Internship at The Nucleus Institute

Posted: 03/31/2026

About the Company/Organization:

The Nucleus Institute
Type: Nonprofit/NGO
Size:
http://www.nucleusutah.org/

The Nucleus Institute is Utah’s engine for innovation.

We drive collaboration between government, higher education, and industry to advance the state’s innovation economy. By aligning public and private efforts, we accelerate ideas from research to real-world impact.

Nucleus is a leader in initiatives like the Innovation District at The Point, the Nucleus Innovation Fund, and the Utah Policy Innovation Lab—building the infrastructure, funding, and partnerships that power Utah’s future.

Internship Project/Opportunity

Location: Lehi, UT
Anticipated internship dates: Summer 2026
Target intern experience level: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
https://employment.utah.edu/lehi-ut/policy-intern-nucleus/B07C964E534B4A93B015633225F994ED/job/

Open Date: 03/23/2026

Requisition Number: PRN16867N

Job Title: OCHE Intern

Working Title: Policy Intern, Nucleus

Career Progression Track: UGR

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

Is this a work study job? No

City: Lehi, UT

Pay Rate Range $15.00

Close Date 06/23/2026

Priority Review Date (Note – Posting may close at any time)

 

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.

 

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

  • 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.

 

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 patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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 Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.