system for tracking tech innovation policy developments across various jurisdictions (local, state, national, international).
- Data and Analysis: Create stakeholder mapping tools, develop standardized templates for research briefs, and gain competence in research workflow and citation management systems.
- Applied Policy Research: Conduct comparative policy analysis (e.g., AI regulation approaches), support evidence-based policy research through data collection, policy design thinking, and policy evaluation.
- Cohort Leadership & Knowledge Sharing: Serve as a mentor and transition lead by training incoming interns, thoroughly documenting research workflows, and ensuring the program's sustained operational success.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications
- High School Diploma, or equivalency
- Currently enrolled in a Utah institution of higher education.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to analyze complex information and present it clearly and concisely.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proactive, self-driven, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with research databases and tools.
- Availability to commit to 10-12 hours per week for the duration of the internship
Special Instructions
- This is a paid hourly position at $15 an hour.
- Interns are encouraged to work with their academic advisors to arrange for school credit based on their university's requirements.
- Two semesters internship
- Interns must remain students for the duration of the internship
- 10-12 hours per week (flexible schedule for independent work)
- Ability to travel to Salt Lake City once per week during the 2027 legislative session.
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