PolicyLab Intern

University-of-Uta; Lehi (UT); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

PolicyLab at the University of Utah’s Nucleus Institute offers a paid internship for students in Utah to engage with the legislative process and translate scientific insights into policy actions. The program combines core research with hands-on learning in state governance.

Interns will observe lawmaking, build a research database, and draft policy analyses while mentoring peers and documenting workflows for program continuity. 10–12 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Current undergrad/grad student at a Utah institution; all majors welcome.
• Strong research and writing; concise synthesis of complex info.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, self-driven; works independently or in a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with research databases.
• Genuine interest in technology policy and Utah's future.
• Available for 10–12 hours per week during the internship.

Responsibilities

• Observe the legislative process and contribute to a long-term research agenda.
• Execute independent policy projects and translate science into policy solutions.
• Develop research frameworks and maintain documentation of workflows.
• Collaborate with interns and mentors to share knowledge.

Skills

Research & writing

Written communication

Verbal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Research databases

Policy interest

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalency

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Research databases

Job description

• 10-12 hours per week (flexible schedule for independent work)
  • Ability to travel to Salt Lake City once per week during the 2027 legislative session.

Is this a work study job? No

VP Area

VP Area President

Department

Location

Location Other

City

City Lehi, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range $15.00 /Hr

Close Date

Close Date 11/27/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

PolicyLab serves as a core component of the Nucleus Institute’s mission, bridging frontier research and state governance to deliver clear, actionable guidance to Utah’s Legislature. This selective internship is designed to cultivate the next generation of policy leaders, immersing students in the full arc of the legislative process while distilling expert scientific knowledge into real-world policy impact.

Program Structure and Commitment:

• This is a paid hourly position at $15 an hour.
• Interns are encouraged to work with their academic advisors to arrange for school credit based on their university’s requirements.
• Interns must remain students for the duration of the internship.

Responsibilities

PolicyLab interns engage in a specialized, two-semester program. Responsibilities include observing the legislative process firsthand, contributing to a long-term research agenda, and executing independent policy projects. Strong research and writing skills, an aptitude for systems thinking, and a commitment to translating scientific expertise into actionable legislative solutions are essential.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

• Framework Mastery: Complete training in foundational policy frameworks, including systems thinking, wicked problems, and deliberative democracy.
• Legislative Learning: Connect with local lawmakers to gain firsthand understanding of state policymaking.
• Research Infrastructure: Design, build, and maintain a comprehensive research database system for tracking tech innovation policy developments across various jurisdictions (local, state, national, international).
• Data and Analysis: Create stakeholder mapping tools, develop standardized templates for research briefs, and gain competence in research workflow and citation management systems.
• Applied Policy Research: Conduct comparative policy analysis (e.g., AI regulation approaches), support evidence-based policy research through data collection, policy design thinking, and policy evaluation.
• Cohort Leadership & Knowledge Sharing: Serve as a mentor and transition lead by training incoming interns, thoroughly documenting research workflows, and ensuring the program’s sustained operational success.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, or equivalency.
• Current undergraduate and graduate students attending a Utah institution of higher education. We encourage students from all majors to apply.
• Strong research and writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information accurately and concisely.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, self-driven, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with research databases and tools.
• Genuine interest in technology policy and innovation shaping Utah’s future.
• Availability to commit to 10-12 hours per week for the duration of the internship.

Preferences

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]