Research & Policy Associate (Assistant/Associate/Full Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center

IMDiversity; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 63,500 - 194,800; Full time

Job summary

The University of California-Berkeley seeks a Research & Policy Associate to engage in policy-relevant research on low-wage work, impacting working families and communities across California.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's degree, significant professional experience, and strong skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The position requires independent work and collaboration with various stakeholders while providing technical assistance on labor standards.

This role is fully based in Berkeley, CA, with eligibility for up to 3 days of remote work weekly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree required.
• At least two years of professional experience for Assistant Specialist.
• At least five years of professional experience for Associate Specialist.
• At least ten years of professional experience for Full Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Conduct academic and policy-related research relevant to low-wage workers.
• Employ statistical analyses using government datasets.
• Provide technical assistance on labor standards issues.

Skills

Quantitative research methods

Qualitative research methods

Strong writing skills

Experience with labor market analysis

STATA and/or R programming skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree or equivalent

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Current Population Survey

American Community Survey

Job description

Position Overview

Position title: Research & Policy Associate

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $63,500 - $194,800. Off‑scale salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall/Winter 2025

Position duration: One year

Position Description

UC Berkeley Labor Center 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. It provides an essential source of research and information on unions and the changing workforce for students, scholars, policymakers, and the public.

The Research and Policy Associate will conduct policy‑relevant research on low‑wage work and a diverse set of policies that affect working families, immigrants, and communities of color in California and across the country. 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 academics.

Position Responsibilities

• Contribute to the low‑wage work team at the Labor Center, conducting academic and policy‑related research relevant to low‑wage workers and working families.
• Employ quantitative research methods, including statistical analyses drawing on government datasets, academic research and industry trade data.
• Apply qualitative research methods, including field interviews, focus groups, and analysis of secondary sources.
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders, policymakers, media, and internal staff on issues related to low‑wage work, labor standards, and other labor and employment topics.
• Coordinate research with academic researchers on other UC campuses.
• Serve as co‑author on research reports and policy briefs, and draft op‑eds and public testimony.
• Contribute to fundraising proposals for research projects.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree.

Additional Qualifications

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.

Full Specialist

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least ten (10) years of professional experience.
• OR Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least eight (8) years of professional experience.
• OR PhD or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience.

The Labor Center is unable to offer visa sponsorship for these positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting labor market analyses of wages and other job quality outcomes, including the role of race, gender and immigration status, and firm and industry dynamics.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience working with large government datasets such as the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey, and strong STATA and/or R programming skills; familiarity with qualitative research methods.
• Strong grounding in labor standards policies in the US and strong writing skills geared toward policy research reports.
• Experience working with academic researchers and stakeholders such as unions, worker centers, faith‑based organizations, accountable development advocates, and others.
• Ability to work independently and creatively.
• For Associate Specialist: Master’s or equivalent international degree in economics, public policy, sociology, industrial relations, city or regional planning, geography or a related field, plus 3 years experience in research or policy (can be before the degree).
• For Full Specialist: PhD or equivalent international degree with some relevant experience in policy research.

Job Location

Berkeley, CA; eligible for 3 days remote work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1‑d). Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive. 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 in employment policy and the University of California’s anti‑discrimination policy.