Union of Concerned Scientists
Overview
The Scientist position provides thought leadership, science direction, and technical/analytical support to advance UCS's Global Security Program mission. Scientists contribute to the development of Theories of Change, design research objectives and strategies, critically evaluate empirical evidence, and represent UCS and its positions in science advocacy initiatives. This role includes publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, background research, planning, and preparations for Program projects related to scientific integrity and other mission‑critical areas, and works with coalition and grassroots partners. The UCS core values include racial equity and environmental justice, and employees center their work on these values to foster an inclusive environment. Base pay range and status: $119,000.00/yr – $120,000.00/yr. This is a permanent, remote, bargaining unit position with UCS. For more information about UCS, see our organization details and values in the text below. Responsibilities
Research and Analysis
Design and implement research and analysis in accordance with legal requirements for human subjects and environmental protection, upholding scientific excellence (e.g., plagiarism, conflicts of interest, intellectual property, data governance and archiving, use of artificial intelligence). Ensure organizational and programmatic goals, strategies, priorities, and decisions are grounded in the best available science and advance campaign goals. Identify strategic opportunities for new research areas and collaborative work across the program to develop and test evidence-based solutions for policy, regulatory, and decision-making challenges. Lead or support development of science-based products; ensure accuracy, credibility, readability, and timeliness of materials. Manage research projects, including scoping, planning, execution, evaluation, budgets, contracts, and coordination of staff and participants.
Publication and Communication
Write, edit, and review peer‑reviewed papers, reports, fact sheets, briefs, and other materials following UCS review protocols; tailor style for technical or general audiences. Coordinate peer review with external experts and internal UCS teams; revise as needed before publication. Apply research results to the formulation of public policies, regulations, and political strategies that support the Program's goals. Translate research into inclusive engagement that benefits underserved communities.
Assessment and Learning
Track and report UCS's impact, maintain confidentiality of supporter data, and monitor emerging research and policy issues to inform analysis and advocacy.
Campaign Support
Scope, plan, design, and implement campaigns by identifying stakeholders, research questions, and policy opportunities. Collaborate with Campaign staff to maintain campaign momentum, adapt to changing conditions, and communicate key decisions. Influence policy development and strategies within government and non-government institutions to advance UCS‑supported positions.
Expert Representation and Advocacy
Represent UCS values and positions in coalitions, conferences, negotiations, hearings, and regulatory or legislative bodies; work with media and policymakers as appropriate. Establish alliances with advocates, organizations, community leaders, businesses, academics, and researchers to share resources and advance objectives. Communicate UCS priorities online and through media, and provide rapid response to inquiries. Share research insights with UCS staff and contribute to fundraising and development efforts as needed.
Other Duties
Up to 20% of work may include activities not specifically listed, including anti-racism initiatives and organizational citizenship duties.
People Management
May provide technical direction to staff, interns, fellows, consultants, and volunteers on assigned projects.
Qualifications and Experience
PhD or near‑term PhD in a relevant field, or equivalent experience; 7+ years of relevant experience; substantial experience in one of the Global Security Program's key issue areas (e.g., nuclear weapons technologies/policy, AI/ML, space security, arms control, public health implications). Experience designing and conducting policy-relevant science research and advocacy; strong data science skills; ability to connect technical analyses to public policy and litigation contexts. Strong collaboration skills and experience with coalitions and advocacy; excellent writing and presentation abilities; ability to communicate complex science to non‑experts; project management experience. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice in projects; knowledge of racial equity and inclusion principles and the ability to discuss identity-related topics in professional settings.
Physical Requirements
Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods; operate a computer; communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Work Schedule
Regular business hours; occasional work outside standard hours for events, travel, or urgent matters.
Travel Requirements
Periodic domestic and international travel is required.
Equal Opportunity and Benefits
UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. We are committed to inclusive culture and opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in science and environmental advocacy. Benefits details: This is a full-time remote position. For those who meet all requirements, the salary is $119,887.49. CA residents may receive a 12% salary differential. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org. Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate. To Apply
Please upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. Deadline: Until filled.
