Research Assistant (6256U) - #77747

University of California; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a Research Assistant to support innovative research projects aimed at enhancing public policy and community engagement. This role involves collaborating with faculty and community partners to design and analyze experiments, focusing on improving policy communication and civic engagement initiatives. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical and organizational skills, be detail-oriented, and have a keen interest in public policy and behavioral science. Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact through data-driven solutions and community collaboration.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Employee resource groups

Qualifications

• Knowledge of data collection and analysis.
• Ability to draft research materials and public communications.

Responsibilities

• Support design and implementation of research projects.
• Collaborate with faculty and partners for research initiatives.
• Prepare and edit research reports and presentations.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Job description

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Possibility Lab at the University of California, Berkeley is a team of policy researchers and practitioners who partner with government and community to design, pilot, and scale data-driven innovations for the public good. We’re a mix of faculty, full-time staff, and students who value integrity, rigor, curiosity, and communication. Together, we celebrate our wins, learn from our missteps, and help each other, and our partners, find solutions. Through our work, we are prototyping ideas with impact that can move us towards an equitable, sustainable future.

At the Possibility Lab, we believe that communities need to have a voice in the policies that affect them. We are part of a national movement to mobilize rigorous community-engaged, data-driven innovation for the public good. By facilitating on-going partnerships between public sector changemakers and academic research teams, we’re able to undertake big questions that cut across traditional boundaries.

Projects cover a range of topics, including housing and public health policy, with a focus on data-driven public policy that is co-designed in collaboration with government and community partners. Visit https://possibilitylab.berkeley.edu/ for more information.

Position Summary

The Possibility Lab is seeking a Research Assistant to support message testing and communications-related research projects that advance evidence-based solutions for government and community partners. The Research Assistant will work closely with faculty, researchers, and partner organizations to design, implement, and analyze experiments, with a focus on understanding public attitudes, improving policy communication, and increasing the impact of public programs as well as civic engagement initiatives.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of data collection and analysis, drafting research materials and public facing communications assets, and assisting with the preparation and planning of reports, media releases, social media content, focus groups, and presentations. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and an interest in public policy, behavioral science, and/or strategic communications.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 05/05/2025.

Responsibilities

• Supports the design and implementation of message testing and communications- related research projects, including coordinating data collection and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to inform public policy and communications strategies, including translating Lab findings for public audiences.
• Collaborates closely with faculty, researchers, and community or government partners to advance and execute research initiatives that promote evidence-based decision- making and effective public communication.
• Assists in the development of research materials and public-facing communication assets, including surveys, message frames, focus group guides, and informational briefs.
• Prepares and edits research reports, media releases, social media content, presentations, and other materials to effectively communicate research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Synthesizes research findings into accessible summaries for use in meetings, briefings, Lab and campus newsletters, and presentations with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Contributes to project planning, timelines, and logistics for research and other project initiatives, including data collection, supporting virtual or in-person events and stakeholder engagements.
• Provides general research and administrative support as needed, including team scheduling and milestone tracking.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge and ability to apply basic research concepts.
• Strong analytical, problem- solving, and organizational skills.
• Skills in summarizing and effectively communicating results of project research and analysis.
• Knowledge and skills to create, develop, and implement communication of research results in multiple mediums/formats.
• Ability to take initiative and manage multiple projects with general supervision, including strong time management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups to achieve results.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Proficient in ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $34.77 - $35.92.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 50% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement : As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

“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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: