Food Safety Research & Policy Associate-Washington, DC.

Organization: Center for Science in the Public Interest 

Position Title: Food Safety Research & Policy Associate

Location: Washington, DC.

Hours & Compensation: Full time.

Application Deadline: Not listed

Job Description:

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit health-advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on nutrition and food safety. CSPI publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter, the nation’s largest‑circulation health newsletter. CSPI provides valuable, objective information to the public, represents citizens’ interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies, and ensures that advances in science are used for the public’s good. CSPI is supported largely by the 900,000 U.S. and Canadian subscribers to its Nutrition Action Healthletter and by foundation grants.

The Food Safety department is at the forefront of activities to improve public policies and corporate practices to prevent food-borne illnesses. Joining the Food Safety team offers an exciting opportunity for a talented person to help ensure that government regulators, policy makers, and industry work harder to protect American consumers from the threats of food contamination and to reduce the burden of food-borne illnesses. The Food Safety Research and Policy Associate manages a large database and provides research and project support to the Director of Food Safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage Outbreak Alert database, including data collection, data analysis, and developing an annual report.
• Track current foodborne illness outbreaks and updates the Food Safety website as needed.
• Provide assistance with reports, research and other project-related tasks including data collection and analysis, writing, proof reading and editing.
• Represent CSPI and communicate CSPI viewpoints at meetings and in written documents.
• Attend meetings on current food safety issues and report back to the project Director.
• Perform cite-checking of major documents for Food Safety staff.
• Assist with identifying grant opportunities; help develop grant proposals; and help manage existing Food Safety grant-funded projects.
• Meet with individuals and groups to discuss data-related issues covered by Food Safety project.
• Prepare speeches, PowerPoint presentations and other materials for department for presentation by different members of the department.
• Manage food safety department’s Federal Register comments, and keep department informed of food safety news.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (epidemiology, public health or environmental preferred) from an accredited graduate school and four to five years of related experience and/or training.
• Excellent research, data management and analysis experience.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including public speaking experience.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Computer proficiency with MSOffice, specifically Access, Excel and Word; database management skills; and experience with Internet-based research tools.
• Experience with statistical analysis software programs such as SPSS or SAS is desirable.
• Ability to work independently is essential; and ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and frequent deadlines.
• Interest and commitment to CSPI’s work and mission.
  How to apply

  Please send your application materials, which should include a cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest, résumé, and writing sample to: [email protected]. Please include “FS-ID” in subject line.

  CSPI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package along with a healthy working environment. CSPI is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.