Remote Material Science Postdoc Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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.  

• PhD. degree in a relevant field, or working towards a PhD. in areas 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 beli...