Remote Science Policy Advisor Jobs 2026: Join the Union of Concerned Scientists Climate & Energy Team

Professionals with expertise in science policy, climate governance, public policy, and interdisciplinary research now have an exciting opportunity to work remotely with one of the world’s leading science advocacy organizations. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a Science Policy Advisor to support its Climate and Energy Program and its Reimagining Federal Science for Policy Initiative.

This full-time, one-year remote position offers a competitive annual salary of $109,232.02 and provides an opportunity to influence climate science policy while working alongside scientists, researchers, advocates, and policymakers committed to creating a healthier, safer, and more equitable world.

About the Union of Concerned Scientists

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit organization that uses rigorous scientific research to influence public policy and improve people’s lives. For more than five decades, UCS has worked to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, clean energy, sustainable food systems, nuclear safety, environmental justice, and science-based policymaking.

Its work is guided by six core values:

• Science in service of people and the planet.
• Justice and equity.
• Courage in science-based advocacy.
• Integrity through evidence-based decision making.
• Democracy and inclusive public participation.
• Action that inspires meaningful change.

The organization brings together experts from diverse disciplines, including scientists, engineers, economists, policy specialists, and communicators, to advocate for practical solutions that improve society.

About the Science Policy Advisor Role

The Science Policy Advisor position is a grant-funded, one-year appointment focused on strengthening climate science institutions and ensuring scientific evidence continues to guide public policy.

The successful candidate will divide their time between:

• Supporting the Climate and Energy Program.
• Advancing the Reimagining Federal Science for Policy Initiative.

Working across disciplines, the advisor will develop practical recommendations that strengthen how climate knowledge is produced, governed, communicated, evaluated, and applied in decision-making.

The role combines research, strategic analysis, institutional development, partnership building, and policy engagement to help improve climate science governance for future generations.

Key Responsibilities

The Science Policy Advisor will contribute across several strategic areas.

Support Science Policy Initiatives

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting interdisciplinary policy analysis.
• Supporting strategic planning.
• Coordinating collaboration across multiple UCS initiatives.
• Tracking emerging policy developments.
• Documenting lessons learned.
• Supporting organizational learning and evaluation.

Strengthen Climate Knowledge Institutions

The advisor will also:

• Develop recommendations for improving climate science governance.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen scientific institutions.
• Evaluate institutional effectiveness and equity.
• Support public investment and governance reforms.
• Develop practical frameworks for climate policy implementation.

Build Partnerships and Collaboration

A major part of the role involves bringing together diverse stakeholders, including:

• Researchers.
• Policymakers.
• Government agencies.
• Civil society organizations.
• Philanthropic institutions.
• Community representatives.
• Climate practitioners.

The advisor will facilitate collaboration and translate discussions into actionable policy recommendations.

Communications and Knowledge Sharing

The successful candidate will also:

• Write reports and policy briefs.
• Prepare presentations.
• Produce blog articles.
• Develop briefing papers.
• Represent UCS at conferences and workshops.
• Engage with academic and policy communities.
• Build partnerships that strengthen climate science policy.

Promote Organizational Learning

The advisor will document findings throughout the project and develop recommendations that enable UCS and its partners to continue building on the initiative after the one-year grant concludes.

Qualifications

UCS is seeking experienced professionals with strong expertise in science policy and climate governance.

Applicants should have:

• At least seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working across scientific disciplines and public policy.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Deep knowledge of federal climate science institutions.
• Experience with science-policy processes.
• Excellent writing and communication abilities.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience building collaborative partnerships.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity and public-interest science.

An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred, although equivalent professional experience may be considered.

Salary and Benefits

This remote opportunity offers:

• Annual salary of $109,232.02.
• Full-time remote employment.
• Excellent employee benefits.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunities for occasional travel to conferences, partner meetings, workshops, and organizational retreats.

Because the position is grant-funded, employment is expected to conclude after one year unless additional funding becomes available.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for professionals working in:

• Climate Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Science Policy
• Public Policy
• Climate Governance
• Research and Analysis
• Government Affairs
• Policy Advocacy
• Environmental Research
• Think Tanks
• Academic Research
• Climate Strategy

Candidates with experience connecting scientific research to public decision-making and institutional reform will be particularly well suited for this position.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The Union of Concerned Scientists offers a unique opportunity to influence how science informs public policy at a national level. Rather than focusing solely on research, this role emphasizes creating practical frameworks that improve climate governance, strengthen public institutions, and support evidence-based policymaking.

Professionals passionate about climate resilience, institutional reform, and science-driven advocacy will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts while helping shape policies that address one of the defining global challenges of our time.

Application Information

Applications are accepted until the position is filled, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Applicants should submit:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter confirming the advertised salary meets their expectations.
• Links to research publications or media outputs where available.

Final Thoughts

As governments, organizations, and communities continue responding to climate change, the need for strong science-policy leadership has never been greater. The Union of Concerned Scientists’ Science Policy Advisor role offers experienced professionals an opportunity to contribute directly to strengthening climate science institutions while advancing equitable, evidence-based public policy.

If you have extensive experience in science policy, interdisciplinary research, climate governance, or public policy development, this remote opportunity provides an excellent platform to make a lasting impact while working with one of the world’s most respected nonprofit science organizations.

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