Applying for a Position

Cover letters may be addressed to “Search Committee.” Please include your salary range expectations. You will only be contacted if we desire an interview. Postings will be taken down once position is filled. Please, no phone calls. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must be able to provide an employment authorization document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Equal Opportunity

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 candidates who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package geared towards a productive work/life balance. Our benefits include:

  • excellent health care and dental coverage
  • ample vacation, holiday, and sick time
  • competitive retirement plans with generous employer contribution
  • and a lot more

Click here for a full list of benefits >

 

Our Culture

People are at the heart of the Union of Concerned Scientists. We value our staff and our mission of science-based action for the public good. We hire people who are smart and determined to make a difference.  We are rewarded by knowing that our analysis and advocacy contributes to a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

With our shared goals and vision of a safer and better world, we hail from all walks of life and speak many languages, reflecting the diverse audiences that we serve. We strive to maintain an open culture where everyone contributes and feels comfortable sharing ideas and opinions.  We support our staff with equitable and transparent salaries, training, sit/stand desks, world class benefits, and a culture that emphasizes work/life balance. UCS is a place where you can bring your whole self to work—a place where diversity is valued, supported and welcomed. 

We're Hiring!

Cambridge, MA Positions


 

Outreach Coordinator

Two-year temporary position

Center for Science and Democracy
Cambridge, MA

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 Science Network is home to thousands of scientists, engineers, economists, public health specialists, and other experts throughout the country who share the desire to put their knowledge to work in protecting our health, safety, and environment. Now more than ever, we need this community to stand up for science and to defend health, safety, and environmental safeguards from politically-motivated attacks. As member of the Center for Science and Democracy (the Center) team, the outreach coordinator will help implement the Center’s campaign to protect public health and environmental protections, defend science from attacks and political interference, and push back against misinformation and undue special interest influence in policymaking.

The outreach coordinator recruits, cultivates, and mobilizes Science Network members to watchdog to protect the role of science in policymaking. They will offer educational resources, create engagement opportunities, and develop leadership among Network members to strengthen their skills and impact as advocates.

Responsibilities

  • Spearhead educational opportunities for scientists to stay plugged in and ready to guard against attacks on science.
  • Help design and implement a range of opportunities for scientists to take action in defense of scientists and science-based protections.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships strong relationships with partner networks and organizations.
  • Craft and share stories showcasing the value of science in policymaking, the dangers of weakening the voice of science, and the unique role for scientists as informers and advocates.
  • Develop resources and trainings to strengthen scientists’ ability to effectively communicate and advocate.
  • Helps to build a robust online community to serve as the one-stop-shop for scientists seeking to engage and connect with one another.
  • Develop members of the Science Network as effective leaders
  • Develop new avenues for meaningful action to push back against attacks on science, including engagement within local communities.
  • Support other efforts of the UCS Center for Science and Democracy.

Qualifications and experience

    Three to five years of relevant and comparable experience in an outreach, organizing, campaign, or advocacy position.
  • Strong community organizer comfortable working with experts and people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field is preferred.
  • Demonstrated competency in outreach/organizing on the regional and/or national level and legislative and media strategy is required.
  • The ability to work independently, balance a multitude of tasks, and collaborate as a member of a multidisciplinary team is essential.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with a diverse array of individuals, including scientists, grassroots activists, and policymakers, are necessary.
  • Strong skills in internet-related communications, including the presentation of and analyzing information on the web, database software, and word processing.
  • Demonstrated understanding and commitment for equity and inclusion is necessary.
  • Experience in equity-related organizing is a plus.
  • Spends extended period at a computer. Little to no exertion.
  • May occasionally lift and carry boxes of supplies or publications.
  • Occasional overnight travel is required. Travel equals roughly 20% of time.
  • Driver’s license 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, two-year temporary position based in UCS’s Cambridge, MA office. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $52,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “CSD Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: January 23, 2017 or until filled.

