Public Policy Data Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Salary range: The current salary range for this position is $84,100-$132,900 (9-month academic year salary), however, off-scale salary and other components of pay, which would yield compensation that is higher than this range, are offered to meet competitive conditions.
Anticipated start: 7/1/2027
Application Window
Open date: August 13, 2026
Next review date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Oct 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.
Position description
The Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment to the faculty at the Assistant Professor rank in the area of policy analysis and/or governmental management and public administration.
Against the backdrop of a world with fractured institutional trust, increased social stratification and inequality, diverse populations, dispersed decision-making, media and informational fragmentation, political and governmental volatility, skepticism about evidence, and the growing use of AI, the Goldman School seeks a faculty member whose research considers the changing role of public policy analysis and/or the changing nature of governmental management.
The Goldman School encourages applications from scholars in a broad range of disciplines, including public policy, political science, economics, public affairs, sociology, psychology, business, and law, as well as data scientists with roots in computer science, schools of information, economics, and other fields, whose research engages with questions of public policy and/or public administration. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the development or study of policy analysis methods, research on policy-analysis institutions, studies of bureaucracy, personnel management, organizational behavior, budgeting, procurement and logistics, program implementation, governmental performance, governmental decision-making, strategic thinking and planning, the use of AI in government, or methods for increasing democratic outreach, inclusion, and governmental trust. We welcome applications from researchers studying these topics in the United States and around the world.
The successful candidate will advance innovative, data-driven approaches to public policy and administration by integrating behavioral science and analytics into both research and teaching; develop and deliver rigorous courses that enhance student competencies in policy analysis, public sector management, organizational behavior, and evidence-based policymaking; collaborate with a diverse faculty to support interdisciplinary research and reinforce the School's broader public policy mission; and apply cutting-edge scholarly insights to pressing social problems by producing research that meaningfully informs and improves public policy and government performance.
UC Berkeley values the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples, single parents, or those who may have taken time off for family reasons. For information about potential relocation to Berkeley, or career needs of accompanying partners and spouses, please visit the Office for Faculty Equity and Welfare's website .
School: https://gspp.berkeley.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree), or enrolled in PhD or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.
Preferred qualifications

• A deep knowledge of and active engagement with public policy and/or public administration is preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in utilizing research to advance public policy and address pressing public problems is strongly desired.
• While not required, special consideration may be given to candidates who demonstrate potential for research contributions to and an interest in MPP core teaching.
• Prior experience in the public sector, particularly in public management, is desirable but not required.

Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Research Statement - Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research.
• Teaching, Mentoring, and Service Statement - Please discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and future teaching interests. This can include, for example, specific efforts and accomplishments, and future plans to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy. Please also discuss your mentoring experiences and approach. This can include, for example, past efforts and future plans to support the success of all students, and to foster an inclusive research environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement of the research program. Finally, please discuss specific prior and proposed academic, professional and/or public service activities. This can include, for example, participating in professional or scientific associations, serving on committees that advance department, campus or discipline goals, and conducting outreach activities that can remove barriers and increase participation of academics in your field.
• Significant Research Sample
• Authorization to Release Information Form - An institutional reference check will be completed only if you are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. Download, complete, sign, and upload the Authorization to Release Information form .

Reference requirements

• 3-5 letters of reference required

Reference letters must be requested by the deadline to have a complete application in APRecruit, but the search committee expects to receive the letters by the deadline, or asap afterwards.
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05497
Help contact: gspp.deans.office@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.
The University of California is committed to creating and maintaining a community dedicated to the advancement, application, and transmission of knowledge and creative endeavors through academic excellence, where all individuals who participate in University programs and activities can work and learn together in a safe and secure environment, free of violence, harassment, or discrimination. Consistent with this commitment, UC Berkeley requires all applicants for Senate faculty positions to complete, sign, and upload an Authorization of Information Release form into AP Recruit as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration. Although all applicants for faculty recruitments must complete the entire application, applicants will only be subject to institutional reference checks if and when they are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. More information is available on this website .
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

Job location
Berkeley, CA