Science Policy Advisor

Union of Concerned Scientists

5d•$109,232 - $109,232•Remote

About The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a Science Policy Advisor for a one-year, grant-funded position focused on climate change knowledge institutions. This role is crucial for advancing UCS's mission to ensure science informs public policy and decision-making. The Advisor will support efforts to reimagine and rebuild science policy infrastructure, focusing on developing equitable pathways to safety in a climate-changed world. The position involves interdisciplinary scholarship, institutional analysis, strategic convening, and knowledge sharing to inform advocacy and prepare future climate change knowledge institutions. Approximately 50% of the time will support the Climate and Energy Program, and 50% will support the Reimagining Federal Science for Policy initiative.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree in a relevant field may be preferred depending on final position classification.
Comparable experience may be substituted where appropriate.

Responsibilities

Support the Reimagining Federal Science for Policy Initiative by contributing interdisciplinary analysis and strategic thinking.
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 by developing analyses and practical recommendations.
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 by identifying opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
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.
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.
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.