The Pew Charitable Trusts is inviting applications for the Senior Associate, Civic Science Fellow, Evidence Project, an exciting full-time opportunity based in Washington, D.C. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about strengthening the connection between scientific research and real-world decision-making.

As part of Pew’s Evidence Project, the successful candidate will help bridge the gap between research, public policy, and community impact while participating in a prestigious national Civic Science Fellows Program. The position combines strategic engagement, communications, stakeholder management, research, and policy work, making it an outstanding career opportunity for professionals interested in science policy, higher education, civic engagement, and philanthropy.

The position offers a competitive annual salary of USD $79,900–$89,300, comprehensive employee benefits, hybrid work flexibility, and the opportunity to collaborate with university presidents, research funders, government leaders, and scientific institutions across the United States.

About The Pew Charitable Trusts

For more than 75 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has worked to improve public policy by using evidence, research, and data-driven solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The organization supports initiatives across:

Scientific research
Public policy
Higher education
Public health
Environmental conservation
Marine science
Community development
Arts and culture
Social services

Within Pew, the Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement Portfolio oversees several grantmaking initiatives and research programs, including the Evidence Project, which focuses on ensuring that research more consistently informs policy, practice, and societal outcomes.

About the Evidence Project

The Evidence Project works alongside:

Universities
Philanthropic organizations
Government agencies
Civil society organizations
Scientific institutions

Its mission is to improve the way research is generated, communicated, and used in solving public challenges.

The project focuses on three major objectives:

Producing actionable evidence on what makes research trusted and useful.
Accelerating adoption of effective research practices across institutions.
Embedding these practices into organizations to create long-term societal impact.

About the Senior Associate, Civic Science Fellow Position

The selected candidate will support Pew’s efforts to strengthen research infrastructure for public impact while participating in the Civic Science Fellows Program, a national leadership initiative that prepares emerging leaders working at the intersection of science and society.

Reporting to the Manager, Evidence Project, the fellow will collaborate with university presidents, research funders, and higher education leaders to advance civic science initiatives.

The role is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid work schedule that includes office-based collaboration, remote work flexibility, and four telework flex weeks each year.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will contribute to a wide range of strategic activities, including:

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

Build partnerships with universities, research organizations, and funding agencies.
Support engagement strategies that strengthen research partnerships.
Promote research with meaningful public impact.

Communications

Develop high-quality communication materials, including:

Blog articles
Website content
Q&A features
Social media content
Email campaigns
Presentation decks
Briefing materials

Events and Convenings

Support the planning and implementation of:

Virtual roundtables
National meetings
In-person workshops
Stakeholder convenings

Responsibilities include agenda preparation, participant communications, logistics, and background materials.

Relationship Management

Maintain productive relationships with:

University leaders
Research institutions
Scientific organizations
Philanthropic funders
Civic science partners

Proposal Development

Assist with:

Grant proposals
Donor reports
Project updates
Progress documentation

Civic Science Fellowship

As part of the fellowship, the successful candidate will:

Design and complete an original civic science project.
Help expand implementation of recommendations developed by Pew’s university leadership council.
Participate in a national fellowship cohort.
Attend fellowship meetings and leadership convenings.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Approximately four years of relevant work experience.
Strong analytical and research skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to summarize complex information clearly.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to apply evidence-based, nonpartisan approaches to policy and research.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365.

Preferred Experience

The ideal candidate will also have experience or demonstrated interest in:

Science policy
Higher education policy
Civic science
Research impact
Public engagement
Research organizations
Universities
Scientific communities
Strategic communications
Independent project management

Salary and Benefits

The successful applicant will receive:

Annual salary of USD $79,900–$89,300
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement benefits
Life and disability insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Hybrid work arrangement
Four annual telework flex weeks
Professional development opportunities
Participation in the Civic Science Fellows national network

Work Location

Washington, D.C., USA
Hybrid work arrangement

Travel Requirements

The role includes occasional domestic and international travel to:

Conferences
Meetings
Stakeholder engagements

Work Authorization

Applicants must already have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why You Should Apply

This position offers a unique opportunity to:

Join one of America’s leading public policy organizations.
Work directly with influential universities and scientific institutions.
Shape national conversations around evidence-based policymaking.
Build leadership experience through the Civic Science Fellows Program.
Expand your professional network across research, philanthropy, and higher education.
Contribute to improving how science benefits society.