Science Policy Specialist

Position Overview: Washington, D.C. nonprofit working to replace the use of animals in research and testing is seeking a professional with a doctoral degree and a minimum of ten years of experience to reduce and replace the use of animals in toxicology testing and translational research by integrating human-specific approaches in domestic and international drug and chemical testing policies and practices.

About the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

Industry: Non-profit organization

The Physicians Committee's Mission & Vision: The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is dedicated to saving and improving human and animal lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. Our vision is to create a healthier world in which health and compassion are central values in science and medicine.

The Physicians Committee's Values:

• Compassion: We encourage compassion for people and animals.
• Health: We promote good health through good nutrition. We practice what we preach by having a vegan office environment, ongoing nutrition education, and a culture that supports health and wellness.
• Truth: We base our recommendations on evidence, not on biases or what is commonly accepted.
• Professionalism: We hold our work to the highest standards, down to the last detail. This shows up in our scientific publications, our campaign work, and our public communications, and also in our appearance, our work ethic, how we keep our workspaces and take care of our resources, our focus on professional development, and the courtesies we extend to others.
• Action: We speak out against unhealthful, dangerous and unethical practices. We push limits and persevere.
• Innovation: We bring new approaches to solving problems and continually seek ways to be more effective. We are not afraid to take risks.
• Urgency: Our problems are urgent, and so are our responses. We stay alert to issues that need our attention and stay in close touch with one another and with our members and partners so we're able to take immediate action whenever necessary.
• Dedication: This is a cause, not just a job. We go the extra mile to bring about a healthier, more compassionate world.
• Collaboration: Working together, everyone achieves more. We collaborate with each other, with our members, and with other organizations.
• Positivity: We approach our work with optimism. We plan with the end in mind and envision success.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Organization-Size: Approximately 100 employees.

Employee Benefits: Primary health & financial benefits:

• Health insurance with 100% of the deductible and 75% of the premium paid by the Physicians Committee for full-time employees.
• Dental insurance available at a group discount.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with matching contribution of $0.50 per dollar up to 6% of salary.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses which allows paying for some expenses on a pre-tax basis.
• Pre-tax purchase of Metro fare.
• Long-term disability income protection insurance and life insurance fully paid for by the Physicians Committee.
• 20 days of paid time off to start plus 14 paid holidays.

Learn More About the Physicians Committee: We invite you to visit our website at PCRM.org or our YouTube channel.

About the Role

Position Title/Job Function: Science Policy Specialist

Position Objective: Reduce and replace the use of animals in toxicology testing and translational research by integrating human-specific approaches in domestic and international drug and chemical testing policies and practices.

About the Research and Regulatory Affairs Team: The Physicians Committee's Research and Regulatory Affairs team is composed of experts in human-specific, nonanimal research, education, and testing methods. We collaborate with regulatory, industrial, and academic scientists to develop, assess, and promote nonanimal approaches. We engage decision-makers in government and industry to make change.

Essential Functions:

• Replace and reduce animal tests in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies and other drug and chemical regulatory guidelines and programs:
• Work with Director of Research Policy and team members to brainstorm and implement strategy.
• Manage legislative and regulatory action related to efforts to increase funding for the integration of nonanimal approaches and to change regulations, policies, and practices on animal testing.
• Conduct agency, scientific, and industry outreach to promote our efforts to increase funding for integration of nonanimal approaches and to change regulations, policies, and practices on animal testing.
• Review and research policies and practices to shed light on agency requirements related to animal testing.
• Work with stakeholders to understand and overcome barriers to use of replacement methods.
• Interpret scientific literature and policy documents on animal research and testing and communicate its significance to a variety of audience levels.
• Plan and execute outreach and educational events, to include online webinars, ancillary meetings, and workshops.
• Work with the Physicians Committee's Communications team to promote our programs through social, traditional, and trade media and author articles, blogs, and opinion pieces.
• Build collaborative relationships with other organizations to accomplish objectives:
• Find opportunities to collaborate on projects and presentations with external organizations.
• Present and publish literature-quality advisory comments, documents, and papers.
• Travel to and organize conferences, meetings, and events to build and maintain relationships, share knowledge, implement strategy.
• Serve as spokesperson to lay and industry press.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Required Physical Abilities: Office work plus the ability to travel, set up events, and deliver presentations

Work Location: This position may be performed remotely from any location in the United States.

Required Travel: Approximately on a quarterly basis.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time exempt position (40+ hours per week). The Physicians Committee's core business hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, ET.

Position Level: Specialist

Salary: A salary offer will take into consideration education, experience, and skills along with internal and external reference points. Candidates are encouraged to discuss salary with a position's hiring manager early in the interview process to ensure alignment.

• Minimum: $87K
• Maximum: $105K

Reports To:

• Supervisor: Director of Research Policy
• Department Director: Director of Research Policy

Qualifications

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Education:

• Required: PhD or equivalent degree
• Preferred: None

Credentials:

• Required: None
• Preferred: None

Work Experience:

• Required: A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience
• Preferred: 10-15 years of relevant experience

Additional Qualities:

• Required:
• Strong dedication to replacing the use of animals in research and testing
• Understanding of FDA policies and practices
• Preferred:
• Relationships with FDA scientists and regulators

If you do not meet these minimum qualifications but believe that you can perform the position's essential functions, we invite you to apply. Similarly, if your qualifications exceed the above profile, we invite you to apply.

How to Apply

Application Materials: We require a formal cover letter and resume to apply. In your cover letter, please tell us about your interest in our mission, your related experience and accomplishments, and your professional goals. You may also be asked to respond in writing to screening questions.

Application Deadline: Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.

Application Link: Click here to apply online.

Application Process:

• 45-minute remote interview with Director of Research Policy
• 2-hour sample project
• 1.5-hour remote interview with Research and Regulatory Affairs Department team
• 15-minute remote interview with PCRM President
• Reference checks with 3 recent supervisors
• Criminal background check

For More Information: Contact the Physicians Committee's human resources department at careers@pcrm.org.