OCHE Intern
The University of Utah
Internship
On-site
Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Job Summary
The PolicyLab serves as a core component of the Nucleus Institute’s mission, dedicated to building sustainable infrastructure for innovative policy research. This highly selective internship program is designed to train the next generation of policy innovators, providing hands-on experience in supporting rigorous research focused on Utah-centered technology policy and technology-driven solutions. PolicyLab student interns will engage in a specialized, three-semester program focused on conducting advanced policy analysis related to emerging technology relevant to the Utah Legislature. Responsibilities include observing the legislative process, contributing to a long-term research agenda, and executing independent projects. This role requires strong research and writing skills, an aptitude for systems thinking, and a commitment to advancing technology policy solutions.
Responsibilities
Framework Mastery: Complete training in foundational policy frameworks, including systems thinking, wicked problems, and deliberative democracy. Legislative Observation: Observe the legislative process in-person at the Capitol during the General Session in January 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 or graduate students attending a Utah institution of higher education. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply and must remain a student for the duration of the internship. 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. Willingness to learn and utilize research databases and policy tracking platforms.
The PolicyLab serves as a core component of the Nucleus Institute’s mission, dedicated to building sustainable infrastructure for innovative policy research. This highly selective internship program is designed to train the next generation of policy innovators, providing hands-on experience in supporting rigorous research focused on Utah-centered technology policy and technology-driven solutions. PolicyLab student interns will engage in a specialized, three-semester program focused on conducting advanced policy analysis related to emerging technology relevant to the Utah Legislature. Responsibilities include observing the legislative process, contributing to a long-term research agenda, and executing independent projects. This role requires strong research and writing skills, an aptitude for systems thinking, and a commitment to advancing technology policy solutions.
Responsibilities
Framework Mastery: Complete training in foundational policy frameworks, including systems thinking, wicked problems, and deliberative democracy. Legislative Observation: Observe the legislative process in-person at the Capitol during the General Session in January 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 or graduate students attending a Utah institution of higher education. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply and must remain a student for the duration of the internship. 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. Willingness to learn and utilize research databases and policy tracking platforms.