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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

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

Final date: Friday, Nov 21, 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

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 2 days remote work (40%)


To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05113