Hi Bev,

Please forward this along to all graduate students in plant science.

Thanks

Muthu

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Agriculture/ Climate Scientist
Food and Environment Program
Washington, DC Office

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking an agriculture and climate scientist for the Food and Environment Program’s exciting campaigns advocating fundamental changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices to enable America’s farmers to produce healthy food in a safe and sustainable manner.

An independent nonprofit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists, UCS, for over 30 years, has creatively and successfully combined rigorous scientific analysis and passionate citizen action to gain a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.

Duties: The successful candidate for this position will work with the Food and Environment Program staff—scientists/ policy analysts, lawyer, lobbyist, and outreach organizer—to transform U.S. agriculture by encouraging and enabling sustainable food systems; exposing and correcting defects in the current industrial food production system, including the impacts on climate; and changing public opinion of industrialized agriculture.

In particular, the new scientist will:

• research and write technical and policy reports that advance the program’s advocacy goals, particularly on agriculture and climate issues;
• provide research and other technical support to advance program goals promoting sustainable food systems;
• research and write technical comments, statements, and testimony on program issues;
• participate in developing campaign goals, strategies, and tactics; and
• represent UCS in scientific, press, and public sectors.

Basic knowledge and abilities desired:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the scientific and public policy issues associated with agriculture and climate
• Ph.D. in an agricultural or biological science, including expertise in agriculture, soils, climate gases, modeling, and a strong background in chemistry
• Capacity to conduct full life cycle analyses of agricultural systems in terms of their contributions to greenhouse gases
• Understanding the role of science and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy debates
• Strong analytic and project management skills
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Ability to communicate and work effectively in groups

Experience desired:

• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in scientific and/or public policy work in agriculture and climate
• Familiarity with public policy process regarding agriculture and climate
• Demonstrated ability to produce reports on science policy issues and write about complex policy and scientific matters for a lay audience
• Evidence of strong analytical skills

Salary and benefits: UCS offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, and a flexible and friendly work environment. 

To apply: Send a cover letter referencing where you learned of this job opening and résumé via email to food@ucsusa. org by October 6, 2008; please include "Agr/Climate Scientist" in the subject line. Electronic submissions only.

Best regards,

Muthu

-- 
Bev Godard
Secretary 
Department of Plant Science
University of Manitoba
66 Dafoe Road
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3T 2N2
Phone: (204) 474-8563
Fax:     (204) 474-7528
Bev_Godard@umanitoba.ca