Science Policy Advisor

Science Policy Advisor 

TERM: 1-Year 

Climate and Energy 

Union of Concerned Scientists 

Remote 

Bargaining Unit Position: Yes  

Our Organization 

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.  

For over five decades, we have been working as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create 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 disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war.  Values informing our work include:  

• Science in the service of people and the planet.  

• Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes—now, and for future generations.  

• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.  

• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.  

• Democracy to promote a voice for all in government decisions.  

• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world. 

The Position 

Climate change is reshaping not only the questions science must answer, but the institutions through which climate change knowledge is produced, governed, communicated, evaluated, and applied. Meeting this challenge requires new approaches that integrate physical science, social science, governance, public policy, adaptation practice, and the knowledge and experience of affected communities.   

The Science Policy Advisor is a one-year, grant-funded position that plays a crucial role in advancing the Union of Concerned Scientists' mission to ensure robust and independent science informs public policy and decision-making. The goal of this position is to support UCS efforts to reimagine and rebuild science policy infrastructure, with a focus on climate change knowledge institutions to facilitate the development of more equitable pathways to safety in a world affected by climate change. This role is essential in promoting science to inform policy and guiding strategic initiatives that address climate-related challenges. 

It is important to note that this position is grant-funded and will conclude at the end of the grant period. Candidates should be aware that the duration of employment is limited to one year, aligning with the project timeline and funding constraints. We encourage all qualified individuals who are passionate about climate policy and equity to apply for this impactful opportunity. 

Working across disciplines, sectors, and communities of practice, the Advisor develops practical analyses, frameworks, and recommendations that help rebuild and strengthen the institutions responsible for producing and applying science for decision-making, with a focus on rebuilding climate science policy. The Advisor combines interdisciplinary scholarship, institutional analysis, strategic convening, and knowledge sharing with the broader community to inform advocacy today while helping prepare the next generation of climate change knowledge institutions.  

Approximately 50% of the Advisor's time supports UCS's Climate and Energy Program, and 50% supports the broader Reimagining Federal Science for Policy initiative in collaboration with the UCS Office of Program, Policy & Advocacy.  

Responsibilities 

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in, but not limited to, the information listed below. 

Support the Reimagining Federal Science for Policy Initiative  

• Contribute interdisciplinary analysis and strategic thinking across the broader initiative.  

• Collaborate with colleagues across UCS to identify opportunities to strengthen public-interest science institutions.  

• Maintain continuity across the Reimagining Federal Science for Policy initiative by tracking emerging work, connecting collaborators, identifying opportunities for coordination, and documenting lessons learned.  

• Support organizational learning, evaluation, and strategic planning related to the initiative.  

• Coordinate work across the Climate Reserve and Reimagining Federal Science for Policy initiatives, as appropriate.  

Scope Rebuilding of Climate Change Knowledge Institutions  

• Develop analyses and practical recommendations that strengthen the institutions responsible for producing, governing, communicating, evaluating, and applying climate change knowledge.  

• Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness, legitimacy, equity, and public value of climate change knowledge institutions.  

• Develop practical frameworks and recommendations that inform future governance, public investment, institutional reform, and implementation.  

• Develop and evaluate practical approaches that strengthen climate change knowledge institutions under changing political conditions.  

Convene Collaborative Learning and Partnerships  

• Identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, philanthropic organizations, civil society partners, and affected communities.  

• Convene and contribute to collaborative processes that advance shared learning and institutional improvement.  

• Build and maintain productive relationships across communities of practice.  

• Synthesize collaborative discussions into actionable findings and strategic recommendations.  

Communications and External Engagement  

• Produce reports, briefing papers, presentations, blogs, and other written products that translate complex institutional questions into actionable insights.  

• Contribute to scholarly, practitioner, and public conversations through writing, presentations, and collaborative engagement.  

• Represent UCS at meetings, workshops, conferences, and other public forums, as appropriate.  

• Cultivate relationships with academic, governmental, nonprofit, philanthropic, and professional partners to advance the goals of the fellowship.  

Organizational Learning  

• Document lessons emerging from fellowship activities and associated initiatives.  

• Develop recommendations that strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, institutional learning, and knowledge translation across UCS and partner organizations.  

• Develop documentation, recommendations, and transition materials that enable UCS and partner organizations to sustain and build upon the fellowship's work.  

• Share learning internally and externally to improve future work.  

• At least 7 years of experience demonstrating deep familiarity in the field.  

• Experience integrating knowledge across scientific disciplines, governance, public policy, and practice.  

• Demonstrated ability to conduct interdisciplinary research, analysis, or evaluation.  

• Deep experience with federal climate science institutions, science-policy processes, or related knowledge systems.  

• Excellent analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.  

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.  

• Experience building collaborative relationships across disciplines, sectors, or institutions.  

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and the public interest through science.  

• Strong organizational, project management, and strategic thinking skills.  
• An advanced degree in a relevant field may be preferred depending on final position classification. Comparable experience may be substituted where appropriate.  

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.  

• Continuously operate a computer and must have the ability to control a mouse and keyboard.   

• Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents.     

Work Schedule  

Regular business hours may vary depending on the time zone. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support meetings, travel, or time-sensitive activities.   

Travel Requirements  

Occasional travel to conferences, workshops, partner meetings, UCS retreats, and other organizational events as required.  

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. 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 believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities.  

Details 

This is a full-time, one-year remote position, contingent upon the availability of grant funding. Candidates should understand that employment will be limited to one year, in accordance with the project timeline and funding constraints. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $109,232.02. 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. 

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, and please include links to past research publications and media outputs in the resume when available. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.  

This position is in the bargaining unit. 

Covid Mandate for New Hires 

For in-office roles, UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires who will be reporting to an office location must provide notice of their vaccination status and vaccination documentation on or before their first day of work. For all others, UCS strongly encourages full vaccinations among its employees, up to and including booster shots, even if working remotely. 

All new employees must comply with the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment. 

Deadline: Until filled.