How to apply for Science Ambassador Fellow

About Union of Concerned Scientists

The Union of Concerned Scientists is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous science into action for a healthy, safe, and just future. It has worked for over five decades on issues like global warming, sustainable food and energy, disinformation, racial equity, and nuclear war risk. Its stated values include science in the service of people and the planet, justice and equity, and courage to take principled, science-based stands.

About the role

This is a 2-year Science Ambassador Fellow role in the Programs, Policy, and Advocacy Department, working remotely in the US. It sits within Science Rising, a UCS effort tied to science and advocacy. The fellow helps connect science to public action and policy work. The role is a bargaining unit position.

A typical day

A typical day may include drafting communication materials, coordinating with UCS staff or partners, and supporting Science Rising activities. The exact daily tasks are not listed in the posting. Ask the hiring team about typical projects, team structure, and how the fellowship is supervised.

Who Union of Concerned Scientists is looking for

• Has a science or engineering background and can explain technical topics to non-specialist audiences.
• Has experience in advocacy, organizing, policy, or public engagement, not just research.
• Can work remotely and independently across teams and time zones.
• Is committed to equity and to science that serves people and the planet.

Tips for this application

• Read the full job posting on the UCS careers site before writing anything. The text provided here is cut off, so confirm the complete responsibilities and requirements.
• Connect your materials to Science Rising specifically. Explain what you know about it and how your experience fits its goals.
• Show both science and advocacy experience. UCS is not a pure research organization; it puts science into action.
• Name the UCS issue areas you have worked on or studied, such as climate, clean energy, food systems, disinformation, racial equity, or nuclear weapons risk.
• Check whether UCS asks for a cover letter, resume, or writing sample. Follow the exact application instructions on the posting.

What to cover in your cover letter

Why you want to work at UCS and what its values mean for your work. How your science background prepares you to communicate with public and policy audiences. Your direct experience with advocacy, organizing, or policy campaigns. How this 2-year fellowship fits your goals and what you can contribute to Science Rising.

Research before applying

• The Science Rising program: its history, goals, and current campaigns.
• UCS issue areas: climate, energy, food, transportation, disinformation, racial equity, and nuclear weapons.
• UCS values and how they show up in its public positions and reports.
• Recent UCS reports, blog posts, or press releases to understand its current priorities and tone.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would explain a complex science topic to a general audience or policymaker.
• Your experience with advocacy campaigns or community organizing.
• How you handle science communication in politically contested areas.
• What you know about Science Rising and how you would support it.
• How you approach equity and justice in science and policy work.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating this as a standard research job. UCS expects science in the service of policy and public action.
• Ignoring the 2-year fellowship term or the bargaining unit status in your materials.
• Submitting generic materials that do not mention Science Rising or UCS issue areas.