Food Systems and Health Analyst

Food and Environment Program
Washington, DC Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

The UCS Food and Environment Program is leading the call for a national food policy that ensures access to affordable, healthy food for all Americans; protects the nation’s farmland, air, water, and climate; guarantees fair wages and working conditions for millions of farm and food workers; and aligns and coordinates existing food and farm policies. As part of a 14-person interdisciplinary team, you will use your health sciences expertise to advance healthy, equitable, and sustainable food and agriculture systems, analyzing the food system’s impacts on nutrition, public health, and health disparities by race and income, and communicating your findings to policy makers, the media, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Apply your knowledge of public health analytical tools and food system issues to develop and implement research methodologies; monitor and assess current and ongoing research and trends; gather and analyze data; and prepare reports and other materials.
• Collaborate with policy, outreach, and communications staff to translate research for various audiences and develop public policy proposals.
• Present UCS research findings, positions, and activities at public events; educate participants about political, environmental, social and economic dimensions of the food system, with emphasis on the health and equity challenges of our current system and the benefits of smarter public policies.
• Provide technical and strategic assistance to policymakers, opinion leaders and coalition partners; establish and maintain alliances with NGO allies, food justice and community health advocates, healthy food businesses, modelers and researchers.
• Help identify key media opportunities; serve as direct contact for reporters; write and edit press materials and content for UCS web site and blog.
• Help develop program goals, strategies, and work plans, and contribute to foundation proposals and reports. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Masters’ degree in public health or related field and three to five years of comparable and relevant experience in food systems;
• Demonstrated ability to produce analyses on science policy issues and write about complex policy and scientific matters for lay audiences;
• Understanding of the role of science  and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy debates, and familiarity with public policy process regarding food and agriculture;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as a member of a team;
• Demonstrated commitment to health equity;
• Project management skills and experience are preferred.

May spend extended periods at computer.  Four to ten days of overnight travel per year is required.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive.  We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $59,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Food Systems and Health Analyst” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: August 21 or until filled.