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Program Assistant

Climate & Energy Program
Cambridge, MA

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 Program Assistant is responsible for supporting several of the Climate and Energy Program’s major campaign initiatives. You will provide support for meetings and production assistance for reports and other materials. In support of campaign events, you will participate in logistics and event planning, meeting and presentation material organizing, and payment and tracking of contractor invoices.

Responsibilities

  • Provide scheduling support and note taking for regular meetings.
  • Provide production assistance for reports and other materials including compiling, organizing, fact-checking and summarizing material such as data, photos, and graphics.
  • In support of convenings and events, coordinate participant lists and invitations, manage communication between participants before and after meetings, support the creation and refinement of meeting agendas, arrange travel, manage logistical details for booking event space, hotels and catering, compile meeting and presentation materials and notes.
  • Provide program-wide administrative assistance. This might include set up and management of external consultant contracts, invoice payment and tracking, scheduling and meeting room set-up.
  • Manage sensitive information with discretion.

Qualifications and experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is preferred. To succeed, you should have considerable self-motivation, attention to details, familiarity with office and administrative support procedures, competence in word processing and spreadsheet software, and excellent Outlook? and web research skills.

Strong organizational abilities and good written and oral communication skills are needed. Excellent personal relation skills are essential. Must be able to work both independently and in teams.

You will have least two years of relevant experience as an administrative, executive or research assistant. Experience with conducting web research, maintaining databases, event planning, and familiarity with climate and energy issues is preferred.

May spend extended periods at computer terminal.  Limited to no travel 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 Cambridge, MA office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $35,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Program Asst” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: January 29, 2017 or until filled.

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Bilingual Spanish Web Content Manager

Communications Department
Cambridge, MA

The Position

Are you a WRITER who loves SCIENCE and would like to save the planet? Then come work for the Communications Department at the UCS! We’re looking for a smart, creative, and energetic bi-lingual (Spanish) communicator who cares about the planet to join our web team.

We're looking for a Web Content Manager to plan, write, and implement engaging web content for a general audience for the UCS website. We work on global warming, clean energy, clean vehicles, food & agriculture, global security, nuclear weapons, and science & democracy.

This position requires excellent writing skills (English and Spanish) and the ability to turn that writing into compelling content for the web. Candidate must have a knack for collaborating with others and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects. Job will be 90/10 English/Spanish to start but we expect the Spanish portion to grow over time.

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.

Responsibilities

  • Write and edit content for a general audience.
  • Ensure content is technically accurate.
  • Ensure all web content adheres to content strategy, messaging, tone, style, and editorial guidelines.
  • Help dream up ideas for the best way to communicate UCS’s work. Plan and manage new web projects from idea-to-launch. Serve as primary contact for project vendors.
  • Help us create the most visually and verbally compelling content for our site; provide feedback on visual products created by in-house and outside designers.
  • Keep program campaign pages up to date and functional.
  • Provide online strategies for outreach and campaign work.
  • Monitor analytics to keep abreast of how content is performing and to improve SEO.
  • Collaborates on strategies to increase site traffic, and ensure site is optimized for recruiting online constituents and donors.
  • Holds regular meetings with site bloggers and provides guidance as needed.
  • Advise and participate in Spanish language content development for cross-organizational needs.

Qualifications and experience

Work requires five years’ experience in web writing and content curation and a background in either journalism or science/technical feature writing. Must possess expert-level writing and editing skills, and be thoughtful about content strategy, and collaborate well with others. Design and video experience a plus. In addition, must have familiarity with HTML and knowledge of web metrics, CMS, SEO, and online user interaction best practices. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required, preferably in Journalism, English, or a discipline with significant writing component. Fluency in Spanish required.

This position requires travel 4-6 times per year for retreats and conferences.

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 Cambridge, MA office. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is in the high $50’s per year. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, three writing samples (one in Spanish), salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Bilingual Web Content Manager” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: January 6, 2017 or until filled.

