Union of Concerned Scientists

Want Interesting Work That Matters?
Consider a UCS internship!

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference AND gain useful work experience at the same time?
Would you like to work with people who know how to influence public policy?

Then consider applying for the Clean Energy Internship or the Scientific Integrity Internship in our Washington, DC Office.

Please note that these internships are offered at different times and for different lengths of time. We currently do not expect to offer summer-only internships.

What qualifications do I need?
We expect all applicants to have excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and proficiency with computers.

What are the hours, and will I get paid?
All interns work 40 hours per week (with a one-hour paid lunch) and receive a stipend based on level of education (currently $2,080 with a BA or BS).

What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must be able to provide an employment authorization document from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

How do I apply?
See instructions for each internship below.


Clean Energy Internship 
Washington, DC Office
Date Offered: September through December 2010

The UCS Clean Energy Program seeks an intern for six months, beginning in September 2010. Working with our lobbyist, organizer, and other program staff, the intern will assist in planning and implementing state and federal campaigns to promote clean, renewable energy.

Our main current campaign is passing the national renewable electricity standard.

Other campaigns may arise depending on state and federal activities.

Intern's duties include but are not limited to engaging our members and activists in our campaigns, helping to load email alerts and other online activism, maintaining/updating our web page, planning and attending congressional meetings, drafting letters to the editor, etc.

Candidates interested in public policy, energy and environmental issues are encouraged to apply. We will consider applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds. Of particular relevance are majors in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Candidates with interest and education in forestry and/or biomass are especially encouraged to apply.

Basic Qualifications: Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and proficiency with computers.

Hours and Pay: 40 hours/week; monthly pay of $2,080 with BA or BS.

To Apply: Please send cover letter referencing where you learned of this opening, resume, and short writing sample by July 30, 2010 to internship@ucsusa.org, and include "CE Internship" in the subject line.  


Scientific Integrity Internship
Washington, DC Office
Date Offered: Six months beginning in April or June 2010, with the possibility of extension.

The scientific community over the past several years has witnessed significant manipulation, suppression, and distortion of federal government agency science research and federal advisory committees and the censorship of scientists. President Obama has pledged to “restore science to its rightful place.” But this task is complex.

The UCS Scientific Integrity Program (SIP) works to create a thriving federal scientific enterprise by organizing scientists to educate decision makers about the problem and needed reforms, researching and publicizing abuses of science, and working to implement systemic changes that will restore scientific integrity to federal policy making.

The SIP intern works with the SIP team to help raise awareness about and understanding of political interference in science with policy makers, the media, and the general public. The intern will take on minor and support major outreach, legislative, and research projects that give scientists and non-scientists alike a better understanding of the use and misuse of science and the real-world impact of political interference in science.

The intern may draft articles for the website and UCS publications; organize events and coalition meetings; analyze how science is used to make specific policy decisions; and assist with legislative or research efforts.  As the program is both dynamic and collaborative, the intern will have significant opportunity to take on new projects as they arise. The internship description will be revised as needed based both on the needs of the program and the skills of the intern. This internship is an excellent opportunity to learn the ins and outs of community organizing, national media campaigns, science policy research, and legislative and administrative reform. Individuals with post-graduate education, college graduates, and highly-motivated undergraduates are all encouraged to apply.

Basic Qualifications: Candidates should be able to demonstrate outreach, organizing, or volunteer experience for non-profit organizations or political campaigns. Robust written and oral communications abilities, experience working in an office, and solid research skills are necessary for this position. Proficient computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and internet research are required. A comfort with scientific topics is strongly preferred. 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.

Hours and Pay: 40 hours per week; monthly pay of $2,080 with BA or BS.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter referencing where you learned of this opening, resume, and two writing samples (at least one non-academic sample required) by February 26, 2010 to: internship@ucsusa.org and include "SIP Internship" in the subject line. In your cover letter, please be sure to address your non-laboratory research experience.


Scoville Fellowship
The Union of Concerned Scientists participates in the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, under which recipients are paid a stipend to work for six to nine months on arms control, peace, and security issues in Washington DC. Twenty-five organizations participate in the program, and the winners of the fellowship get to select the organization for which they work. If you are selected, we encourage you to pick UCS. For further information or to apply for the fellowship, please visit the Scoville website.


Last Updated:  January 15, 2010