Job details
Salary $60,000 - $65,000 a year job type full-time
Full job description
The center for science in the public interest, one of the nation’s leading scientific advocacy organizations, seeks a policy-savvy scientist to help establish and push for coherent, health-driven standards, policies, and incentives to improve the safety of additives used in food and reduce unwanted contaminants in foodThe staff scientist, food additives will assist the science team in evaluating the safety of additives and contaminants in foods (including beverages) and securing reforms to bolster the safety of children and families by the food and drug administration and the marketplace.
This is a 12-month grant funded, full-time position with potential for extension based on fundingThe staff scientist, food additives is a member of the science team and reports to its deputy directorThe position is located in cspi`s dc office or remotely.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Research and evaluate the use and safety of food additives, as well as other chemicals added to or present in food, for inclusion on cspi’s chemical cuisine website.
Propose additional revisions and updates to chemical cuisine as needed to ensure accurate and transparent communication of food additive safety.
Participate in developing science department guidance and related documents, providing scientific review of cspi staff work products, surveying/assessing scientific needs of cspi staff, and other related science department activities.
Conduct policy and issues analyses and draft petitions, reports, fact sheets, webpages, and other materials to support cspi’s positions before executive branch agencies, food and beverage companies, restaurants, and other stakeholders regarding the safety of food additives and other chemicals in food.
Provide scientific support to an industry outreach effort to channel companies’ clean labels efforts into gains for public health and safety.
Represent cspi with elected officials, industry, coalition partners, and the academic community.
Effectively communicate cspi’s policy priorities and mission to drive our advocacy goals.
Assist in building strong partnerships with allied organizationsMobilize support for campaigns from organizations, academics, health professionals, cspi members, and other concerned citizens.
Hold industry accountable, engaging companies cooperatively when possible and through public pressure campaigns when needed.
Qualifications
Commitment to cspi’s advocacy and educational mission.
Advanced public health or science degree with coursework in toxicology and epidemiology required.
At least 1-2 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated research, objective analytical ability, and writing skills.
Familiarity with chemical hazard/risk evaluations (via coursework and/or professional experience).
Strong interest in public policy and developing policy skills.
Commitment to transparency and scientific rigor in work products.
Experience writing articles, reports, and/or memos that clearly and accurately synthesize scientific and policy issues for policy makers, journalists, and the public.
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and including in the workplace.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak effectively to colleagues and outside audiences.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and multiple deadlines.
Proficiency with microsoft office applications and research databases, such as pubmed.
About cspi
Cspi, america’s food and health watchdog, is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with a 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interestWe’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods and remove sugary drinks from children’s menusNational policy successes include the nutrition labeling and education act; healthy, hunger-free kids act; food safety modernization act; organic foods production act; and food allergen labeling and consumer protection act.
Cspi on diversity, equity, and inclusion
Cspi is committed to including and valuing diverse voices and fostering a culture that ensures all staff feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be their best selvesIn that spirit, each of us is committed to putting in constant work to live up to our organization’s core values:
We are inclusiveWe seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmedWe are not looking for everyone to think and look the sameWe actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives.
We are openWe are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other in order to build trust and integrity within our organization.
We are accountableWe acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions.
We are kindWe communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way.
We are collaborativeWe work together for the common good and shared success.
Compensation
The salary range is $60,000 to $65,000, based on experienceCspi offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 3 weeks of annual vacation leave; additional paid holiday leave between december 24 and january 1; 8 weeks of paid parental leave; excellent medical and dental insurance with cspi paying a significant portion of employee and dependent premiums; and a 3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after one year of service.
To apply
Applicants will utilize cspi`s paylocity applicant tracking system (ats) to apply for the staff scientist, food additivesPlease answer application questions and submit a resume and cover letter indicating relevant experience and interestIncomplete applications will not be consideredApplication deadline is october 15, 2021.
Cspi is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills and encourages people of diverse ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, disabilities, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, work, and life experiences to apply.