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Washington, DC Positions


 

Kendall Fellowship: Equitable Shared Autonomous Mobility

Clean Vehicles Program
Washington, DC Office

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the leading science-based organization at the center of today’s most exciting and important policy debates, seeks outstanding candidates for the Kendall Science Fellows program. This two-year fellowship is open to candidates who will have completed their M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering or other appropriate advanced technical degree before fall 2017. The fellow will investigate how new mobility options and autonomous vehicle technology can be leveraged to increase equitable access to mobility while also rapidly cutting oil use and global warming pollution from transportation. 

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

Responsibilities

The Kendall Fellow will work with UCS staff to develop a proposal for a two-year project researching the intersection of new mobility and autonomous vehicle technology.   The primary goal is to quantify the potential to simultaneously cut heat trapping emissions and improve equitable access to transportation.

A key emphasis is the role of shared mobility in realizing the opportunities and benefits associated with new technology and business models. You will examine how these technology and business trends could make a positive impact and identify policy considerations to ensure potential benefits actually develop.  In addition, the fellow would engage various stakeholders including thought leaders, policymakers and key constituencies currently lacking equitable access to mobility in order to better understand their needs and to share our developing expertise in this area. 

The detailed outcomes of the fellowship will be defined during the development of the proposal, but could include a research paper, a UCS report on technology and policy issues as well as developing accessible materials for the public and organizing events that convene experts and/or policymakers.

Qualifications and experience

The Kendall Fellow should have knowledge and experience with transportation models, and ideally with behavioral and urban design factors relevant to transportation demand, vehicle emissions, impacts of ride-sourcing and ride-sharing, demand and availability of public transit, or congestion modeling. Skill and experience communicating complex technical and policy questions in written products and verbal presentations is also important. 

A completed M.S. or Ph.D. in engineering or other appropriate advanced degree in a related scientific or engineering field is required.

May spend extended periods at computer terminal.  Travel on roughly a quarterly basis, occasionally including overnight stays.

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.

About the Kendall Science Fellows Program

The Kendall Science Fellows Program was established to honor Nobel Prize winning physicist Henry Kendall who was with UCS from our beginnings and was the long-time chair of our board.  Kendall was known for his unique ability to shake up the status quo and catalyze new thinking, and UCS looks to Kendall Fellows to do the same. Priority is given to innovative and forward-looking proposals that are primarily scientific, technical, or analytic in nature but also show interest in the application of science to policy. Fellows will benefit from the opportunity to learn from the UCS approach to science and policy, and UCS will benefit from the new approaches and expertise of the Kendall Fellows.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time, up to two-year position based in UCS’s Washington DC office. Fellowship will begin fall 2017. Kendall Fellowship salaries follow a special structure and are fixed at $72,000 for candidates with less than 3 years relevant post-Ph.D. experience and $82,000 for those with 3-8 years of post-Ph.D. experience. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a short application, including a statement of interest (up to 2 pages, including relevant background and experience, a brief description of a research idea in the selected area, and interest in working with UCS), curriculum vitae, and two references to jobs@ucsusa.org including “Kendall Fellowship” and “Equitable Mobility” in the subject line.  Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please.

Review of initial applications will begin December 12, 2016. Following an initial screening, top candidates will co-write a more specific fellowship proposal in coordination with UCS staff for submission to the Kendall Science Fellows Program Advisory Committee by January 26, 2017. Final decisions on the award of this competitive fellowship will be made by the end of February, 2017.

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Outreach Intern

Six month Paid Internship
Climate & Energy 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 Outreach Internship is a six-month, full-time position supporting our corporate and national campaigns to reduce major fossil fuel companies’ influence in blocking climate action. You’ll work with outreach, legislative, analytical and other staff in the cross programmatic climate accountability team.

