Senior Associate, Civic Science Fellow, Evidence Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts (Washington, DC): Apply for a High-Impact Science Policy Job

The Pew Charitable Trusts is inviting applications for the Senior Associate, Civic Science Fellow, Evidence Project, an exciting full-time opportunity based in Washington, D.C. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about strengthening the connection between scientific research and real-world decision-making.

As part of Pew’s Evidence Project, the successful candidate will help bridge the gap between research, public policy, and community impact while participating in a prestigious national Civic Science Fellows Program. The position combines strategic engagement, communications, stakeholder management, research, and policy work, making it an outstanding career opportunity for professionals interested in science policy, higher education, civic engagement, and philanthropy.

The position offers a competitive annual salary of USD $79,900–$89,300, comprehensive employee benefits, hybrid work flexibility, and the opportunity to collaborate with university presidents, research funders, government leaders, and scientific institutions across the United States.

About The Pew Charitable Trusts

For more than 75 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has worked to improve public policy by using evidence, research, and data-driven solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The organization supports initiatives across:

• Scientific research
• Public policy
• Higher education
• Public health
• Environmental conservation
• Marine science
• Community development
• Arts and culture
• Social services

Within Pew, the Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement Portfolio oversees several grantmaking initiatives and research programs, including the Evidence Project, which focuses on ensuring that research more consistently informs policy, practice, and societal outcomes.

About the Evidence Project

The Evidence Project works alongside:

• Universities
• Philanthropic organizations
• Government agencies
• Civil society organizations
• Scientific institutions

Its mission is to improve the way research is generated, communicated, and used in solving public challenges.

The project focuses on three major objectives:

1. Producing actionable evidence on what makes research trusted and useful.
2. Accelerating adoption of effective research practices across institutions.
3. Embedding these practices into organizations to create long-term societal impact.

About the Senior Associate, Civic Science Fellow Position

The selected candidate will support Pew’s efforts to strengthen research infrastructure for public impact while participating in the Civic Science Fellows Program, a national leadership initiative that prepares emerging leaders working at the intersection of science and society.

Reporting to the Manager, Evidence Project, the fellow will collaborate with university presidents, research funders, and higher education leaders to advance civic science initiatives.

The role is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid work schedule that includes office-based collaboration, remote work flexibility, and four telework flex weeks each year.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will contribute to a wide range of strategic activities, including:

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build partnerships with universities, research organizations, and funding agencies.
• Support engagement strategies that strengthen research partnerships.
• Promote research with meaningful public impact.

Communications

Develop high-quality communication materials, including:

• Blog articles
• Website content
• Q&A features
• Social media content
• Email campaigns
• Presentation decks
• Briefing materials

Events and Convenings

Support the planning and implementation of:

• Virtual roundtables
• National meetings
• In-person workshops
• Stakeholder convenings

Responsibilities include agenda preparation, participant communications, logistics, and background materials.

Relationship Management

Maintain productive relationships with:

• University leaders
• Research institutions
• Scientific organizations
• Philanthropic funders
• Civic science partners

Proposal Development

Assist with:

• Grant proposals
• Donor reports
• Project updates
• Progress documentation

Civic Science Fellowship

As part of the fellowship, the successful candidate will:

• Design and complete an original civic science project.
• Help expand implementation of recommendations developed by Pew’s university leadership council.
• Participate in a national fellowship cohort.
• Attend fellowship meetings and leadership convenings.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Approximately four years of relevant work experience.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to summarize complex information clearly.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to apply evidence-based, nonpartisan approaches to policy and research.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.

Preferred Experience

The ideal candidate will also have experience or demonstrated interest in:

• Science policy
• Higher education policy
• Civic science
• Research impact
• Public engagement
• Research organizations
• Universities
• Scientific communities
• Strategic communications
• Independent project management

Salary and Benefits

The successful applicant will receive:

• Annual salary of USD $79,900–$89,300
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Four annual telework flex weeks
• Professional development opportunities
• Participation in the Civic Science Fellows national network

Work Location

• Washington, D.C., USA
• Hybrid work arrangement

Travel Requirements

The role includes occasional domestic and international travel to:

• Conferences
• Meetings
• Stakeholder engagements

Work Authorization

Applicants must already have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why You Should Apply

This position offers a unique opportunity to:

• Join one of America’s leading public policy organizations.
• Work directly with influential universities and scientific institutions.
• Shape national conversations around evidence-based policymaking.
• Build leadership experience through the Civic Science Fellows Program.
• Expand your professional network across research, philanthropy, and higher education.
• Contribute to improving how science benefits society.

Application Information

Interested candidates should submit their application through The Pew Charitable Trusts Careers Portal.

Apply Here 

Since the vacancy remains open, early application is strongly encouraged.

For more information on this job opportunity, visit here 

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