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.
UCS’s Climate & Energy Program
UCS’s Climate & Energy program is seeking a Senior Climate Scientist. The Senior Climate Scientist position provides physical climate science thought leadership, science direction, and technical and analytical support to advance the Climate and Energy Program mission. Senior Climate Scientists contribute to the development of Theories of Change, design research objectives and strategies, critically evaluate empirical evidence, and represent UCS, its values and positions in science advocacy initiatives. The Senior Climate Scientist will play a lead role in UCS’s efforts to advance, communicate, and defend climate science and climate change analyses across the C&E program. This position designs and carries out a robust research agenda including publishing in peer-review journals and co-creating UCS products for nontechnical audiences. They aid in background research, planning, and preparations for the Program’s projects related to scientific integrity and other mission-critical areas and work collaboratively with coalition and grassroots partners. The Senior Climate Scientist serves as a lead spokesperson and climate science technical expert representing UCS in public forums and with media, policymakers, regulators, and partners.
UCS employees center their work on UCS’s core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program/department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow.
Responsibilities
Research and Analysis
● Design and implement research and analysis in accordance with legal requirements for human subjects and environmental protection and upholding principles of scientific excellence (e.g., regarding plagiarism, conflicts of interest, intellectual property and copyright, data governance and archiving, use of artificial intelligence).
● Work with leadership and colleagues to ensure that organizational and programmatic goals, strategies, priorities and decisions are grounded in, and informed by, the best available science and advance campaign goals and objectives.
● Identify strategic opportunities for new areas of research for the Program and identify solutions to enable novel analytical or policy/litigation work.
● Identify strategic opportunities for collaborative work across Program to develop and test evidence-based solutions for policy, regulatory, and other decision-making challenges.
● Lead or support development of science-based products. Ensure accuracy, credibility, readability, and timeliness of all written material.
● Participate and contribute to the S&A Group and support the priorities of the Office of Science and Innovation.
● Manage research and analysis projects, including scoping, planning, execution, and evaluation. Manage day-to-day and long-term activities, budgets, contracts, coordinating project staff, maintaining project transparency and communication with project participants, programs, and the organization.
○ Write, edit and review peer-reviewed papers, reports, fact sheets, issue/policy briefs, and other materials highlighting the results of various analyses following UCS protocols for review, production, and presentation of results.
○ Help coordinate peer review by external technical experts, and internal UCS scientific and analytic products, and make necessary revisions before submitting for publication. Tailor style and content of materials for technical and/or general audiences, as appropriate.
○ Apply research results and conclusions to the formulation and development of public policies, regulations, and political strategies to promote the Program’s goals.
○ Carry out research objectives, policy approaches and engagement with others that foster inclusiveness and deliver greater benefits to underserved communities.
■ Provide a supportive and welcoming environment that addresses the needs of diverse entities.
■ Identify opportunities for broadening and diversifying the voices engaging in Program-related decision-making venues and equip new collaborators to engage successfully.
■ Apply scientific tools for advancing social equity.
Assessment and Learning
● Understand and value accurate data for the assessment, learning, tracking, and reporting of UCS’s impact.
● Routinely track the impact of work to share with internal and external collaborators; maintain and safeguard confidential UCS supporter and ally data.
● Maintain in-depth knowledge of, monitor, and assess current and emerging research, trends in the field, and related policy/regulatory issues, and apply learning to analysis and advocacy activities.
Campaign Support
● Using expertise, supporting the scoping, planning, design, and implementation of campaigns, including identifying key partners, research questions, and policy opportunities.
● Collaborate with the Program’s Campaign staff to keep the campaign on track, assess new opportunities, respond to changing conditions, and communicate key decisions.
● Influence the development and implementation of policies and strategies within government and nongovernment institutions to advance campaign goals; collaborate with UCS campaign and legislative staff to develop and effectively promote UCS-supported positions with senior government officials, legislators, regulators, opinion leaders, non-traditional allies, coalition partners, public and media representatives at local, state, regional, and national levels.