Senior Scientist

Sr. Scientist

Global Security Program

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote

Union Eligible

About UCS:

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.

The Position:

The Global Security Program (GSP) in the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) seeks outstanding candidates for a scientist position in support of our goals of reducing the risks posed by nuclear weapons. We seek versatile thinkers committed to policy progress who can contribute to one or more of our priority issue areas by designing and carrying out technical research and policy analysis, including with a racial and economic equity and justice lens; serve as a technical authority and spokesperson on these issues; engage with U.S. policy makers to educate them and promote policy change; increase the visibility and understanding of these issues in scientific, press and public sectors; participate in international efforts to research and influence these security issues. This is a permanent position open to candidates who will have completed their Ph.D. or other advanced degree in a relevant field, or those with equivalent experience.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in shaping overall program objectives, strategies and tactics focused on reducing the threat from nuclear weapons and related issues. Investigate and recommend which issues UCS should address considering UCS’ niche and comparative advantages within the arms control community, and UCS’ commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization.
• Perform comprehensive technical analyses of relevant issues to ensure credibility and accuracy of policy proposals, reports, documents, and any other materials originating from UCS. Conduct this work according to UCS and scientific best practices for ethics and rigor.
• In coordination with the GSP research director and other GSP staff, create a research plan that supports advancing GSP’s short- and long-term policy goals and UCS’ commitment to racial justice. Review and support other analysts’ work and solicit review and input from other team members.
• Represent UCS as spokesperson with the media, the scientific and arms control community, government officials, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to a collegial and respectful work culture and participate in program and organization processes to advance an equitable and just workplace and to help UCS to become an anti-racist organization.
• Maintains awareness of role as representative of UCS; ensures activities and statements enhance organizations reputation and credentials among press, public, and private sectors; promotes UCS, advances organizational objectives, and enhances funding opportunities.

Qualifications and Experience

A minimum of five years successful experience conducting policy-relevant technical work in one or more of the fields of nuclear weapons; nuclear materials and their security and environmental remediation; nuclear radiation and its health effects; ballistic, cruise, or hypersonic missiles; missile defense and space weapons; the effects of emerging technologies on nuclear risks and strategic stability. The position requires broad, comprehensive knowledge of a physical science as typically acquired through completion of a doctoral program, a PhD. in a technical field is preferred. A demonstrated commitment to reducing the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and nuclear materials is desirable, as is demonstrated interest or experience in the racial and economic justice and equity aspects of the nuclear weapons field. An ability to work independently as well as in a team is required, as is an ability to develop competency in new technical and policy issue areas. Effective verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated capability to communicate with a wide variety of audiences, particularly explaining complex technical concepts to a nontechnical audience are strongly desired. Experience with policy campaigns and issue advocacy is preferred.

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

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively 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 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 remote position based in close proximity to UCS’s Cambridge or Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $114,671-129,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary differential*

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 which 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 are 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. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.

Covid Mandate for New Hires:

All UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than October 1st, 2021. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires must provide notice of their vaccination status and vaccination documentation, on or before their first day of work.

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