CLC Assistant Specialist

University of California - Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Merced, through the Community and Labor Center, seeks an assistant specialist to support applied labor research and policy projects. The role involves IRB submissions, instrument design, community-engaged research, data collection and analysis, and preparing briefs and reports.

You will present findings and assist with sponsored project applications. Responsibilities emphasize data coding, analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, and dissemination of results.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or five years of related labor research experience.
• Experience in applied labor research and policy work.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders and conduct community-engaged research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on labor and employment issues.
• Prepare instruments and IRB submissions for research.
• Co-author and format fact sheets, briefs and reports.
• Create and deliver research presentations.
• Contribute to sponsored project proposals.
• Engage with labor stakeholders and coordinate meetings.

Skills

Research

IRB submissions

Data collection

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative analysis

Report writing

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Position overview

• Position title: CLC Assistant Specialist
• Salary range: See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable salary estimate for Assistant Specialist is at a range between $69,400 - $73,200 annually.
• Percent time: 100%
• Anticipated start: October 2026
• Position duration: 2 years (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2028)
• Open date: September 10, 2026
• Next review date: Thursday, Sep 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
• Final date: Monday, Aug 23, 2027 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

The UC Merced Community and Labor Center is hiring an assistant specialist in the field of labor, to provide support for multiple applied labor research and policy projects. Under the supervision of the professional researcher (or any other center PI), the assistant specialist will work collaboratively with the center's research unit to conduct research on issues related to labor and employment. The assistant specialist will contribute to IRB submissions; prepare research instruments; conduct community engaged research; collect, code and analyze quantitative and qualitative data; co-author and format fact sheets, briefs and/or reports; create and deliver research presentations; and contribute to the submission of sponsored project applications.

Research, Data Collection and Analysis, and Writing (90%)

• Conduct research on issues related to labor and employment, including industry analyses.
• Contribute to IRB submissions for human subjects research.
• Prepare research instruments for labor center research and program evaluation.
• Utilize community and labor practices to conduct community engaged research with partnering organizations (e.g. planning and leading trainings, holding office hours, etc).
• Collect data from a range of publicly available data sources, as well as datasets and data systems created by the labor center.
• Code quantitative data (e.g., survey data) and qualitative data (e.g., interview data).
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data (including evaluation data).
• Co-author and format issue-based fact sheets, research briefs, and/or reports.
• Create and deliver research presentations.
• Contribute to the submission of sponsored project applications.

Public Service (10%)

• Utilize expertise in community and labor to plan, coordinate and attend meetings and events, and to identify areas of interest in applied research among labor stakeholders and the general public.
• Serve as a liaison with and respond to the needs of labor organizations, agencies and external groups.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications: Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in applied labor research.

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Authorization to Release Information Form - 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. Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

About UC Merced

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.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affpringive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California 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, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA