Internships

CLEAN ENERGY INTERNSHIP

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY INTERNSHIP

The Union of Concerned Scientists is
an equal opportunity employer
continually seeking to diversify its staff.

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 our Clean Energy Internship or Scientific Integrity Internship in our Washington, DC Office.

Please note that these internships are offered at different times and for different lengths of time. 

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 35 hours per week and receive a stipend based on his/her level of education.

What if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Although we welcome applicants who are not U.S. citizens, you 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:  January/February 2009 through May/June 2009 (minimum of six months)

The UCS Clean Energy Program seeks an intern for six months, beginning in January or February 2009. 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 energy portfolio standard, the Clean Energy program's highest priority.

Other campaigns may arise depending on state and federal activities.

Intern’s duties include but are not limited to calling and recruiting volunteers, sending email alerts to activist members, maintaining/updating our web page, planning and attending meetings, drafting letters to the editor, etc.

Candidates interested in public policy related to 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.

To apply for the Clean Energy Program internship, please send cover letter referencing where you learned of this opening, resume, and short writing sample to: internship@ucsusa.org, and include “CE Internship” in the subject line.


Scientific Integrity Internships
Washington, DC Office
Date(s) Offered: We will be offering at least one 6-month internship starting in Fall 2008. Please check back for specific dates.

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. The UCS Scientific Integrity Program (SIP) works to prevent this practice by publicizing abuses of science, organizing scientists to educate decision makers about the problem and needed reforms, 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 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.

In addition to his or her research duties, the intern may draft articles for the web site and on specific issues; organize and participate in SIP team and coalition meetings; and assist with legislative or outreach efforts.  As the program is both dynamic and growing, the intern will have significant opportunity to take on new research projects as they arise. This internship is an excellent opportunity to learn the ins and outs of community organizing, national media campaigns, and legislative and administrative reform. Individuals with post-graduate education, college graduates, and highly-motivated undergraduates are all encouraged to apply.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong research skills. Proficient computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and internet research are required. Robust written and oral communications abilities, solid administrative skills, and the ability to work independently and as a part of a group are necessary for this position. A comfort with scientific topics and statistics is strongly preferred. Most of all, candidates should have a clear understanding of the scientific process and current threats to the integrity of 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.

To apply for a Scientific Integrity Internship, please submit a cover letter referencing where you learned of this opening, resume, and two writing samples (at least one non-academic sample preferred) 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.