Interdisciplinary Scientist

Interdisciplinary Scientist

Food & Environment Program

Union of Concerned Scientists

DC, IL, CA, MA-Remote Available

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit that uses science to protect our health, safety, and environment.  We are scientists, engineers, economists, activists, and everyday people who develop and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing problems—from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting misinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war.

We are seeking an interdisciplinary scientist with experience integrating social and natural sciences and exploring the human and environmental dimensions of food systems to complement our Food & Environment, research team. Our program seeks changes that will create more resilient, equitable, and racially just food systems. To that end, our team is currently exposing decades of unchecked corporate consolidation in food and agriculture industries; identifying opportunities for farms to become more resilient and to contribute to climate change mitigation; advocating for increased investments in federal research on sustainable food systems, agriculture production, and nutrition; and pushing for solutions to support underserved farmers, especially BIPOC farmers. We do this work in partnership with other organizations diverse in mission and size.

The scientist will work with an existing team of scientists and analysts as well government affairs, communications, and outreach staff to plan and carry out research and analysis in support of our short-term and long-term goals.  In particular, the scientist will bring interdisciplinary research and analytical approaches to addressing both social and environmental aspects of food and farming challenges. This is a mid-level research position. The right candidate must be able to work collaboratively, support teammates and partners in multiple projects on varying timelines, understand how organizations work together, and contribute to positive work culture.

Responsibilities

• Conducts rigorous, media-resonant, and policy-relevant quantitative and qualitative research that integrates social and natural sciences with policy advocacy and citizen action.
• Maintains cutting-edge scientific expertise and supports science, policy, and outreach efforts within the Food & Environment program and in some cases, across UCS programs.
• Cultivates relationships and represents the Food & Environment program and in some cases, UCS, to media, policymakers, donors, UCS members, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Translates and communicates research on complex topics in understandable terms to a variety of audiences, including policymakers, journalists, and the public at large.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant education (e.g., master’s- or doctoral-level degrees) and experience (3-5 years) in scientific work in relevant natural and social sciences.
• Knowledge and deep analytical skills grounded in interdisciplinary science that can be applied to topics related to the human dimensions of food systems. For example, experience integrating the natural and social sciences and exploring the impacts of food systems on communities, equity, or behavior. 
• Interest in or experience with community-based research or work in partnership with grassroots groups is also desired. Unique and innovative data collection and research skills and experience, potentially including synthesis research and developing new methods and ways of collecting and utilizing publicly available data.
• Ability to serve as a compelling communicator to broad audiences, with strong writing and speaking skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific matters to a lay audience.
• Project management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize and accomplish larger and smaller (often rapid response) projects while maintaining a high quality of work.
• Skills in collaboration and relationship-building, within and among the team and diverse stakeholders.
• Interest in or experience with the racial equity or social justice dimensions of policies or programs, including initiatives that advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The scientist should be able to evaluate policies and programs for how they currently perpetuate racial inequities or injustices, or how new policies and programs may reduce or increase those inequities and injustices.
• Interest in or experience working on federal food, agriculture, nutrition, or related policy issues, such as knowledge of USDA policies and programs.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity or Expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Details:

This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office.  For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $88,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

More about the team:

Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment that is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.

A note on the pandemic:

During the coronavirus pandemic, our staff is working from home. We will resume working from our offices, travel, and in-person meetings when it is safe to do so.

To Apply: We know there are great candidates who won’t check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. Please upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.

Deadline: January 23^rd, 2021, or until filled