Inside Higher Ed
Policy Researcher, Low-Wage Work Team (Assistant/Associate Specialist) - UC Berk
Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Policy Researcher, Low‑Wage Work Team (Assistant/Associate Specialist) – UC Berkeley Labor Center
Position Overview
The UC Berkeley Labor Center, part of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), is seeking a Policy Researcher to join our team.
The role supports research and policy initiatives related to low‑wage work, labor standards, and equity, contributing to high‑impact, high‑visibility projects on labor and employment issues.
Salary
The base salary range is $63,500 to $88,000 per year for the full‑time position.
Off‑scale salaries may be offered to meet competitive conditions.
Position Duration
One year with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
Application Window
Open date: August 28, 2025. Final date: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted until the final date, but those received after the review date (Sep 11, 2025) will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.
Location
Berkeley, CA; Eligible for 2 days remote work (40%).
Responsibilities
Contribute to the low‑wage work team by conducting academic and policy research relevant to low‑wage workers and working families, focusing on immigrant workers, women, and workers of color.
Under supervision, conduct research and policy analysis using various research methods.
Assist in providing technical assistance to stakeholders, policymakers, 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.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree.
Additional Qualifications (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.
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
Curriculum Vitae – 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
Email: elopezlira@berkeley.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer
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 policy and anti‑discrimination policy.
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The UC Berkeley Labor Center, part of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), is seeking a Policy Researcher to join our team.
The role supports research and policy initiatives related to low‑wage work, labor standards, and equity, contributing to high‑impact, high‑visibility projects on labor and employment issues.
Salary
The base salary range is $63,500 to $88,000 per year for the full‑time position.
Off‑scale salaries may be offered to meet competitive conditions.
Position Duration
One year with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
Application Window
Open date: August 28, 2025. Final date: Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted until the final date, but those received after the review date (Sep 11, 2025) will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.
Location
Berkeley, CA; Eligible for 2 days remote work (40%).
Responsibilities
Contribute to the low‑wage work team by conducting academic and policy research relevant to low‑wage workers and working families, focusing on immigrant workers, women, and workers of color.
Under supervision, conduct research and policy analysis using various research methods.
Assist in providing technical assistance to stakeholders, policymakers, 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.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree.
Additional Qualifications (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.
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
Curriculum Vitae – 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
Email: elopezlira@berkeley.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer
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 policy and anti‑discrimination policy.
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