Scientific Integrity Research Internship- Washington, DC
Organization: The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
Title: Scientific Integrity Research Internship
Location: Washington, DC
Hours and Compensation: 40 hours per week; monthly pay between $2,080 and $2,600 depending on level of education.
Posted On: Nov. 28, 2011
Timeline:Beginning in December 2011 or January 2012 for six months with the possibility of extension.
Description
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.
Program and Internship Description
Political interference in the way the federal government uses science to make decisions has become a significant problem in recent years. While President Obama has pledged to “restore science to its rightful place” and has taken steps towards that goal, this task is complex. The UCS Scientific Integrity Program (SIP) works to restore scientific integrity to federal policymaking by documenting how science is politicized, educating decision makers and the public about the problem, working to implement systemic changes, and holding those who misuse science accountable for their actions.
In coordination with the SIP research team, the SIP Research Intern will investigate and document potential cases of political and inappropriate corporate interference in science. She or he will explore and expose how science is misused during the federal policymaking process, and the forces contributing to this manipulation, suppression or distortion of science. He or she will write and contribute to reports, fact sheets, web pages, and other materials to document and communicate these research results. As the program is both dynamic and collaborative, the apprentice will have opportunities to conceptualize and take on new projects as they arise. This is an excellent opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the science policymaking process, legislative and administrative reform, and to better understand the relationship between government and the private sector.
Qualifications
Candidates should be trained in a scientific field and able to demonstrate strong research skills. Robust written and oral communications abilities, considerable self-motivation, experience working in an office, and solid organizational skills are necessary for this position. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an 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 and current threats to the integrity of federal government science, a working knowledge of and interest in the way in which the Executive and Legislative branches of the U.S. government function, and a demonstrable commitment to working in the public interest/non-profit sector.
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]
