Details
Open Date 03/23/2026
Requisition Number PRN16867N
Job Title OCHE Intern
Working Title Policy Intern, Nucleus
Career Progression Track UGR
Track Level
FLSA Code Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Type Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary? Yes
Standard Hours per Week Up to 19
Full Time or Part Time? Part Time
Shift Day
Work Schedule Summary
10-12 hours per week (flexible schedule for independent work) for two consecutive semesters.
This position is primarily remote but candidates must be able to travel to Salt Lake once per week for structured in-person learning. This internship will start May 13th.
Is this a work study job? No
VP Area Academic Affairs
Department 02488 - Nucleus Institute
Location Other
City Lehi, UT
Type of Recruitment External Posting
Pay Rate Range $15.00
Close Date 06/23/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
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.
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.
Responsibilities
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 (e.g., Zotero, Notion).
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 Utah universities. We encourage students from all majors to apply.
Strong research and writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information accurately and concisely.
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.
Preferences
Special Instructions Summary
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 can be located on theUniversity of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted atoeo.utah.edu.
