Job Summary
PolicyLab serves as a core component of the Nucleus Institute’s mission, bridging frontier research and state governance to deliver clear, actionable guidance to Utah’s Legislature. This selective internship is designed to cultivate the next generation of policy leaders, immersing students in the full arc of the legislative process while distilling expert scientific knowledge into real-world policy impact.
Program Structure and Commitment:
- This is a paid hourly position at $15 an hour.
- Interns are encouraged to work with their academic advisors to arrange for school credit based on their university’s requirements.
- Two semesters internship.
- Interns must remain students for the duration of the internship.
Responsibilities
PolicyLab interns engage in a specialized, two-semester program. Responsibilities include observing the legislative process firsthand, contributing to a long-term research agenda, and executing independent policy projects. Strong research and writing skills, an aptitude for systems thinking, and a commitment to translating scientific expertise into actionable legislative solutions are essential.
Key Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:
- Framework Mastery: Complete training in foundational policy frameworks, including systems thinking, wicked problems, and deliberative democracy.
- Legislative Learning: Connect with local lawmakers to gain firsthand understanding of state policymaking.
- Research Infrastructure: Design, build, and maintain a comprehensive research database system for tracking tech innovation policy developments across various jurisdictions (local, state, national, international).
- Data and Analysis: Create stakeholder mapping tools, develop standardized templates for research briefs, and gain competence in research workflow and citation management systems.
- Applied Policy Research: Conduct comparative policy analysis (e.g., AI regulation approaches), support evidence-based policy research through data collection, policy design thinking, and policy evaluation.
- Cohort Leadership & Knowledge Sharing: Serve as a mentor and transition lead by training incoming interns, thoroughly documenting research workflows, and ensuring the program’s sustained operational success.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications
- High School Diploma, or equivalency.
- Current undergraduate and graduate students attending a Utah institution of higher education. We encourage students from all majors to apply.
- Strong research and writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information accurately and concisely.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proactive, self-driven, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with research databases and tools.
- Genuine interest in technology policy and innovation shaping Utah’s future.
- Availability to commit to 10-12 hours per week for the duration of the internship.
Work Schedule Summary
- 10-12 hours per week (flexible schedule for independent work)
- Ability to travel to Salt Lake City once per week during the 2027 legislative session.
Pay Rate Range
$15.00 /Hr
Close Date
11/27/2026
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
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