Senior Policy Scientist

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), historically a group focused primarily on food and nutrition, is searching for a Senior Policy Scientist to lead our efforts to address pressing public health challenges beyond food and nutrition. In recent years, we’ve leveraged our expertise and resources to advocate for transparency and evidence-based policymaking during the COVID-19 pandemic, improve the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) regulation of medical devices, and promote conflict-of-interest disclosures in research, among other topics. CSPI’s work in this realm aims to fight against misinformation and anti-science forces and for scientific integrity, transparency, and agency accountability in US public health policy. 

We are searching for a science-savvy advocate with expertise in FDA regulations to lead CSPI’s Regulatory Transparency and Accountability Initiative. The Senior Policy Scientist will develop and lead advocacy campaigns related to a variety of topics, including: 1) Federal agency transparency; 2) Conflict-of-interest disclosures in research and policymaking; 3) Corporate and government accountability; and 4) Drug and medical device regulation. 

This is a 12-month, grant-funded, full-time position with a likelihood of extension. The Senior Policy Scientist is a member of CSPI’s Science Department, reports to the Science Director, and works closely with the Executive Director, Dr. Peter Lurie. This position directly supervises a Policy Associate on the Regulatory Transparency and Accountability team and works in collaboration with colleagues across the organization engaged in activities related to scientific integrity. The position is located in CSPI’s DC office, where we offer a hybrid work environment, or remotely within the US. 

About CSPI  

CSPI, “Your food and health watchdog,” is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with an over 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest. We’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods, require calories on chain restaurant menu boards, and remove sugary drinks from children’s menus. National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act; Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act; Food Safety Modernization Act; and Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. The Regulatory Transparency and Accountability team was a major force behind a recent rule from the FDA to regulate laboratory-developed tests.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop CSPI’s policy positions, priorities, and strategies for the Regulatory Transparency and Accountability Initiative 
• Ensure the work in the Regulatory Transparency and Accountability Initiative is moving CSPI toward its ultimate organizational goal of improving health and well-being for people in all communities, regardless of race, income, education, or social factors.
• Identify opportunities to advocate for scientific integrity, transparency, and agency accountability, especially as it relates to the regulation of drugs and medical devices in the U.S.
• Mentor and manage a Policy Associate. Model CSPI’s core values, work with the Policy Associate to identify professional development opportunities and provide ongoing performance evaluation as part of our culture of feedback. 
• Work closely with the Policy Associate and other staff members to:            
• Write letters, fact sheets, reports, comment letters, petitions, op-eds, and other materials in support of initiatives. 
• Conduct policy research, including tracking federal bills, agency activities, and reviewing regulatory comments to dockets. 
• Conduct scientific literature reviews to inform policy positions and support initiatives. 
• Collect primary or secondary data to complete research projects, including some suitable for publication in peer-reviewed literature. 
• Mobilize and coordinate support for campaigns from partner organizations, academics, health professionals, CSPI members, and other concerned citizens. 
• Manage and lead ongoing projects, including:
• A campaign to ensure a strong, risk-based framework for FDA regulation of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs)
• A report that will provide recommendations for increasing transparency throughout all areas of FDA’s work 
•  Campaigns to combat health misinformation
• Campaigns to ensure the safety and efficacy of particular medical devices, precision nutrition tests, and drugs
• A campaign to promote conflict-of-interest disclosure in academia, professional organizations, and government
• Represent CSPI and build strategic relationships with the media, funders, coalition partners, policymakers, industry, and the academic community. 
• Effectively communicate CSPI’s policy priorities and mission with the media to drive our advocacy goals.
• Work with CSPI’s development team to raise additional funds for this initiative, manage grant deliverables, and draft reports to funders.
• Contribute to Science Department activities, such as coordinating journal clubs for all staff.

Qualifications

• Scientific curiosity and big-picture strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated commitment to transparency, accuracy, and scientific rigor in previous work. 
• Advanced degree in a public health/policy discipline (e.g., Master of Public Health, Master of Public Policy, JD, PhD).
• 5+ years of experience with public health policy and/or advocacy, particularly related to FDA regulation.   
• 5+ years of experience interpreting scientific public health research, including identifying the appropriateness of statistical methods, key results, and limitations.  
• Experience producing peer-reviewed publications and/or developing evidence-based regulatory documents (e.g., letters, petitions, reports, fact sheets).
• Demonstrated success in staff management. 
• Strong written communication skills, including ability to produce high-quality written materials that are ready for public consumption with minimal editing. 
• Skills in multitasking and adapting in a fast-paced environment, with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Experience working across teams in a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and strategic organizational culture. 
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative, exercising good judgment, and using diplomacy and discretion. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Interest and commitment to CSPI’s work and mission and embracing of CSPI’s core values (described below). 

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 selves. In that spirit, each of us is committed to putting in constant work to live up to our organization’s core values:

• We are inclusive. We seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed. We are not looking for everyone to think and look the same. We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives.
• We are open. We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other in order to build trust and integrity within our organization.
• We are accountable. We acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions.
• We are kind. We communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way.
• We are collaborative. We work together for the common good and shared success.

As a public health organization, CSPI makes efforts to maintain a safe workplace for employees and visitors. We require all employees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are eligible, and the vaccine is available to them. Proof of vaccination is required during the onboarding process.