Scientific Integrity Intern- Washington, D.C.
Organization: Union of Concerned Scientists
Job Title: Scientific Integrity Intern
Location: Washington, D.C.
Hours and Compensation: 40 hours/week. Monthly pay is between $1,733 and $2,600 depending on level of education.
Position Dates (if applicable): Twelve weeks
Application Deadline: April 11, 2012
Posted on: March 29, 2012
Organization Overview
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at MIT in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists that includes people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students.
UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.
Description
The UCS Scientific Integrity Program (SIP) works to defend science and scientists from political and commercial interference and restore scientific integrity to federal decision-making. Special interest pressure has led to significant manipulation and suppression of federal government agency scientific research and federal advisory committees and the censorship of scientists. The Obama administration is working to “restore science to its rightful place,” a complex task that needs input, support, and oversight. For more information, see www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity.
Responsibilities
The SIP intern works with the SIP team to help raise awareness about and understanding of political interference in science with policy makers, the media, and the general public. The intern will take on minor and support major outreach, legislative, and research projects that give scientists and non-scientists alike a better understanding of the use and misuse of science and the real-world consequences of political interference in science.
The intern may take on specific research projects in science and science policy; draft articles for the website and UCS publications; organize events and coalition meetings; analyze how science is used to make specific policy decisions; and assist with legislative efforts. As the program is both dynamic and collaborative, the intern will have significant opportunity to take on new projects as they arise. This internship is an excellent opportunity to learn the ins and outs of science policy research, community organizing, national media campaigns, and legislative and administrative reform.
Qualifications
Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong research and writing skills. Considerable self-motivation, experience working in an office, and solid organizational abilities are helpful for this position. Applicants should possess the ability to communicate effectively with professionals who may be experts and/or prominent in their fields. Most of all, candidates should have a clear understanding of the scientific process, an interest in how science informs federal policy, and a working knowledge of the way in which the Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. government function. Individuals with post-graduate education, college graduates, and highly-motivated undergraduates are all encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter referencing where you learned of this opening, resume, and two writing samples no longer than five pages each (one of which must non-academic writing, such as a memo, op-ed, press release, or blog post) to [email protected] and include “SIP Summer Internship” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No calls.
