Scientist/Senior Scientist

Global Security Program

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote 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 racial and economic equity and justice lens; serve as a technical authority and spokesperson on these issues; engage with U.S. policymakers 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 another advanced degree in a relevant field, or those with equivalent experience.

The Union of Concerned Scientists is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, clean energy and transportation, and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

UCS is committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe the inclusion of diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. All staff participates in this commitment whether internally, in building a welcoming workplace culture and /or externally, in ensuring inclusive engagement with supporters, media, vendors, allies, and others.

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 taking into account 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 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.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

A minimum of two years (for Scientist) or five years (for Senior Scientist) 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.

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.

Benefits

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position, which can be remote or based in UCS’s Cambridge or Washington, DC office. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org. A listing of all open jobs is available at https://www.ucsusa.org/about/jobs-ucs.

To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume. Please include salary requirements in the cover letter. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.

Salary:

UCS acknowledges the omission of pertinent salary information in our job ads. This is temporary and due to efforts to enhance our pay equity practices while conducting an organizational-wide compensation analysis. Please refer to the market salary range for this position (consider industry, experience, skills, education, and other factors) when applying to this job.

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: April 15, 2022