Date of posting here February 16, 2009 Type of position Full-time, permanent, research/technical Employer Union of Concerned Scientists Description of Employer The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a climate and agriculture scientist for the Food and Environment Program’s exciting campaigns advocating fundamental changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices to enable America’s farmers to produce healthy food in a safe and sustainable manner. An independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists, UCS, for over 30 years, has creatively and successfully combined rigorous scientific analysis and passionate citizen action to gain a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world. Location Washington, DC Salary Competitive Closing date of competition April 1, 2009 Date position available Spring/summer 2009 Description of duties The successful candidate for this position will work with the Food and Environment Program staff (scientists/policy analysts, lawyer, lobbyist, and outreach organizer) to transform U.S. agriculture by encouraging and enabling sustainable food systems; exposing and correcting defects in the current industrial food production system, including the impacts on climate; and changing public opinion of industrialized agriculture. In particular, the new scientist will: research and write technical and policy reports that advance the program’s advocacy goals on climate and agriculture issues; provide research and other technical support to advance program goals promoting sustainable food systems; research and write technical comments, statements, and testimony on program issues; participate in developing campaign goals, strategies, and tactics; and represent UCS in scientific, press, and public sectors. Qualifications sought Basic knowledge and abilities desired: Comprehensive knowledge of the scientific and public policy issues associated with climate and agriculture Ph.D. in biogeochemistry or an agricultural or biological science, including expertise in climate gases, modeling, agriculture, soils, and a strong background in chemistry Capacity to conduct full life cycle analyses of agricultural systems in terms of their contributions to greenhouse gases Understanding the role of science and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy debates Strong analytic and project management skills Excellent writing and public speaking skills Ability to communicate and work effectively in groups Experience desired: Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in scientific and/or public policy work in climate and agriculture Familiarity with public policy process regarding climate and agriculture Demonstrated ability to produce reports on science policy issues and write about complex policy and scientific matters for a lay audience Evidence of strong analytical skills Application procedure Send a cover letter (referencing where you learned of the job opening) and résumé via email to jobs@ucsusa.org by April 1. Electronic submissions only. No phone calls.