Research Director

Summary

Join the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) as their Research Director for the Center for Science & Democracy (CSD)! In this remote, full-time position, you will lead and manage a team of researchers, ensuring government decisions are informed by sound science. You will direct research initiatives, produce impactful analyses, and represent CSD to various stakeholders. The ideal candidate possesses a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field, extensive experience in research and team management, and strong communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. Apply today and help advance science and democracy!

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a scientific field (social or natural sciences) related to democracy, political science, the science of elections, or similar field
• At least 5 years of experience serving as an effective director and/or manager of a team, and at least 10 years of experience overseeing analyses related to science-informed public policy and democracy
• Demonstrated ability to produce analyses on science policy issues and write about complex policy and scientific matters for multiple audiences, including professional (i.e., peer-reviewed journals), technical (i.e., reports, white papers), and lay (i.e., blogs, op-eds) audiences
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills; ability to effectively manage multiple projects; superb communication skills including both written and public speaking; good working knowledge of scientific and policy processes, and in particular how science informs public policy and democratic processes; excellent people management and leadership skills; proficiency in computer applications, including spreadsheet, word processing, specialized research software and basic programming
• Experience in advancing equity and justice outcomes for research and campaigns
• 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

Responsibilities

• Supervise CSD’s interdisciplinary research team including UCS fellows, scientists, research analysts, and interns
• Manage the team to establish a positive and professional workplace culture, including facilitating conflict management and resolution when appropriate
• Support and mentor research team members by providing advice on navigating programmatic work, organizational strategy, and professional development
• Lead hiring committees to fill critical research gaps for CSD as necessary
• Direct CSD’s research across multiple issue areas, including federal science policy, scientific integrity, evidence-based decision making, fair access and community science, environmental justice, public health, democracy, science of elections, fair representation, disinformation, and others
• Provide leadership in identifying and developing relevant analytic and research projects that will advance campaign goals for the Center for Science and Democracy. Ensure research activities are rigorous and centered in justice and equity
• Develop and lead research in CSD priority issue areas
• Help lead CSD’s annual planning process to shape overall program and campaign goals, strategies, and tactics, with particular emphasis on the campaign’s research directions. Support efforts to fully integrate justice and equity into goals and outcomes
• Supervise CSD’s interdisciplinary research team including UCS fellows, scientists, research analysts, and interns
• Manage the team to establish a positive and professional workplace culture, including facilitating conflict management and resolution when appropriate
• Support and mentor research team members by providing advice on navigating programmatic work, organizational strategy, and professional development
• Lead hiring committees to fill critical research gaps for CSD as necessary
• Oversee the development and production of the interdisciplinary research team’s products, including blogs, op-eds, peer-reviewed publications, fact sheets, and other products
• Create and communicate research products (publications, blogs, fact sheets, etc.) as an expert in the field of science and democracy
• Serve as a senior UCS spokesperson on science and democracy issues to policymakers, the media, donors, key stakeholders, and other audiences
• Support CSD work with UCS communications staff to identify key media opportunities and coordinate responses from other senior program staff to ensure timeliness and accuracy; ensure activities and statements enhance the organization’s reputation and credentials among press, public, and private sectors
• Establish and maintain alliances with researchers and advocates at other organizations to exchange information, share resources and engage in collaborative studies
• Play a key role on fostering, sustaining, and evaluating a culture of collaboration, clarity, cohesion and community for the program; and support enhancements of program venues to put that into practice
• Provide leadership in program’s ongoing work to craft decision-making structures, processes, systems, and ways that affirm the organization’s commitment to internal equity and inclusion and ensures the success of the program’s campaigns
• Lead and model racial equity and anti-racism values and practices within CSD
• Prepare annual project budgets and work plans
• Contribute to grant making, foundation proposals, reports, and fundraising initiatives

Benefits

• Remote work
• Salary: $151,661.04 (CA Resident: +12% differential)
• Excellent benefits
• Rewarding work environment