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The Scientist position provides thought leadership, science direction, and technical/analytical support to advance UCS's Global Security Program mission. Scientists contribute to the development of Theories of Change, design research objectives and strategies, critically evaluate empirical evidence, and represent UCS and its positions in science advocacy initiatives. This role includes publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, background research, planning, and preparations for Program projects related to scientific integrity and other mission‑critical areas, and works with coalition and grassroots partners. The UCS core values include racial equity and environmental justice, and employees center their work on these values to foster an inclusive environment. Base pay range and status: $119,000.00/yr – $120,000.00/yr. This is a permanent, remote, bargaining unit position with UCS. For more information about UCS, see our organization details and values in the text below. Responsibilities
Research and Analysis
Design and implement research and analysis in accordance with legal requirements for human subjects and environmental protection, upholding scientific excellence (e.g., plagiarism, conflicts of interest, intellectual property, data governance and archiving, use of artificial intelligence). Ensure organizational and programmatic goals, strategies, priorities, and decisions are grounded in the best available science and advance campaign goals. Identify strategic opportunities for new research areas and collaborative work across the program to develop and test evidence-based solutions for policy, regulatory, and decision-making challenges. Lead or support development of science-based products; ensure accuracy, credibility, readability, and timeliness of materials. Manage research projects, including scoping, planning, execution, evaluation, budgets, contracts, and coordination of staff and participants.
Publication and Communication
Write, edit, and review peer‑reviewed papers, reports, fact sheets, briefs, and other materials following UCS review protocols; tailor style for technical or general audiences. Coordinate peer review with external experts and internal UCS teams; revise as needed before publication. Apply research results to the formulation of public policies, regulations, and political strategies that support the Program's goals. Translate research into inclusive engagement that benefits underserved communities.
Assessment and Learning
Track and report UCS's impact, maintain confidentiality of supporter data, and monitor emerging research and policy issues to inform analysis and advocacy.
Campaign Support
Scope, plan, design, and implement campaigns by identifying stakeholders, research questions, and policy opportunities. Collaborate with Campaign staff to maintain campaign momentum, adapt to changing conditions, and communicate key decisions. Influence policy development and strategies within government and non-government institutions to advance UCS‑supported positions.
Expert Representation and Advocacy
Represent UCS values and positions in coalitions, conferences, negotiations, hearings, and regulatory or legislative bodies; work with media and policymakers as appropriate. Establish alliances with advocates, organizations, community leaders, businesses, academics, and researchers to share resources and advance objectives. Communicate UCS priorities online and through media, and provide rapid response to inquiries. Share research insights with UCS staff and contribute to fundraising and development efforts as needed.
Other Duties
Up to 20% of work may include activities not specifically listed, including anti-racism initiatives and organizational citizenship duties.
People Management
May provide technical direction to staff, interns, fellows, consultants, and volunteers on assigned projects.
Qualifications and Experience
PhD or near‑term PhD in a relevant field, or equivalent experience; 7+ years of relevant experience; substantial experience in one of the Global Security Program's key issue areas (e.g., nuclear weapons technologies/policy, AI/ML, space security, arms control, public health implications). Experience designing and conducting policy-relevant science research and advocacy; strong data science skills; ability to connect technical analyses to public policy and litigation contexts. Strong collaboration skills and experience with coalitions and advocacy; excellent writing and presentation abilities; ability to communicate complex science to non‑experts; project management experience. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice in projects; knowledge of racial equity and inclusion principles and the ability to discuss identity-related topics in professional settings.
Physical Requirements
Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods; operate a computer; communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Work Schedule
Regular business hours; occasional work outside standard hours for events, travel, or urgent matters.
Travel Requirements
Periodic domestic and international travel is required.
Equal Opportunity and Benefits
UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. We are committed to inclusive culture and opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in science and environmental advocacy. Benefits details: This is a full-time remote position. For those who meet all requirements, the salary is $119,887.49. CA residents may receive a 12% salary differential. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org. Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate. To Apply
Please upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. Deadline: Until filled.
#J-18808-Ljbffr