Careers

Nuclear Energy Innovation Analyst / Senior Nuclear Energy Innovation Analyst

Who We Are

The Breakthrough Institute (BTI) seeks innovative solutions to environmental and human development challenges in pursuit of a secure, healthier, and more prosperous future. BTI fosters a culture of aspirational, disruptive, and yet evidence-based thinking, and mission-driven, pragmatic problem-solving. Over the past few years, we’ve grown to a staff of 20+ talented individuals, shaping how policymakers, environmental groups, and other thought leaders view climate change, nuclear power, agricultural innovation, international energy development, and other key issues.

The Opportunity

We are currently hiring a Nuclear Energy Innovation Analyst or Senior Nuclear Energy Innovation Analyst to work with our growing advanced nuclear research and policy team and participate in the policy, public, and regulatory debate on advanced nuclear energy in the United States. The role will focus on participation in all relevant policy and regulatory proceedings, writing for external publications, public speaking, attending workshops, building partnerships with new organizations, and advising on any related work internally. The ability to think creatively and work in a group is essential. 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.

Key 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 comment upon all relevant rulings and rulemaking, 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

  • Experience critically reviewing and synthesizing academic literature

  • 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 Regulatory Commission advanced reactor licensing

  • Experience with health physics

  • 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 & Benefits

  • $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 encourage you to submit materials as soon as possible, as we will interview and hire on a near-term rolling basis.

  • Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample ONLY to jobs[at]thebreakthrough.org. Please do not submit your application through alternate job sites.

  • Your email subject should say: <Your Name>: <Position 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