Hitz Fellow, Fossil Fuel-Al Nexus

Hitz Fellow, Fossil Fuel-Al Nexus

TERM: MAX 2-Years

Climate and Energy

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 to promote a voice for all in government decisions.
• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

UCS's Climate and Energy Program (C&E)

This position is located within the Climate and Energy program and is part of the Climate Accountability Campaign. The Fossil Fuel Accountability Campaign at the Union of Concerned Scientists connects rigorous scientific research to climate litigation and advocacy efforts, holding major oil and gas companies accountable for decades of climate deception and climate impacts.

The Position

The Science Fellow will conduct an interdisciplinary, two-year project examining the energy, emissions, and equity impacts of AI-driven data center expansion. Using a mixed-methods approach including data analysis, corporate document review, and policy mapping, the fellow will produce publicly accessible, scientifically rigorous research that studies if AI's energy demands are being shaped by corporate profit rather than public need, and if fossil fuel interests are partnering with tech giants to lock in fossil fuel infrastructure. The Fellow will communicate findings both internally and externally to empower regulators, advocates, and communities with evidence.

Responsibilities

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

AI-Fossil Fuel Nexus Research

• Working in collaboration with staff from the Climate Accountability and Power Ahead Campaigns, the fellow will scope, design, and conduct rigorous, novel research and analyses on the energy demand, emissions, and justice implications of AI-driven data center expansion
• Compile and analyze available data on electricity demand from AI workloads and the power supplying major data center hubs, employing triangulation strategies to address data scarcity
• Analyze corporate sustainability reports, SEC filings, energy procurement contracts, and lobbying efforts by tech, utilities, and fossil fuel companies
• Conduct discourse analysis of public statements, press releases, and marketing materials from major tech firms to identify greenwashing narratives
• Use GIS to overlay data center locations, existing and proposed gas plants, and diesel generator sites with EJ Screen indicators to identify disproportionately burdened communities in the U.S.
• Ensure that principles of diversity, equity, justice, inclusivity, and accessibility are effectively integrated into analytic projects

Publications

• Author a report or factsheet on the AI-Fossil Fuel Nexus with findings on data center energy sources, emissions, and corporate claims
• Publish findings in a respected scientific journal (e.g., a peer-reviewed paper on AI-driven electricity demand and fossil fuel dependence)

Policy and Regulatory Engagement

• Map regulatory loopholes, outdated grid rules, and accounting practices enabling greenwashing and fossil fuel dependence in the data center sector
• Engage and collaborate with UCS to work on policy implications of findings

Science Communication

• Present work to the scientific, policymakers, communities, and other key audiences
• Write blog posts for UCS's blog, The Equation
• Work with the communications team to produce infographics and short videos
• Draft op-eds/LTEs for major outlets
• With training and consistent with UCS positions and priorities, act as a UCS spokesperson for AI-energy issues and talk with reporters and journalists from a range of media outlets

Equity and Community Partnership

• Analyze who bears the financial, environmental, and health burdens of AI-driven energy expansion and who is excluded from decision-making
• Document cases of marginalization, disenfranchisement, or outright exclusion in infrastructure siting and grid planning
• Engage respectfully and with equity and justice in mind when interfacing with partners and affected communities.

Supporting the Organization and UCS-Wide Work

• Participate in team-wide or organization-wide meetings as necessary
• Maintain awareness of role as a representative of UCS by ensuring activities and statements promote and enhance UCS's organizational positions and priorities
• Collaborate with Power Ahead, Climate Resilience, Accountability, and Communications teams

Qualifications and Experience

* This position requires a PhD in energy systems, environmental policy, geography, data science, or a closely related discipline, and experience designing and executing interdisciplinary or mixed-methods research. Candidates at any career stage are welcome; mid- and late-career applicants are encouraged to apply.

* Required skills include research design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and the ability to translate technical findings for non-expert audiences.

* Proficiency in a scripting language is required (Python preferred; R or Julia acceptable); familiarity with version control and git/GitHub is a plus.

* Experience with emissions accounting, energy-systems analysis, corporate-disclosure research, and narrative or discourse analysis is strongly preferred.

* Familiarity with the AI landscape, tech policy, and environmental justice is a plus. A demonstrated commitment to justice and public-interest research is required.

* Experience with GIS, community-based research collaborations, and ongoing engagements within the scientific community is preferred.

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 time zone. Occasional work outside of standard hours for events, travel, or time-sensitive matters may be required.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel to events, conferences, speaking engagements, and UCS offices 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 their vaccination status and vaccination documentation 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 the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment.

Deadline: Until filled.