Kendall Fellow, Science of Fair Representation

Kendall Fellow, Science of Fair Representation

TERM: MAX 2-Years

Center for Science & Democracy

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote

Bargaining Unit Position: Yes

Our Organization

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.

For over five decades, we have been working as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet's most pressing problems-from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war. Values informing our work include:

• Science in the service of people and the planet.

• Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes-now, and for future generations.

• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.

• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.

• Democracy promotes a voice for all in government decisions.

• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

UCS's Center for Science & Democracy (CSD)

CSD works to make sure that government decisions are informed by the best possible science and evidence, free from political interference, and responsive to diverse community voices. We put science and scientists into action to strengthen US democracy by working for fairer and more inclusive elections and processes of governance. Our research is designed to strengthen democracy by gathering and analyzing data to show where unjust barriers are reducing the ability of voters to participate in their own government. We're also putting the best available evidence on elections to work by advocating for better electoral systems. Through our analysis and advocacy, we're working to improve ballot design and voter education materials, data transparency, and fair representation.

The Position

The Kendall Fellow for the Science of Fair Representation will work with UCS staff from the Center for Science and Democracy (CSD) to develop and undertake a two-year research portfolio leading a body of work to advance state and local policy and advocacy efforts around proportional representation (PR)to achieve a multiracial multiparty democracy. The fellow will design an original study proposal in collaboration with CSD leadership to drive PR campaign goals and support the community-driven work of a strong network of our partners. The fellow's work will build on CSD's existing efforts on election administration and PR, and it will directly support communities that use CSD's research and strategic support to advance PR.

Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included, but not limited to, the information listed below.

The specific goals for the Fellow are to advance core research about proportional representation (PR), connecting research outputs to the work of local partner organizations, and supporting UCS's research-driven, Election Science advocacy goals:

• Build evidence for PR: Develop a suite of comparative models based on computational social choice methods, including simulations using local data, that help local communities understand how election outcomes, representation, and policy priorities would differ under PR, offering evidence of the benefits for community representation through the selection of specific PR systems.

• Support the adoption of PR in local jurisdictions: Develop evidence-based, audience-targeted policy outputs, working in partnership with our Election Science Task Force, and national and community coalitions to support local and state efforts to advance PR.

• Ensure equitable implementation of PR systems: When jurisdictions move to PR, provide research-supported resources for election administrators and partners implementing systems that are accessible, understandable, and transparent for voters. This includes advancing equitable ballot designs and related guidance to ensure larger voter slates are clear.

• Improve confidence in election results under PR: Strengthen research and publish guidance for election results communication and public education in PR systems, particularly vote tabulation. This work applies and expands our Election Science Recommendations (ESRs) to support public trust in new electoral systems.

• Serve as a spokesperson and technical expert representing UCS in public forums and with media, policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Ph.D in a relevant field must be awarded before September 1, 2026.

• The candidate should have a significant amount of coursework in the social sciences (political science, public policy, sociology, etc.) and expertise in the science of elections.

• Candidates should have strong quantitative research skills (e.g., VoteKit/elections modeling techniques, machine learning, etc.), be able to identify key policy-relevant questions, and write and speak equally clearly for technical, policy, and non-technical audiences.

• Experience with rapid response communications, messaging, and/or community organizing is strongly preferred. An understanding of the inequities inherent in the scientific and policy fields is needed for this work.

• All candidates should have a demonstrated interest in Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, especially as it relates to science and advocacy.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.

• Continuously operate a computer and must have the ability to control a mouse and keyboard.

• Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents.

Work Schedule

Regular business hours, which may vary depending on the time zone. Occasional work outside of standard hours for events, travel, or time-sensitive matters is required.

Travel Requirements

Periodic travel to events, conferences, speaking engagements, UCS offices, and to meet with local community groups may be required.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. We're dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We're also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities.

Details

This is a full-time remote position. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $109,232.02. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary differential*

Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

More about the team

Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment that is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.

To Apply: We know there are great candidates who won't check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven't considered. If that's you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. Please upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations, and please include links to past research publications and media outputs in the resume when available. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

Covid Mandate for New Hires

For in-office roles, UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires who will be reporting to an office location must provide notice of theirvaccinationstatus andvaccinationdocumentation on or before their first day of work. For all others, UCS strongly encourages full vaccinations among its employees, up to and including booster shots, even if working remotely.

All new employees must comply with themandatory vaccinationrequirements outlined in UCS policiesas soon as practicable. Union of Concerned Scientistswill notify candidates for employment of the requirements of thispolicybefore the start of employment.

Deadline: Until filled.