Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program (Associate/Full Specialist)

Position Overview Policy Researcher / Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program (Associate or Full Specialist) – UC Berkeley Labor Center. Salary range: A reasonable full‑time salary estimate is $75,600–$128,400. Percent time: 100 % Anticipated start: Spring 2026 Position duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension based on funding and performance. Application Window Open date: April 5, 2026. Next review date: Monday, Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Applications will be accepted until this date; those received after the review date will only be considered if the position remains unfilled. Department Overview The UC Berkeley Labor Center, part of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), conducts research and education on labor and employment issues. The Center’s curricula and leadership training educate a diverse new generation of labor leaders and conduct policy‑relevant research on topics such as job quality, workforce development, and the green economy, working closely with unions, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Position Description The Labor Center has an opening for a Policy Researcher or Senior Policy Researcher in its Green Economy Program. The role may be hired at the Associate or Full Specialist rank, depending on work experience and educational background. The researcher will contribute to the Program's research on workforce standards and strategies related to the energy transition, as well as worker‑led approaches to economic development and industrial policy. The position will involve significant collaboration with unions, environmental and community organizations, and other stakeholders at the state and federal level to advance a worker‑led clean‑energy agenda. Responsibilities Conduct policy research and analysis and collaborate on developing new policy models in workforce standards, economic development, and industrial policy related to the energy transition. Serve as co‑author and/or lead author on policy research reports, briefing memos, and draft op‑eds and public testimony. Provide technical assistance to stakeholders, policymakers, and media on policy debates surrounding labor and the energy transition. Support Program Leads with outreach to partner organizations, building and strengthening relationships, and facilitating collaboration. Work with the Program’s team to identify new research projects and opportunities for field‑partner collaboration. Support Program Leads in developing curriculum and delivering trainings for unions, worker advocates, and other stakeholders. Supervise and mentor student workers. Eligibility 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 5 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least 3 years of professional experience. Full Specialist – Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least 10 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least 8 years of professional experience OR PhD or equivalent international degree and at least 2 years of professional experience. Preferred qualifications: Master’s or equivalent international degree with at least 3 years of experience analyzing public policies at the federal, state, or local level. Experience contributing to public‑policy research, including tracking legislation and regulations, analyzing key concepts, and assessing promising policy models. Familiarity with labor standards, climate and energy policies, industrial policy, or economic development, with an understanding of core issues for workers and unions. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with unions, environmental organizations, and industry/employer associations. Demonstrated facilitation and collaboration skills. Strong policy‑writing skills. Demonstrated experience managing projects independently, meeting timelines, managing stakeholder relationships, and handling confidential information discreetly. Application Requirements Document requirements: Curriculum Vitae – Most recently updated CV. Cover Letter. Writing Sample #1 – Applied research or policy writing. Writing Sample #2 – Applied research or policy writing on which you were lead author or that focuses on climate/energy policies or labor standards (optional). Reference requirements: 3–5 required (contact information only). Other Requirements The finalist must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years that determined misconduct. “Misconduct” means any violation of policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous employer, including but not limited to sexual harassment, assault, or other discrimination or harassment. Job location Berkeley, CA; eligible for up to 3 days remote work. Legal and EEO Statements 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. In searches where letters of reference are required, all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California, Berkeley