Nuclear Energy Analyst

Location: Washington, DC

We are hiring a Nuclear Energy 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.

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.

Why join the Breakthrough team?

  • Learn from the best in the business. We convene a powerful network of scientists, journalists, scholars, academics, innovators, and entrepreneurs. As a part of the team you will get to learn from thought leaders and influencers in energy and the environment.

  • Brilliant coworkers who love what they do. We are in this for the same reason – to make a positive impact on the world around us – so we build each other up, support each other, and put our mission above our egos. We’re a friendly and collaborative group. That means you will be able to learn and work with a wide variety of people.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Execute Breakthrough's existing nuclear energy research program, which encompasses 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 meetings as Breakthrough’s expert, speak on panels, and give interviews on subject knowledge

  • Contribute ideas for Breakthrough Dialogues and other events

  • Contribute energy projects to funding proposals and engage with funders as needed

  • Undertake qualitative and quantitative research for internal and external use, including memos, reports, working papers, and peer-reviewed publications

  • Write articles for the Breakthrough website and external publications

  • Contribute to research and funding proposals as needed

  • Engage with key audiences on social media such as Twitter

  • 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

  • Motivation to learn new skills, propose ideas, and take ownership of projects

  • Desire to develop thought leadership profile in area of expertise

Preferred Qualifications:

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

  • Master’s or PhD degree

  • 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

  • Social media presence

Job Conditions:

  • Employees are required to report to the office on certain days of the week, and may choose to work from home on other designated days. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines. Some travel and evening time may be required depending on events, invitations, presentations, meetings, and other job-related work outside of the office.

  • All employees must receive the full course of vaccinations and booster for COVID-19.

Salary:

  • $74,000 - $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>: Nuclear Energy Analyst

  • Your email should state how you heard about this position

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