At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

The Possibility Lab at the University of California is a team of policy researchers and practitioners who partner with government and community to design, pilot, and scale data-driven innovations for the public good. Through ongoing collaborations, the Lab is pioneering innovative ways to center community perspectives and expertise in public policy by working directly with diverse stakeholders to foster engagement, empowerment, and equity.

Projects will cover a range of topics, from criminal justice to housing and public health, with a focus on data-driven public policy that is co-designed in collaboration with government and community partners. Visit https://possibilitylab.berkeley.edu/ for more information.

Position Summary

The Possibility Lab at the University of California seeks an experienced Senior Researcher to lead projects and research design for partnerships with high-level state partners. The day-to-day responsibilities of the position include designing complex research projects, managing high-level partnerships and stakeholder engagement, coordinating timelines and deliverables, and supervising research staff and student researchers. This work involves overseeing all stages of collaborative and applied research and project management: Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting a wide variety of research data. Designing and conducting research, including the selection and recruitment of samples for surveys and focus groups; developing research instruments, and analyzing collected information using appropriate methods. Developing and interpreting results, including policy and practical recommendations based on research findings. Preparing reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids to interpret and communicate data and results for diverse stakeholders.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 05/08/2024.

Responsibilities

• Provides thought-leadership and technical guidance to research team to design, implement and evaluate instruments, tools and training.
• Designs, coordinates and conducts research studies of broad complexity and impact.
• Research largely conducted as field experiments.
• Manages high-level external partner relationships.
• Manages assigns projects.
• Gathers, compiles and interprets research data.
• Contributes to formulation and prioritization of interventions based on data.
• Provides consultation, mentorship and technical guidance on this work.
• Drafts, edits and finalizes reports, policy briefs and articles with both academic framing and practical implications of research findings.
• Prepares presentations of research findings.
• Make presentations of research findings.
• Provides team leadership in evaluating and refining investigation methods.
• Leads investigations/studies for local or external constituents.
• Evaluates investigation methods and makes improvements as necessary.
• Designs research conducted as field experiments.
• Designs studies and data collection tools in partnership with government and non-government partners.
• Provides expert guidance on the research design most appropriate for project/program.
• Works collaboratively 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.
• May document or develop procedures to institutionalize best practices in data management, data analysis and findings.
• Develops database tool for tracking research data and assists in transmission and presentation of data.
• Designs computer programs to evaluate research data and provide reports to users.
• Ensures database is accessible for replicability of research findings.
• Maintains professional expertise and conducts training on scientific research methods.
• Initiates internal trainings and mentorship of expertise in research methods.
• Makes presentations and attends conferences and events to collaborate with peers.
• Develops written policies and procedures.
• Documents procedures to institutionalize best practices in research methods, data management, data analysis, presentation of findings, and collaborating with partners.
• Improves upon written policies and procedures as necessary.
• May lead other research staff.
• Helps train, guide and mentor project team members.
• Promotes team building and cohesion.
• Provides constructive feedback.

Required Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of research function gained from experience in designing and implementing field experiments.
• Advanced skills associated with statistical analysis, database management and systems programming.
• Advanced skills in analysis and consultation.
• Advanced ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
• Advanced project management skills.
• Ability to lead and influence within and external to project team.
• Advanced research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations.
• Advanced ability to think creatively to recommend action steps or strategize solutions relative to research.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• PhD in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 1yr, full-time (40 hours/week), contract appointment, eligible for UC benefits with the possibility of extension with continued funding. This is a monthly paid, exempt position.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $105,500.00 - $130,000.00.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 50% remote work.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.