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Research & Policy Associate (Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center

Position overview

Position title: Research & Policy Associate
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 - $194,800. "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/Winter 2025

Position duration: One year

Application Window
Open date: September 30, 2025

Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Dec 12, 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
The UC Berkeley Labor Center 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 essential 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.

Position Overview
The Research and Policy Associate will conduct policy-relevant research on low-wage work and a diverse set of policies that affect working families, immigrants, and communities of color in California and across the country. 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 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
• Research methods include: Quantitative research, including statistical analyses drawing on government datasets, academic research and industry trade data; Qualitative research, including field interviews, focus groups, and analysis of secondary sources
• 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
• Coordinating research with academic researchers on other UC Campuses
• Serving as co-author on research reports and policy briefs, and drafting op-eds and public testimony
• Contributing to fundraising proposals for research projects

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

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.

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

Preferred qualifications

• Experience conducting labor market analyses of wages and other job quality outcomes, the role of race, gender and immigration status, and firm and industry dynamics
• Demonstrably strong quantitative skills and experience in working with large government datasets such as the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey, as well as strong STATA and/or R programming skills Familiarity with qualitative research methods
• A strong grounding in labor standards policies in the US Strong writing skills, geared toward policy research reports
• Experience working with academic researchers and stakeholders such as unions, worker centers, faith-based organizations, accountable development advocates, and others
• Ability to work independently and creatively

Associate Specialist

• Master's or equivalent international degree in economics, public policy, sociology, industrial relations, city or regional planning, geography or a related field, plus 3 years experience in research or policy (can be before the degree)

Full Specialist

• PhD or equivalent international degree with some relevant experience in policy research

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample #1 - Writing sample on a topic relevant to the position
• Writing Sample #2 - Writing sample on a topic relevant to the position
• Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05150

Help contact: elopezlira@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

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.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA; Eligible for 3 days remote work


To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05150