PostDoctoral Scholar -- Goldman School of Public Policy
The University of California, Berkeley
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: POSTDOC Employee Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See Table 23 for the current salary scale(s) for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $80,000–$95,000. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: July 1, 2026 Position duration: The initial appointment is for two years
Application Window
Open date: March 26, 2026 Most recent review date:Thursday, Apr 9, 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: Friday, May 8, 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 Possibility Lab, led by Professor Amy Lerman at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in political science, sociology, economics or a related field with a focus on applied public policy, social inequality, civic engagement, and/or racial justice. The Possibility Lab is comprised of a team of policy researchers and practitioners who work with state and local partners to design, pilot, and scale new models of community participation for public-sector problem solving. Projects cover a range of topics, from criminal justice to housing and public health policy, with a focus on community-engaged public policy research that is co-designed in collaboration with government and community partners using evidence-based and rigorous research methods. These partnerships follow our Lab’s IMPACT model, which provides a step-by step, iterative process to guide government agencies who want to work hand-in-hand with communities to address pressing social issues. We thrive on exploring a range of possibilities in partnership with diverse communities and identifying evidence-based strategies for addressing nuanced and complex public-sector problems. Key duties and responsibilities: -Provides thought-leadership and technical guidance to design, implement and evaluate instruments, tools and training related to lab research projects and initiatives. -Designs, coordinates and conducts research studies of broad complexity and impact. -Manages high-level external partner relationships and project management for assigned projects. -Contributes to formulation and prioritization of interventions based on data. Provides consultation, mentorship and technical guidance on this work. -Designs studies and data collection tools in partnership with government and non-government partners. Provides technical assistance on data management and use of research data to analyze and interpret findings. Manages data to ensure replicability of research findings. -Develops and makes presentations of research findings. Documents procedures to institutionalize best practices in community engagement research methods, data management, data analysis, presentation of findings, and collaborating with partners. The position is a full-time mentored research opportunity, with expectations to collaborate with Possibility Lab faculty, faculty affiliates, and research staff on current and new research projects. Successful candidates will have a strong proven interest in applied research that helps to inform and support public-sector leaders in advancing social justice, equity, and civic engagement.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program at the time of application. Additional qualifications(required at time of start)• PhD (or equivalent international degree). • No more than three years of post-doctoral research experience at the time of appointment start date. Preferred qualifications• Experience in public service, public policy, and/or community organizing. • Experience with project management across multiple workstreams and staff reports. • Strong written and oral communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to stay organized and meet deadlines. • Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating ability to form and maintain positive and professional working relationships with colleagues, students, staff members and practitioner partners.
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter - 1-2 page cover letter that summarizes research interests and professional goals Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) None Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05306 Help contact:rwallace@berkeley.edu
Job Location
Berkeley, CA Apply now to PostDoctoral Scholar -- Goldman School of Public Policy 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.