Scientist (Washington, DC or Cambridge, MA)

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

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 public health, environmental and safety problems. The Center for Science and Democracy (The Center) at UCS works to strengthen the essential role of science, evidence-based knowledge, and constructive debate in the U.S. policymaking process on issues from scientific integrity to chemical exposure to species conservation.

The Center seeks an exceptional individual to join our research team. As a UCS scientist, the individual provides research and analysis to advance the Center’s mission and helps develop research and communication strategies under direction of the research director. The scientist manages, designs, and carries out independent research projects to increase understanding and visibility of science and democracy issues. In addition, the scientist works with UCS legislative, outreach, and communications staff to share research findings and publicly advocates policy solutions on behalf of the Center through engagement with decision makers, the media, and the public.  

The scientist will:

• Conduct ongoing research on the use and misuse of science in policy making, develop technical expertise in one or more areas concerning the use of science in public policy debates, and maintain and update working knowledge of varied Center-related policy issues.
• Research these issues through a variety of means, including but not limited to traditional text and journal research, web research, interviews, cultivation of sources, and utilization of sunshine laws such as the Freedom of Information Act.
• Report research results in oral and written form to supervisors, colleagues, experts, public, media, and congressional representatives.
• Work with Center staff on a variety of research-related tasks, including rapid response, report design and production, and public messaging and branding. 
• Work with UCS Communications staff to identify key media opportunities and help ensure timeliness and accuracy in public-facing documents.
• Engage with researchers, advocacy groups, UCS members and sponsors, and the general public about Center issues. 

Qualifications and Experience

• A Ph.D. in a Physical, Natural or Social Science or Engineering discipline is required with one to three years of experience with connecting science to policymaking preferred.
• Requires a solid understanding of how science informs public policy. Also needed are a familiarity with general health and environmental concepts and issues and strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Robust written and oral communication skills, for both scientific and general audiences, are essential. The ability to analyze and write quickly to meet the needs of the current media and congressional landscape is essential.
• An understanding of and a passion for improving the way in which science informs policy making is essential. Interest in and/or experience working on public interest advocacy campaigns desirable.

Physical Requirements: Little or no exertion; may require extended periods at a computer terminal.

Travel: This position requires occasional travel.

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, or Cambridge, MA offices. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is in the high 50’s to high 60’s. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

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 “CSD Scientist” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: November 20, 2016 or until filled.