Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

We kindly request that individuals interested in this role include a cover letter, as well as 1-3 supplementary writing/work samples, by an application deadline of December 30th, 2022.

OVERALL FUNCTION

The Healthy Communities Scientist supports program staff on a breadth of scientific issues relevant to EDF’s Safer Chemicals strategic initiative and works to translate complex scientific findings into actionable ideas that can help advance our goals. The Safer Chemicals initiative seeks to drive significant reductions in the use and exposure to toxic chemicals especially among vulnerable populations and communities at greatest risk by securing lasting solutions that target long-standing inequities in exposures and associated health impacts.

The Healthy Communities Scientist also provides analytic support including evaluation of existing scientific research; conducting new research in collaboration with internal and external partners; commenting on scientific policy positions and chemical assessments; developing science policy approaches; and providing scientific recommendations for market-based solutions. The Healthy Communities Scientist is responsible for supporting EDF’s reputation as a center for high caliber science work by building scientific collaborations, initiating new lines of research on issues relevant to our environmental health work, and upholding and preserving the scientific integrity and quality of EDF’s advocacy.

JOB LOCATION & SCHEDULE

While canddiates residing near our Washington DC office are preferred, this position can be performed 100% remotely from home, or out of any EDF office on a hybrid arrangement, for candidates within the US who are able and willing to support Eastern timezone work hours.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide scientific oversight and support to core strategies within EDF’s Safer Chemicals initiative that aim to reduce exposures, uses and releases of toxic chemicals with a focus on reducing disparities.

• Stay current and engaged on emerging issues in environmental health, specifically as it relates to the health impacts of chemical exposures, in order to keep EDF at the cutting edge of science in this area.
• Establish and maintain external scientific partnerships and relationships.
• Support the development and execution of collaborative scientific initiatives that advance the field.
• Conduct scientific analyses, including collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, in support of policy priorities and market-based solutions as well as the production of secondary literature reviews, technical public comments, white papers, and published literature.
• Conduct scientific evaluation of chemical hazard and risk assessments and evaluations to support EDF policy positions.
• Manage implementation of multi-discipline science-focused projects.
• Contribute to the development, refinement and execution of EDF’s strategy, primarily through rigorous scientific analysis but also by participating in outreach to policy makers, community stakeholders, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Coauthor papers or publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Independently determine approach to completing projects and managing processes.
• Manage fellows and/or research consultants as needed. Contribute to reports, blogs, written comments and other communications materials to provide effective translation of complex scientific concepts for a lay audience.
• Independently support “rapid response” and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis.
• Represent EDF in a variety of settings, including in domestic and international government forums, legislative and regulatory proceedings, meetings with corporate executives, and interactions with other NGOs.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values

QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD in a science-related field with 1-2 years of postdoctorate experience, Master’s degree with 5 or more years of work experience in scientific roles, or Bachelor’s degree with 7 or more years of work experience in scientific roles.
• Expertise in environmental health relevant field preferred.
• Ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate scientific data.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research. Demonstrated scientific expertise, including but not limited to a record of scholarly publications and/or involvement in scientific panels.
• Ability to manage and/or mentor others.
• Ability to serve as an expert for media inquiries
• Commitment to scientific integrity
• Commitment to advancing environmental justice and equity. Relevant experience integrating justice and equity into research practices and partnerships preferred.
• Commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace and building trust in relationships.
• Creative and strategic thinker with a track record of successful implementation of projects
• Demonstrate the cultural awareness and emotional intelligence essential to creating and maintaining a productive and inclusive workplace
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Hiring Range

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization.

The pay range for this role is 92,000 - 105,000 USD which takes into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

How to Apply

Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter on our careers site at: https://www.edf.org/jobs/healthy-communities-scientist-safer-chemicals

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.