[ES_JOBS_NET] Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists
Christine Wiedinmyer
christinew at ucar.edu
Mon May 4 08:45:56 MDT 2026
https://apply.workable.com/union-of-concerned-scientists/j/B4823480BF
Description
Scientist
Permanent
Climate and Energy
Union of Concerned Scientists
Remote/Washington, DC
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 promotes a voice for all in government decisions.
- Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer,
and more just world.
UCS’s Climate and Energy Program
The Scientist position provides thought leadership, science direction, and
technical and analytical support to advance the mission of the Nuclear
Safety Project within the Climate and Energy Program. 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. This position
carries out research, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and
aids in background research, planning, and preparations for the Program’s
projects related to scientific integrity and other mission-critical areas,
and works collaboratively with coalition and grassroots partners. The
Scientist serves as a spokesperson and technical expert representing UCS in
public forums and with media, policymakers, regulators, and other
decision-makers.
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.
Requirements
Research and Analysis
- Design and implement research and analysis in accordance
with 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 work.
- Identify strategic opportunities for collaborative work across the
Program to develop and test evidence-based solutions for policy,
regulatory, litigation, and other decision-making challenges.
- Lead or support development of science-based products focused on
nuclear power safety and security trends, both domestically and
internationally. Ensure accuracy, credibility, readability, and timeliness
of all written material.
- Manage research and analysis projects on nuclear power and nuclear
safety issues, 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 stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for broadening and diversifying the voices
engaging in Program-related decision-making venues and equip new
stakeholders 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
stakeholders; maintain and safeguard confidential UCS supporter and ally
data.
- Maintain in-depth knowledge of, monitor, and assess current and
emerging climate attribution science research and trends in the field of
nuclear power and nuclear safety issues, and related
policy/regulatory/litigation issues, and apply learning to analysis and
advocacy activities.
Campaign Support
- Using expertise, supports the scoping, planning, design, and
implementation of campaigns, including identifying key decision makers,
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.
Expert Representation and Advocacy
UCS employees in external-facing roles must maintain awareness of the role
as a representative of UCS, ensure activities and statements enhance the
organization's reputation and credentials among the press, public, and
private sectors, promote UCS, advance organizational objectives, and
improve funding opportunities.
- Represent UCS, its values, and positions in coalitions, conferences,
workshops, negotiations, testimony, and congressional hearings, national
and state regulatory commissions, legislative committees, other government
agencies and commissions, market operators, and other key forums.
- Attend public meetings of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC);
prepare summaries and participate actively as a member of the public.
- Prepare comments on NRC and Department of Energy (DOE) regulatory
actions such as proposed rules, draft guidance, and NEPA documentation.
- Assist in monitoring public document releases from the NRC, DOE, and
other relevant federal agencies; prepare and submit Freedom of Information
Act requests.
- Establish and maintain alliances with advocates, other organizations,
community leaders, businesses, academics, and researchers, including
regulatory and legislative staff and governmental agencies, to exchange
information, provide technical information/education and guidance, share
resources, advance shared objectives, engage in collaborative projects,
and participate in coalitions.
- Represent UCS in the media, traditional and social; work with UCS
Communications staff to identify key media opportunities, help draft
materials, and serve as direct contact to the media, including providing
rapid response to media requests. Respond to inquiries and comments from
partners, media, members, and the public about issues related to the
Program’s mission.
- Report research results and recommend research directions in oral and
written form to experts, the public, media, and congressional
representatives.
- Communicate and uplift UCS’s priorities online and through social
media by writing blog posts, web copy, and other digital content.
- Serve as an internal resource to expand UCS staff climate
science expertise and visibility. Share research and insights with UCS
staff and collaborate on understanding and applying that research to
advancing UCS's strategic priorities.
- Support and provide strategic thinking with respect to UCS’s
fundraising and development efforts through donor meetings, participation
in meetings of the National Advisory Board, and other efforts to cultivate
relationships.
Other Duties As Assigned
Up to 20% of any individual job may contain work that is not specifically
listed in this document. This may reflect temporary assignments, individual
professional development opportunities (e.g., learning a new set of
skills, participating in a professional growth experience), and/or a
requirement to serve in an organizational citizenship capacity (e.g.,
participating in JEDI activities, pitching in/volunteering for extra work,
covering for a colleague on leave).
- Support and participate in UCS's internal efforts to create an
anti-racist and inclusive work environment. Contribute to creating a
culture in which all staff on the team are safe, respected, and heeded, and
BIPOC people thrive.
People Management Authority
This position may provide technical direction to staff, interns, fellows,
consultants, and volunteers allocated to specific projects, as assigned.
Benefits
Qualifications and Experience
Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when
appropriate.
- Masters or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field, such as nuclear
engineering, physics, or nuclear chemistry.
- 7+ years of comparable and relevant experience, which could include
academic-related work experience. Experience in nuclear power plant
operations is particularly desirable.
- Familiarity with nuclear safety and security regulatory standards and
regulations, including those of the NRC, DOE, and International Atomic
Energy Agency.
- Broad familiarity with one or more technical areas of nuclear power
and fuel cycle facility safety and security for both the operating
light-water reactor fleet and their new designs (small modular light-water
reactors, non-light-water reactors), such as accident analysis or
radiological assessment.
- Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, experience in
designing and carrying out scientific research and analysis; familiarity
with computer codes such as MCNP/OpenMC, SCALE, MELCOR, and MACCS/HYSPLIT,
and experience in conducting radiological consequence assessments of
nuclear facility accidents, are desirable.
- Understanding of how science, economic, and technical analyses, and
advocacy inform public opinion, public policy, and litigation.
- Innovation skills: ability to develop novel applications for existing
data streams.
- Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, internally and
with external partners from various backgrounds.
- Experience with coalitions, legislative process, advocacy skills, and
policy/planning analysis.
- Excellent writing and presentation skills; ability to communicate
effectively with technical experts and other professionals; ability to
communicate complex scientific matters to non-expert audiences.
- Project management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and in teams in a fast-paced
environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Experience with incorporating equity, inclusion, and justice into
work/projects; demonstrated experience centering equity in technical
analysis.
- Knowledge and familiarity with racial equity and inclusion principles
and how race and other identities intersect in the work, particularly in
scientific, policymaking, and environmental communities. Must be
comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual
orientation, class, ability, and its present-day implications.
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, which may vary depending on time zone. Occasional
work outside of standard hours for events, travel, or time-sensitive
matters is required.
Travel Requirements
Periodic domestic and international travel is required.
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. For those who meet all position
requirements, the salary is $122,884.68. UCS offers excellent benefits and
a rewarding work environment. *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary
differential*
Information about the organization is available at .
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. 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.
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