Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program (Associate/Full Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center
The University of California, Berkeley
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by the rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t24-b.pdf. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $75,600 - $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: Spring 2026 Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance
Application Window
Open date: February 10, 2026 Most recent review date:Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled. Final date: Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026 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 Policy Researcher will conduct policy-relevant research related to health coverage, health care affordability for workers and their families, and the health care workforce. The Health Care Program’s research especially examines health care policy impacts for California’s low-income and immigrant working families and communities of color. This position is well-suited for applicants with strong foundational research skills and an interest in labor and economic justice, and 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.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree Additional qualifications(required at time of start)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. Preferred qualificationsMaster’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Economics, Public Health, Sociology, or related field Five (5) years of relevant experience in research and policy analysis Demonstrably strong quantitative skills and experience in working with large datasets as well as strong STATA and/or R programming skills Familiarity in working with Census, California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), or California Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) data Established track record of conducting research and policy analysis on health care and/or labor and employment issues, including analysis of the role of race, immigration status, and income Substantial knowledge of federal and state health care policies and major health policy issues Experience with health care sector financial analysis and/or health economics Advanced writing skills, geared toward policy research reports Strong collaboration skills, including experience working with stakeholders such as unions and health care consumer organizations, state agencies, and University faculty, staff, and students Experience scoping and managing multiple research projects and competing timelines
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Writing Sample #1 - Applied research or policy writing Writing Sample #2 - Applied research or policy writing on which you were lead author and/or that focused on health care or labor issues (Optional) Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05275 Help contact:miranda.dietz@berkeley.edu
Job Location
Berkeley, CA; Eligible for 3 days remote work Apply now to Policy Researcher/Senior Policy Researcher, Health Care Program (Associate/Full Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center or Log in to your portfolio Need help? Contact the hiring department. The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. You have the right to an equal employment opportunity. The University of California, Berkeley is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. See our Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Annual Security Reports Academic Personnel Recruit University of California, Berkeley Accessibility About California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Opt-Out IconPrivacy Policy © 2007-2026 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.