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Junior or Assistant Specialist - Department of Political Science

Position overview

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by 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/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t24-b.pdf. A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100–$61,300.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2025
Position duration: One year, with possibility of renewal

Application Window

Open date: March 12, 2025

Next review date: Wednesday, Mar 26, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 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 Center for the Study of American Democracy, under the guidance of Professor David Broockman, with the Travers Department of Political Science at UC Berkeley, is seeking highly motivated individuals for the position of Junior or Assistant Specialist.

The Center for the Study of American Democracy supports research on political institutions, political behavior, and political economy in the United States. The Center focuses on research of broad importance to American society, such as the political roots of rising inequality, the political and historical roots of our criminal justice and incarceration crisis, and the causes of political polarization. Understanding these questions is not only of academic importance but can help guide policymakers and society as the country faces unprecedented new challenges.

The Junior or Assistant Specialist will support Professor Broockman and other faculty members on their research. The research duties will span several topics, including:

  • Assistance with the historical data on Congressional proposals. This will entail historical research and data analysis.
  • Assistance with the gathering data on policing, crime, and crime victimization.
  • Assistance with the historical data on polarization in the United States.
  • Assistance with gathering data on local governments and politics.
  • Provide occasional support for the activities of the Center, such as publicizing faculty research.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Completion of Bachelor's degree (or equivalent international degree) is required by the start date.

Preferred qualifications

Coding skills in Stata or R
Research assistance experience
Desire to pursue an advanced degree in political science or a related field

Application Requirements

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

  • Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley. More Information and guidelines.

  • Statement of Purpose - Please outline your research experience and qualifications, as well as the reasons you are interested in the position. If you have applied to graduate school, you can use the same statement.

  • Writing Sample (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04782

Help contact: knera@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.

Please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.

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.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

Job location

Berkeley, CA