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

Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program (Associate/Full Specialist) – UC Berkeley Labor Center Position title: Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Green Economy Program (Associate/Full Specialist) Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. The current salary scale for this position is the 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. Position location: Berkeley, CA; Eligible for 3 days remote work. Department overview: The UC Berkeley Labor Center at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE) 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. 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. The Labor Center has nearly 40 diverse staff members. Position description: The Labor Center 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 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 the 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. Associate Specialist Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree, or at least three (3) years of professional experience with a Master’s degree or equivalent international degree. Full Specialist Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree, or at least eight (8) years of professional experience with a Master’s degree or equivalent international degree, or at least two (2) years of professional experience with a PhD or equivalent international degree. 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). Conditions 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: Affictive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment. Equal Opportunity Statement UC 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Inside Higher Ed