Open positions

Applicants must apply separately to each position in which they have an interest.

The California Policy Lab’s commitment to equity

The California Policy Lab generates research insights for government impact. Through hands-on partnerships with government agencies, CPL performs rigorous research across issue silos and builds the data infrastructure necessary to improve programs and policies that millions of Californians rely on every day.

CPL recognizes the value of having a diverse staff at all levels of the organization. We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent and understand the diverse racial and ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, educational, socioeconomic, cultural, and disability backgrounds present in California. When you join our team, you can expect to be part of an inclusive and equity-focused community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

What’s it like to work at the California Policy Lab?

California Policy Lab employees bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences and share a passion for research that improves the lives of Californians.

Our full-time employees can access a range of benefits and supports, including:

• Access to University of California employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, two retirement plan options (Pension Choice, and Saving Choice, a 401k style account with a 7% match from UC), life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more.
• $2,000 in annual professional development funds, along with mentoring to help you grow in your career.
• In most years the University of California approves cost-of-living pay increases.
• CPL has a staff-led Steering Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, where staff and leadership identify and address issues related to our employees, organization, and research.
• Regular research seminars where CPL faculty, staff and students present work.
• Travel to an annual staff retreat that brings staff from the UCLA and UC Berkeley sites together.
• Personal technology for use in the office or at home, including a laptop, monitor and docking station.
• Optional social events, such as happy hours, hiking, crafting, bowling, and ping pong tournaments.

What have people said about working at CPL?

“The senior staff has recruited a group of researchers and technical staff who are as passionate as they are talented. The collegial atmosphere at the Lab undoubtedly contributes to its success: I am convinced the quality of research rises dramatically when it is done as a team.”
–TJ Hedin, former CPL Research Analyst and Graduate Student Researcher; currently earning his PhD at UCLA.

“I got to work every day with public servants, and we worked together to figure out how to serve Californians better.”
–Aparna Ramesh, former CPL Policy Director, Social Safety Net; now serves as Chief of the Research and Data Insights Branch, California Department of Social Services

“This internship was my first opportunity to understand how data is used in the real world and it was a great learning experience for me. It allowed me to confirm my interest in pursuing a career in the vast field of data analytics and data science.”
–Ishaan Shah, attended CPL’s Summer Institute, and currently serves as an analyst at the Analysis Group.

What is the interview process at CPL?

These processes and timelines will vary somewhat depending on whether you are applying for a position at CPL’s UCLA or UC Berkeley site, and if you are applying for a research role or an operations role. This process typically takes 6 – 10 weeks, though in some cases it may take longer, depending on the specific role, the number of applicants, and the schedules of everyone involved in the interview process.

• Candidates under consideration are asked to complete a short screening interview via Zoom. For quantitative research positions, candidates may also be asked to complete a skills assessment.
• Candidates who advance will then be invited for one-hour Zoom interviews with staff and members of the leadership team.
• At the end of the process, finalists are asked to provide a list of at least two references we will contact for a phone screening.

Are you a graduate student interested in joining CPL while you complete your studies?

We have a track record of attracting and retaining talented early PhD students who appreciate having an institutional “home” where they can collaborate over several years. Prior research fellows for CPL have gone on to academic positions at Georgetown, Chicago Booth, the White House Council of Economic Advisors, UCLA, and the Census Bureau.

Due to volume, we are often unable to respond to unsolicited inquiries. If you are a UC graduate student interested in working with us, you can receive job postings (including Graduate Research Fellowships) by signing up for our email list or returning to this page periodically.

Additional information

Have questions about CPL or our job openings? Please send us an email at: careers@capolicylab.org.

Want to receive future job openings at CPL?  Sign up for our email list.

Come join us.  We’re seeking a diverse group of professionals, driven by data and a commitment to public service.