Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at the Terner Center for Housing Innovation.
Established in 2015, the Terner Center is a leading voice in the formulation of practical solutions and policies to meet the challenges of developing homes and communities that are affordable, vibrant, and environmentally sustainable.
Our Values
With a small but dynamic core staff, team members at the Terner Center take on a variety of different roles on many projects in a fast-paced, data-driven environment. We hold our work and each other to high standards through constructive feedback and iterative review. Most of all, we are committed to the success and growth of each member of our team. We encourage staff to share their knowledge, time, and perspectives, and to seek out opportunities for professional and educational development.
A key aim of our work is to guide and elevate the scholarship and leadership of students at UC Berkeley on issues in housing policy, development, and design. We regularly hire UC Berkeley graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of programs for semester appointments. Please check below for opportunities for students.
Our Culture
- We strive to foster collaboration and team engagement. Impactful research and policy development are rooted in exchange, both within our team and with external partners and organizations.
- We expect our staff to value research that is independent, based in evidence, and rigorous. We look for team members who are committed to producing high-quality and impactful work that advances the Terner Center’s mission.
- We believe our work is stronger when it engages a broad set of stakeholders. We look for team members who are always thinking about new ways to amplify our work and reach new audiences.
- We are family-friendly. With several working parents on our team, we offer flexibility in scheduling and enjoy when kids of all ages visit our office or pop up on video calls.
- We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where every team member is welcomed, valued, and supported.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and seek applications from people with diverse backgrounds of all kinds. We encourage people who have lived experience with the challenges of housing affordability to apply.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical insurance, including health, dental, and vision coverage through UC Berkeley. Click here to learn more.
- Retirement savings or pension opportunities as well as retirement counseling and education through UC Berkeley. Click here to learn more.
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holiday leave.
- Access to the educational and professional development benefits of a world-class academic institution.
CURRENT OPENINGS
Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs)
The Terner Center is seeking 1-3 GSRs to join our team for Summer 2026 (5/18/2026 – 8/14/2026) to support our research projects. GSRs will be expected to work 40 hours/week during the summer. The positions will be hybrid, with GSRs working at least three days/week in the Terner Center’s office in downtown Oakland.
Project areas may include the following:
1) Social Housing: The Terner Center is working with HCD to carry out the SB 555 Social Housing Study, a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities, resources, obstacles, and recommendations for the creation of social housing in the state of California. The position will support the study’s final round of public engagement and support report writing and revisions. Experience with policy analysis and writing for a policy audience is highly preferred, as is knowledge of housing policy and/or housing finance specifically.
2) Land Use Reforms Framework: This study will entail a comparative analysis of local housing markets across the country to better understand how city-level characteristics (demographic, political, economic, and governance) are linked with the passage of local land use reforms. Knowledge of local land use policy, data collection experience, and attention to detail required.
3) Measuring the impact of CA Housing Reform Legislation: This study will quantify the impact of AB2011 and SB6 – two pieces of CA housing reform legislation passed in 2022. The study will also dive deep into the data collection challenges associated with HCD’s Annual Progress Report. Experience in qualitative interviewing required; familiarity with APR data and local government is preferred.
To apply, please upload the following documents in one PDF: 1) Resume, 2) Cover letter, indicating which project area interests you most and what skills/experience you would contribute to the project, and 3) 1–2 writing samples that demonstrate your background and relevant experience, preferably reflecting sole authorship.
Deadline: Friday, April 17, 2026, 5:00 p.m. PT