Senior Science Content Associate

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is searching for a Senior Science Content Associate with expertise in nutrition science and a strong research background with the ability to translate complex scientific studies into engaging, accessible public-facing content that helps non-scientists navigate health-related information. This role is critical in helping the public make informed decisions by clearly communicating evidence-based conclusions, often debunking common myths and misconceptions found in traditional and social media.

Since 1974, Nutrition Action has been helping readers sort through the noise on food and health. Produced in print and online (6 issues per year) by CSPI, our scientists and nutrition experts decode the latest studies and interview leading researchers to give readers a bottom line in clear, simple language. Our articles cover everything from what to eat and what to avoid in the supermarket and restaurants, deceptive food labels and misleading ads, and the latest research on sleep, exercise, chronic disease prevention, and more.

The Senior Science Content Associate is a full-time position and member of the Communications department, reporting to the Senior Science Communication Officer.

CSPI’s office is in Washington, DC, where we offer a hybrid work environment, but many of our staff work remotely at locations across the US. We will consider DC-based or remote applicants within the US.

About CSPI

CSPI, “Your food and health watchdog,” is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with an over 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest. CSPI’s ultimate goal is to improve health and wellbeing for people in all communities, regardless of race, income, education, or social factors. We do this by advocating for evidence-based and community-informed policies on nutrition, food safety, and health; holding government agencies and corporations to account; and empowering consumers with independent, unbiased information. At CSPI, we take a multi-pronged approach to protect consumers and tamp down misinformation. For more than 40 years, CSPI’s flagship publication, Nutrition Action, has dedicated its pages to exposing—and swiftly correcting—the misinformation that runs rampant in traditional, health, and social media outlets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pitch story ideas about topics in health and nutrition relevant to Nutrition Action’s audience.
• Identify and critically evaluate the scientific evidence on complex nutrition- and health-related topics.
• Conduct interviews with subject matter experts (usually academic scientists) about their work.
• Write articles to be published online and in the print version of Nutrition Action geared toward a general audience that translate findings from scientific research in a clear, accurate, and compelling way.
• Collaborate with in-house nutrition and communication experts, dietitians, scientists, and content creators to ensure accuracy and clarity in messaging.
• Assist CSPI’s communications team in adapting articles into social media content.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field OR Master's in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field with 5+ years of experience evaluating scientific literature in the field of nutrition.
• Familiarity with research designs and ability to understand statistical techniques.
• Strong understanding of and experience in interpreting public health research, particularly in the field of nutrition. This includes the ability to critically evaluate research results based on strengths and limitations of the study design and execution.
• Demonstrated understanding of complex nutrition issues; ability to draw conclusions from a body of sometimes-conflicting scientific studies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain scientific research clearly and persuasively, especially to non-experts.
• Demonstrated experience translating scientific evidence into written content for a lay audience.
• Skills in multitasking and adapting in a fast-paced environment, with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience working across teams in a positive, inclusive, collaborative, and strategic organizational culture.
• Interest and commitment to CSPI’s work and mission and embracing of CSPI’s core values (described below).
• Demonstrated experience taking initiative, exercising good judgment, and using diplomacy and discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and research databases, such as PubMed.

CSPI on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CSPI is committed to including and valuing diverse voices and fostering a culture that ensures all staff feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be their best selves. In that spirit, each of us is committed to putting in constant work to live up to our organization’s core values:

• We are inclusive. We seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed. We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives.
• We are open. We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other.
• We are kind. We communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way.
• We are collaborative. We work together for the common good and shared success.
• We are accountable. We acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions, learn from our mistakes with humility, and change course when circumstances warrant.

COVID Policies

As a public health organization, CSPI makes efforts to maintain a safe workplace for employees and visitors. We require all employees to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are eligible, and the vaccine is available to them. Proof of vaccination is required during the onboarding process.

Compensation

The salary range is $80,000 to $88,000, based on experience. The actual salary offered will consider many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business needs. CSPI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 3 weeks of annual vacation leave; additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1; 8 weeks of paid parental leave; excellent medical and dental insurance with CSPI paying a significant portion of employee and dependent premiums; and a 3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after six months of service. We also offer ½ day Fridays, which means full-time staff work 36 hours per week.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting the following experience: 1) evaluating peer-reviewed nutrition science studies; and 2) translating findings into written content for a lay audience. Application deadline is October 5, 2025.

CSPI is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills and encourages people of diverse ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, disabilities, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, work, and life experiences to apply.

CSPI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 3 weeks of annual vacation leave; additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1; 8 weeks of paid parental leave; excellent medical and dental insurance with CSPI paying a significant portion of employee and dependent premiums; and a 3% employer match contribution to the retirement plan after six months of service. We also offer ½ day Fridays, which means full-time staff work 36 hours per week.