Responsibilities

  • Communicate with UCS supporters and scientists to recruit them for events and actions;
  • Implement strategies to attract new constituencies to our climate accountability campaign, including with frontline communities and climate justice partners;
  • Work with outreach staff to write, fact-check, and develop advocacy emails;
  • Assist with planning for UCS presence at conferences, including logistical and outreach support;
  • Assist UCS outreach staff with administrative needs including participation in planning and strategy, lobby and coalition meetings;
  • Monitor daily print media and blogs for climate accountability issues and rapid response opportunities;
  • Prepare background information about members of Congress, state attorneys general, agency staff, and other policymakers to inform campaign opportunities; 
  • Assist with research for reports of fossil fuel industry actions or practices.
  • Make appointments for Hill, agency and other meetings with key coalition partners;
  • Assist with report research and production; and
  • Assist with event planning logistics and recruitment

Qualifications and experience

Strong written and oral communication skills; excellent administrative, research, and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a group are required. Interest in and basic knowledge of climate and energy issues, public interest advocacy campaigns, and corporate campaigns is preferred. Completed Bachelor's degree preferred.

May spend extended periods at computer terminal.  Little to no travel 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, benefits-eligible, 6-month position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is equivalent to $15 per hour, or $31,200 annually. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.  

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Outreach Intern” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: December 5, 2016 or until filled. 

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Outreach Assistant Intern

Nine-month Paid Internship
Food & 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.

This is a nine-month internship from January 2017 to September 2017 providing outreach, logistical, and research assistance to support UCS’s efforts on sustainable agriculture research. You will assist UCS’s Senior Outreach Coordinator with outreach to agricultural scientists and other experts, coordinate travel and event logistics, help conduct research on sustainable agriculture methods and systems, and assist with special projects as requested.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in recruiting new expert supporters, and engaging regularly with supporters and allies.
  • Prioritize recruiting and engaging a diversity of scientists, economists, and other experts, including those from historically black colleges.
  • Provide logistical and outreach support for events and activities at several key conferences throughout the year.
  • Assist with quarterly updates and alerts to the UCS Science Network.
  • Conduct research and assist in writing for UCS materials and publications.
  • Keep abreast of developments in sustainable agriculture, identifying innovative research and helping to highlight this work on our blog

Qualifications and experience

Position requires careful attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects, familiarity with office operations, and intermediate level skills in basic office software including word processing spreadsheets, and database use/maintenance. Strong written and oral communication skills; excellent administrative, research, and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a group are also required. Completed Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience with organizing around issue campaigns and engaging diverse public audiences strongly preferred. Background in ecology, biology, or other relevant science and an interest in research a plus. Familiarity with food and agriculture issues helpful, but is not required. Competence with online engagement tools, spreadsheets, databases, and research tools preferred.

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

May spend extended periods at computer terminal. Very occasionally move heavy boxes. Occassional travel may be required (1-5 total nights over the course of the internship).

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, benefits-eligible, nine-month internship based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the annual salary is $31,200. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Outreach Asst” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: January 2nd or until filled.

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Cambridge or Washington, DC

Kendall Fellowship: Voting Rights

Center for Science and Democracy
Washington, DC or Cambridge, MA Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the leading science-based organization at the center of today’s most exciting and important policy debates, seeks outstanding candidates for the Voting Rights Kendall Fellowship. This up to two-year fellowship is open to candidates who will have completed their Ph.D. by September 2017. You will identify pressing needs in voting rights research, assess the impact of barriers to enfranchisement on UCS core strategic goals, help UCS build partnerships with leading organizations working to restore and expand voting rights, and inform proposals to increase public participation in U.S. elections.

The Union of Concerned Scientists 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, clean energy and transportation, and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

The Center for Science and Democracy, UCS’s newest program, will host this Kendall Fellow. The Center works across issues to strengthen the role of independent science in democratic dialogue and public policy by improving the process of bringing science into policy-making, pushing back on misinformation efforts and attacks on scientists, and increasing public access to scientific information.

Responsibilities

The Kendall Fellow will work with UCS staff to develop a proposal for a two-year project to identify gaps in research related to voting rights and investigate barriers to public participation in U.S. elections.

The primary goal is to expand public understanding of the impact that voter disenfranchisement has on our ability to meet science-based policy challenges and feed that analysis into efforts to increase regular voter participation.

The detailed products of the fellowship will be defined during the development of the proposal, but could include analytical, educational, and advocacy products; peer-reviewed publications; partnership development with academic institutions and public interest organizations; and policy recommendations.   

