Application Guide
How to Apply for Hitz Fellow, Fossil Fuel-Al Nexus
at Union of Concerned Scientists
🏢 About Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is a nonprofit that combines rigorous scientific analysis with advocacy to tackle the world's most pressing environmental and social challenges. What sets UCS apart is its commitment to putting science at the center of policy debates, ensuring that evidence-based solutions drive progress on climate change, energy, and equity. Working here means joining a team of dedicated scientists, analysts, and advocates who influence real-world change.
About This Role
As a Hitz Fellow focused on the Fossil Fuel-AI Nexus, you'll lead interdisciplinary research on how AI-driven data center expansion is reshaping energy demand, emissions, and equity. Your work will directly inform policy recommendations, regulatory oversight, and public discourse, making a tangible impact on the intersection of technology and climate justice. This role is ideal for someone who wants to bridge technical research with advocacy for a just energy transition.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing energy consumption data from data center disclosures, drafting a policy brief on regulatory gaps, and meeting with UCS advocacy teams to align research with campaign goals. You could also spend time coding a model to project emissions under different growth scenarios, followed by a call with community partners to discuss equity impacts.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Union of Concerned Scientists Is Looking For
- A researcher with a PhD in energy systems, environmental policy, or data science, who has a track record of mixed-methods studies combining quantitative analysis (e.g., energy modeling, emissions accounting) with qualitative methods (e.g., document review, policy mapping).
- Proficient in Python (or R/Julia) and experienced with version control (git/GitHub); comfortable handling large datasets and scripting for analysis.
- Deeply familiar with corporate disclosure research, emissions accounting frameworks (e.g., GHG Protocol), and the regulatory landscape around data centers and fossil fuels.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity and justice, with experience integrating these principles into research design and communication.
📝 Tips for Applying to Union of Concerned Scientists
Tailor your cover letter to explicitly connect your research experience with the AI–fossil fuel nexus, even if you haven't worked directly on this topic—highlight transferable skills like energy systems analysis or corporate accountability research.
Show, don't just tell, your mixed-methods expertise: in your resume, include a bullet point that describes a project where you combined data analysis with qualitative methods like document review or interviews.
Mention any experience with policy mapping or regulatory analysis, especially related to energy or environmental justice, as this is a key part of the role.
Provide a link to your GitHub or a portfolio with code samples from relevant projects (e.g., energy modeling, emissions analysis) to demonstrate your scripting proficiency.
Research UCS's recent reports and campaigns on AI and energy (e.g., their work on data center emissions) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your ability to conduct interdisciplinary research that bridges technical energy analysis with social equity considerations.', 'Highlight specific examples of using Python or R for emissions accounting or energy systems modeling, and mention any experience with corporate disclosure data (e.g., SEC filings, CDP reports).', "Demonstrate your commitment to UCS's mission by discussing how your previous work has contributed to environmental justice or science-based advocacy.", "Express interest in translating research into policy impact, referencing UCS's track record of influencing regulations."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read UCS's recent reports on the energy impacts of data centers, such as 'The Clean Energy Race' or their blog posts on AI and fossil fuels.
- → Familiarize yourself with UCS's advocacy on corporate accountability and their work with the Science Hub for Climate and Energy.
- → Explore the broader policy landscape: current EPA regulations on power plant emissions, state-level data center siting policies, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rules.
- → Understand the key players in the AI–energy nexus, including major tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) and their carbon-free energy pledges, as well as fossil fuel interests.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application that doesn't mention UCS or the specific focus on AI and fossil fuels—tailor each application.
- Avoid downplaying the equity and justice component; UCS values this deeply, so failing to address it suggests a lack of alignment.
- Don't overstate your coding skills without evidence; if you list Python, be prepared to discuss a specific project where you used it for data analysis or modeling.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Union of Concerned Scientists!