Research Assistant Position
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California’s diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). 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 full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview
The Possibility Lab at the University of California, Berkeley 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. We’re a mix of faculty, full-time staff, and students who value integrity, rigor, curiosity, and communication. Together, we celebrate our wins, learn from our missteps, and help each other, and our partners, find solutions. Through our work, we are prototyping ideas with impact that can move us towards an equitable, sustainable future.
At the Possibility Lab, we believe that communities need to have a voice in the policies that affect them. We are part of a national movement to mobilize rigorous community-engaged, data-driven innovation for the public good. By facilitating on-going partnerships between public sector changemakers and academic research teams, we’re able to undertake big questions that cut across traditional boundaries.
Projects cover a range of topics, including housing and public health policy, 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 is seeking a Research Assistant to support message testing and communications-related research projects that advance evidence-based solutions for government and community partners. The Research Assistant will work closely with faculty, researchers, and partner organizations to design, implement, and analyze experiments, with a focus on understanding public attitudes, improving policy communication, and increasing the impact of public programs as well as civic engagement initiatives.
The successful candidate will have knowledge of data collection and analysis, drafting research materials and public facing communications assets, and assisting with the preparation and planning of reports, media releases, social media content, focus groups, and presentations. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and an interest in public policy, behavioral science, and/or strategic communications.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: 05/05/2025.
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