Qualifications and experience

The fellow should possess significant knowledge of voter disenfranchisement and voting rights issues, including the organizations and researchers that work in this space. The fellow should be able to demonstrate research experience that can be applied to the stated goals of the fellowship, either specifically on civic participation or in a related field of study. In addition, strong written and verbal skills are required. A Ph.D. in social science is required. At a minimum, a Ph.D. in a relevant field must be completed before September 1, 2017.

The fellow may spend extended periods at computer terminal. Occasional travel may be required (several overnight trips per year). 

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.

About the Kendall Science Fellows Program

The Kendall Science Fellows Program was established to honor Nobel Prize winning physicist Henry Kendall who was with UCS from our beginnings and was the long-time chair of our board.  Kendall was known for his unique ability to shake up the status quo and catalyze new thinking, and UCS looks to Kendall Fellows to do the same. Priority is given to innovative and forward-looking proposals that are primarily scientific, technical, or analytic in nature but also show interest in the application of science to policy. Fellows will benefit from the opportunity to learn from the UCS approach to science and policy, and UCS will benefit from the new approaches and expertise of the Kendall Fellows.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time, up to two-year position based in either UCS’s Washington, DC or Cambridge, MA office. Fellowship will begin fall 2017. Kendall Fellowship salaries follow a special structure and are fixed at $72,000 for candidates with less than 3 years relevant post-Ph.D. experience and $82,000 for those with 3-8 years of post-Ph.D. experience. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about UCS is available at www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, a statement of interest (up to 2 pages, including relevant background and experience, a brief description of a research idea in the selected area, and interest in working with UCS), curriculum vitae, and two references to jobs@ucsusa.org including “Voting Rights Kendall Fellowship” in the subject line.  Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please.

Review of initial applications will begin January 2, 2017. Following an initial screening, top candidates will co-write a more specific fellowship proposal in coordination with UCS staff for submission to the Kendall Science Fellows Program Advisory Committee. Final decisions on the award of this competitive fellowship will be made by the end of February, 2017.

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Chicago, IL

No positions currently available.


Oakland, CA

Western States Outreach Assistant

Six Month Paid Internship
Oakland 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 Western States Outreach Assistant is a full-time six-month internship within the western states outreach team of UCS’s Climate and Energy program, assisting staff with planning and implementing outreach campaigns that harness the power of the “clean energy transition” taking place across the country and contribute to a resilient water system in the face of climate change. You will contribute creative ideas, research, logistical and administrative support to campaigns, and activate our network of scientists to support local, state and regional policy solutions that fight global warming, promote clean energy for all, and prepare California for a climate changed future.

Responsibilities

  • Draft and send action alerts and event invitations, and communicate with UCS supporters and scientists to recruit them for events and actions;
  • Support collaboration with partner organizations through meetings, strategy sessions, materials production, and joint event planning;
  • Set up and recruit for online and in-person events and trainings;
  • Assist with planning for UCS presence at conferences, including logistical and outreach support;
  • Research and compile information for factsheets, blogs, and social media use; with potential for some Spanish language materials and/or communication;
  • Assist UCS staff—particularly Western States Director—with administrative needs; and
  • Participate in planning and strategy meetings. 

Qualifications and experience

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills required. Ability to communicate effectively with professionals who may be expert and/or prominent in their fields.
  • Experience with public interest campaigns and organizing are a plus.
  • Interest in and basic knowledge of climate change and clean energy in the US.
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Spanish language fluency preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.

May spend extended periods at computer terminal, as well as occasional lifting of heavy objects. Occasional regional travel may be required (no overnights expected).

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, six-month, benefits-eligible internship based in UCS’s Oakland office. The internship is expected to run February - July, 2017. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is the equivalent of $15 per hour, $31,200 annually. 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 “Western States Outreach Assistant” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: December 18, 2016 or until filled. 

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to Make Change Happen

We can ensure that decisions about our health, safety, and environment are based on the best available science—but not without you. Your generous support helps develop science-based solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.