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Associate/Full Specialist - California Policy Lab - Institute for Research on Labor and Employment

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Position overview

Position title: Researcher
Salary range: $85,000 - $125,000
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: September 2022
Position duration: Two years with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance

Position description

California Policy Lab

The California Policy Lab (CPL) creates data-driven insights for the public good. Our mission is to improve the lives of Californians by generating evidence that transforms public policy. We do this by forming lasting partnerships between government and California’s flagship public universities to harness the power of research and administrative data. We work on California’s most urgent issues, including homelessness, poverty, criminal justice reform, and education inequality. We facilitate close working partnerships between policymakers and researchers at the University of California to help evaluate and improve public programs through rigorous empirical research and technical assistance. CPL recognizes the value of having a diverse staff at all levels of the organization.
CPL-Berkeley is a center within the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE).

Position Duties

The Specialist conducts independent quantitative research, including conceptualizing research questions and design; requesting, receiving, and cleaning data files; creating and implementing an analysis plan; conducting quality assurance reviews; summarizing results in documents for both academic and policy audiences; and generating replicability documentation. The Specialist may implement multiple research designs and analysis techniques, including but not limited to randomized control trials, quasi-experimental designs using natural experiments or other such variation, and difference-in-difference and event study analyses. Further, a successful candidate can lead research projects with small teams, write proposals to support research projects, and ensure timely and high quality completion of research tasks. The Specialist will mentor other research staff, and may serve as a supervisor.

The position will report to the Research Director, and will work directly with leading social policy researchers at UC and beyond, state and local government agency staff, and CPL’s leadership team.

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 plus five (5) years of professional research experience.

OR

  • Master’s degree or equivalent international degree plus three (3) years of professional research experience.

Full Specialist:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree plus ten (10) years of professional research experience.

OR

  • Master’s degree or equivalent international degree plus (8) years of professional research experience.

OR

  • PhD or equivalent international degree plus two (2) years of professional research experience.
Preferred qualifications

● Training and experience that clearly demonstrates qualifications
● PhD or equivalent international degree in economics, public policy, or related social science field, or equivalent experience
● Record of independent research and publication, including leading research design and analysis and writing for both academic and policy audiences
● Fluency in data-analysis packages from commonly used programming languages like Python, R, Stata, SQL, and/or SAS.
● Experience working with large and complex datasets, including administrative datasets
● Knowledge of data management systems, practices, and standards
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills
● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
● Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes
● Ability to work both independently and as a team member
● Ability to work discreetly with sensitive and confidential data
● A commitment to advancing racial equity and inclusion through research as well CPL’s internal and external relationships
● Post-PhD experience managing projects as a Principal Investigator and supervising project staff
● Experience writing grant proposals, communicating with funders, and managing grant reporting
● Experience collaborating with government agency partners
● Expertise in one or more of CPL’s primary policy areas

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Writing Sample - One or more illustrative examples of the candidate’s research – a “job market paper,” a manuscript, or other research product suitable to the candidate’s field. The candidate should be the primary author.     

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants will be asked to name references to complete their application, but the references will not be asked to provide letters unless the analyst requests them.

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF03535

Help contact: myearian@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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 the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Berkeley, CA