Research Associate, Clean Production Action – Massachusetts

Organization: Clean Production Action

Position Title: Research Associate

Location: Somerville, Massachusetts

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Description: BizNGO and the Chemical Footprint Project are two programs of Clean Production Action (CPA). CPA is a nonprofit organization that advances safer alternatives to toxic chemicals. Our mission is to design and deliver strategic solutions for green chemicals, sustainable materials, and environmentally preferable products.

BizNGO is a unique collaboration of business and environmental leaders working together to define and implement the leading edge in safer chemicals and sustainable materials. Since 2006 we have been creating tools, strategies, principles, and policies for transforming our chemical and material economy. Now we need a dedicated researcher to support BizNGO’s work on alternatives assessment, safer chemicals, sustainable materials, and public policies.

The Chemical Footprint Project (CFP) is a new program launched in 2014 to measure the performance of leading corporations in their efforts to reduce toxic chemicals and choose safer alternatives in products and manufacturing. CFP aims to become the standard for measuring the chemical footprint of corporations and will be groundbreaking in its impact. The program is a collaborative effort between nonprofit organizations and corporations in key economic sectors – socially responsible investors, health care organizations, retailers, and others – that are leading the market shift to safer chemicals. CPA is partnering with the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the consultancy Pure Strategies in launching the CFP. We seek an individual who can effectively research and write content for both BizNGO and the CFP.

This is a new position. The employee will work closely with and report directly to the Chair of BizNGO and Co-Director of Clean Production Action. It is a full time position located in Somerville, MA. The ideal candidate will have excellent research and writing skills across a diversity of disciplines, including policy, toxicology, chemistry, and business sustainability, as well as an interest in multistakeholder initiatives that advance green chemistry.

Responsibilities: Essential duties and responsibilities include:

Writing:

position papers on public policies, including federal and state chemical policy initiatives,

guidance documents for CFP,

reports based on data collected from CFP, and

content for BizNGO and CFP websites.

Review and analyze data collected from CFP on the chemical management practices of businesses.

Researching and writing:

blogs for BizNGO and CFP,

articles for BizNGO newsletter, Trending Topics,

case studies on business practices,

factsheets on an array of topics, including how to implement chemicals management programs in businesses and the business value of participating in CFP, and

reports on trends in the chemical industry, chemicals used in plastics, and availability of safer alternatives to toxic chemicals.

Participate in BizNGO and provide research and writing support to its workgroups on safer chemicals, sustainable materials, alternatives assessment, and public policy.

Present research work and findings at conference and meetings.

Qualifications: Successful applicants will:

• Have a master’s degree in science or public policy and two years of professional research and writing experience.
• Have excellent researching, writing, and editing skills.
• Have a sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including businesses, investors, and environmental groups. Knowledge of business sustainability is preferred.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be self-starting and entrepreneurial; enjoying the creation and implementation of new and challenging initiatives.

How to Apply: If you are comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving, and innovative environment, and believe you are an excellent candidate, then please submit your resume, two writing samples, and cover letter specifically addressing the position responsibilities and qualifications as soon as possible to: [email protected]

Subject line: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE