Union of Concerned Scientists

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1969 by scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We use rigorous, independent science to address global problems and improve people’s lives. We combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to develop practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

Our work areas include climate change, clean vehicles, clean energy, science and democracy, global security, and food and agriculture. We address issues like proactive grid modernization, data center growth, reducing nuclear weapons threats, and promoting clean electricity goals. For example, we championed legislation in Illinois. We also work to develop sustainable food systems and advance racial equity in our solutions.

We operate by:

• Analyzing problems through rigorous research
• Exposing misinformation from special interests or corporations
• Advocating for changes in public policies and corporate practices
• Activating a network of 500,000 supporters and 23,000 Science Network members to press for specific changes. We partner with hundreds of other organizations and provide technical expertise to over 1,500 local and national groups.

We are funded solely by individuals and independent foundations, not accepting corporate or government grants to protect our independence. UCS is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with offices in Cambridge, MA (national headquarters), Washington, D.C., Berkeley, CA (West Coast), and Chicago, IL (Midwest).

Our mission is to use rigorous, independent science to solve the planet’s most pressing problems. We put this science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future.

We believe science and evidence-based decision making are critical for addressing major challenges. Our key values and areas of concern include:

• Combating climate change
• Developing sustainable food and energy systems
• Reducing the threat of nuclear weapons
• Ensuring our solutions advance racial equity
• Fighting the suppression or manipulation of government science by powerful corporations or special interests. We emphasize equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in our advocacy efforts.

Our team consists of nearly 250 scientists, analysts, policy experts, organizers, and communicators. We value our staff and our mission of science-based action for the public good, hiring smart individuals determined to make a difference.

We strive to maintain an open culture where everyone contributes and feels comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. We support our staff with equitable and transparent salaries, training, sit/stand desks, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that emphasizes work/life balance. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where talented people from diverse backgrounds can thrive. We actively seek candidates who bring diverse perspectives to our work. We are dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups historically underrepresented in the sciences and environmental advocacy.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed for work/life balance. This includes excellent health and dental coverage, generous vacation, holiday, and sick time, and competitive retirement plans with generous employer contributions. We maintain a formal, written pay structure based on objective factors like external survey data, education, and experience. This structure is regularly reviewed.

Employees may have remote or hybrid work arrangements. Some positions require proximity to specific offices, like within 50 miles of Washington, DC, while others are fully remote. Flexible scheduling options, including flex time and time off for events and travel, are available. The work environment also has sit/stand desks. Salaries are competitive; for example, a specific role recently advertised a salary of $109,232.02 with a 12% differential for California residents.