Technology and Work Program Director (Full Specialist) - UC Berkeley Labor Center
University of California, Berkeley
Position overview
Position title: Technology and Work Program DirectorApplication Window
Open date: March 6, 2026
Next review date: Friday, Mar 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Sunday, May 31, 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
Department Overview
The UC Berkeley Labor Center, at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE), UC Berkeley, conducts research and education on issues related to labor and employment. The Labor Center’s curricula and leadership training serve to educate a diverse new generation of labor leaders. The Labor Center carries out policy-relevant research on topics such as job quality and workforce development and works with unions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop innovative policy perspectives and programs. The Labor Center provides an important source of research and information on unions and the changing workforce for students, scholars, policymakers, and the public. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-impact, high-visibility organization and to work with a nationally recognized team of researchers, policy analysts, and educators. We have nearly 40 diverse staff members.
Position Overview
The UC Berkeley Labor Center seeks a Director of the Center’s Technology and Work Program to oversee, develop, and conduct research, policy analysis, and training related to rapid technological change in the workplace. The goal of the Program is to ensure that AI and other digital technologies benefit rather than harm workers – including the workers of color, women, and immigrants who are often on the frontlines of experimentation with emerging technologies. The Director will also supervise research staff, fundraise, contribute to organizational leadership, and engage with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Department: https://irle.berkeley.edu/
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent international degree
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least ten (10) years of professional experience
OR
Master’s degree or equivalent international degree and at least eight (8) years of professional experience
OR
PhD or equivalent international degree and at least two (2) years of professional experience.
- Master’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Sociology, Economics, Geography, Information Science, Computer Science or Engineering, or related field
- Ten (10) years of experience in research and policy analysis
- Three (3) years of experience directing or otherwise providing high-level leadership on research and policy analysis
- At least five (5) years of supervisory experience
- Advanced knowledge of trends in workplace technologies, their impacts on workers, and response strategies
- Knowledge of the major stakeholders working in the tech and work area, both in California and nationally
- Excellent research skills, and experience conducting mixed-methods research
- Experience with fundraising
- Advanced writing and communication skills, geared toward policy research
- Strong collaboration skills, including experience working with academic researchers and stakeholders such as unions, worker centers, government officials, policymakers, and others
- Experience with making presentations to a range of audiences and ability to publicly represent the program and Labor Center
- Established record of publishing research and policy reports
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Writing Sample #1 - Research or policy writing on any labor-related issues
Writing Sample #2 - Research or policy writing relevant to tech and work issues
- 3 required (contact information only)
Help contact: laurel.lucia@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity 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 more information, please refer to the University of California’s Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment 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.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
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.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment