Careers

Nuclear Energy Risk Analyst

We are currently hiring a Nuclear Energy Risk Analyst or Senior Nuclear Energy Risk Analyst to work with our growing advanced nuclear research and policy team. This position will predominantly research and develop policy and/or regulatory standards on topics associated with risk, including but not limited to: environmental risks, radiological risk perception vs actual radiological risk, levels of radiological risks, reactor designs and their respective risks to society, risk response, informed and performance-based risk metrics. Our team makes an unapologetic case for nuclear energy and consistently challenges disinformation about radiological health risk, the climate and environmental benefits of nuclear energy, and the real cost and value of nuclear and renewable energy to electricity systems. This position will also assist with other team projects and initiatives. We are seeking applicants who have some background in nuclear energy technology, health physics, regulation, risk analysis, or policy. This role is full-time and based in Washington D.C.


The Breakthrough Institute is committed to seeking innovative solutions to environmental and human development challenges in pursuit of a secure, healthier, and more prosperous future. In doing so, we do not shy away from contentious domestic and international political issues and from advocating for equity, justice, democracy, and human rights. We welcome candidates who bring varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, and who are eager to learn about many ways of viewing the world. Our goal is to create a community that is rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. The ability to think creatively and work in a group is essential.


Responsibilities:

  • Execute Breakthrough's existing nuclear energy research program, which includes supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies, maintaining the operation of existing nuclear energy facilities, and engaging in public and policy discussions around these issues

  • Participate in relevant NRC proceedings, provide formal review and comments for all relevant rulings and rule-making, and engage with relevant Congressional oversight committees and staff

  • Attend both internal and external meetings as Breakthrough’s expert, speak on panels, and give interviews on subject knowledge

  • Contribute to research and funding proposals and engage with funders as needed

  • Undertake qualitative and quantitative research for internal and external use, culminating in memos, reports, working papers, web articles, pieces for external publication, and peer-reviewed publications

  • Follow the discourse on energy issues and propose new areas of research

  • Continuously develop quantitative and qualitative research methods and skills

Required Qualifications:

  • Experience or academic background in nuclear energy regulation, policy, or technology or related fields such as global risk, political science, or environmental science

  • Experience critically reviewing and synthesizing academic literature

  • Experience with risk analysis, risk modeling, and understanding of policy, regulation, and commercial risk, preferably as they relate to the nuclear industry

  • Knowledge of Nuclear Regulatory Commission advanced reactor licensing

  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and take ownership of projects, delivering high-quality work on time

  • Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 3-5 years of experience or academic background in nuclear energy regulation, policy, or technology

  • Master’s or PhD degree in related field

  • Experience with nuclear safety and risk analysis

  • Demonstrated experience writing for non-technical audiences

Job Conditions:

  • This is a full-time, exempt position in Washington, D.C., with hybrid virtual and in-person work arrangements. A minimum of 3 days of in-office work is expected.

  • Some evening or weekend time may be required depending on events and other job-related work outside of the office.

Salary:

  • $70,000 - $112,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

  • Excellent health insurance, dental, vision, paid leave, retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, professional development support, cell phone reimbursement, and commuter benefits.

Application Instructions:

  • We will interview and hire on a near-term rolling basis.

  • Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to jobs[at]thebreakthrough.org. Please do not submit your application through alternate job sites such as LinkedIn. Applications that are incomplete or that are not sent directly to jobs[at]thebreakthrough.org will not be considered.

  • Your email subject should say: <Your Name>: <Job Title>

  • Your email should state how you heard about this position

  • Your cover letter should reflect on Breakthrough’s work and how you could contribute