[Job] Principal Scientist at The Green Science Policy Institute

November 29, 2024

The Green Science Policy Institute (The Institute) would like to hire a Principal Scientist to collaborate with and support the Executive Director and Institute team in carrying out the Institute’s mission to reduce the use of harmful chemicals for healthier products, people, and planet. 

Overview of the Institute

The Institute’s scientific research and policy work reduces the use of toxic chemical classes worldwide. We educate and build partnerships between government, business, academia, and nonprofits to find innovative solutions to protect human health and the global environment. Our high-impact scientific research papers and policy work are the basis of our past successes in changing government regulations and business manufacturing and purchasing practices for a healthier world. For more about the Institute, visit our websites at GreenSciencePolicySixClasses, and PFASCentral, and learn more about our strategy from our case studies.

Job Description

The Principal Scientist will help the Executive Director in leading our science and policy projects, managing our staff and operations, and shaping our future direction. They will also collaborate with Institute staff on projects. We are looking for a talented, experienced, and energetic scientist with a chemistry, biology, or other environmental health sciences background; a minimum of five years’ scientific and management experience; outstanding thinking, writing, and speaking skills; and a passion for a more just and healthy world. This high-level position will play a key role in advancing our mission towards safer and healthier chemicals worldwide.

Responsibilities

The Principal Scientist will:

  • Be a thought partner with the Executive Director on project work, organizational matters, and the future vision for the Institute
  • Plan research, co-author, and communicate peer-reviewed scientific papers, reports, consensus statements, opinion pieces, and educational materials
  • Lead one Institute science & policy project based on their background and interests
  • In collaboration with the Executive Director, help mentor and supervise three to five science policy program and administrative staff and/or consultants
  • Develop and maintain relationships with our networks of collaborators in academia, government, business, and other NGOs
  • Participate in policy work at the local, state, national, and international level
  • Contribute to the Institute’s monthly newsletters, blogs, and website entries
  • Participate in writing and editing grant proposals and reports
  • Help organize and design Institute’s meetings such as our Six Classes Toxics Reduction Retreat

Position Expectations and Qualifications

REQUIRED

  • PhD in chemistry, biology, public health , or a related field, or equivalent educational and practical experience
  • Five or more years working in a non-profit, scientific, and/or other environmental health position
  • Five or more years experience managing people and complex projects
  • Passion for our mission to protect health and the environment worldwide
  • Superb written and verbal communications skills
  • Team player with a willingness to take on diverse roles and responsibilities
  • Ability to research, synthesize, and share complex scientific information simply and clearly with a non-technical audience
  • Creative thinker, exercises good judgment, takes the initiative to solve problems
  • Persistence, attention to detail, and flexibility to adjust project directions based on new opportunities
  • Work experience demonstrating efficiency, organization, and resourcefulness

DESIRABLE

  • Knowledge of government, business, and manufacturing methods and networks
  • Experience with environmental health policy work

Position and Location

Hybrid with two days a week in our lovely North Berkeley office. A strong candidate who prefers to work part time would be considered. Also, remote work could be possible with a few days each month in our office. 

Compensation 

$120-160k for a full time position depending on skills and years of experience. We provide a benefits package including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; a simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer contribution; generous paid vacation beginning at three weeks plus holidays; and a flexible schedule.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send your resume, a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and your future objectives to [email protected]. Please include your name and “Principal Scientist Position” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.


The Green Science Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.