Research Assistant

Research Assistant – Join Our Team!

About Us

At the Center for Environmental Health, we are dedicated to our mission to protect public health and support decision-makers by leading science-backed approaches that center prevention and remedy environmental injustice. Our team is committed to making a difference through innovative programs and a deep-rooted culture of inclusivity and equity. Join us and be part of a mission-driven organization where your contributions will have a significant impact.

Make a Real Difference in Environmental Health

The Center for Environmental Health has a proven track record of reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, but we can't do it alone. The Consumer Protection team ensures the enforcement of legal statutes like California’s Proposition 65 to demand and support business practices that are safe for public health and the environment. The Research Assistant will work closely with members of the Toxic Exposures and Pollution Prevention (TEPP) program to support these efforts. This dynamic role requires an individual who can adapt to changing priorities and embrace creative problem solving. The Research Assistant will report to the Senior Manager of the Consumer Protection team, housed under the TEPP program, to support the Consumer Protection Team’s efforts to reduce people’s exposure to toxic chemicals in consumer products through legal action.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Culture and Values: We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice is at the core of everything we do.
• Professional Growth: We offer robust opportunities for professional and leadership development, including training and mentorship programs.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Our competitive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, 401k match, generous paid time off, and more.

Your Impact: In our team, you will lead the research and analysis of policies to reduce the public’s exposure to toxic chemicals.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support development of all Consumer Protection active legal cases. Core tasks include:
  • Perform research efforts to inform consumer product testing.
  • Perform procurement of evidence, including in-store and online investigation.
  • Maintain evidence databases by performing data entry for evidence intake.
  • Screen evidence using CEH’s X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) machine, including performing routine maintenance on machines.
  • Prepare evidence for shipment to third-party laboratories.
  • Support with evidence management, including organization of physical and electronic evidence inventory.
  • Communicate with various partners and stakeholders, including legal counsel, scientists, case managers, and other CEH staff related to case development.
• Contribute to team efforts to research a diversity of new litigation opportunities that will reduce consumer exposure to toxic chemicals, through California’s Proposition 65 and other federal and state laws.
• Contribute to CEH’s communication materials, including blog posts, social media posts, and review of press releases.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned.

Needed Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental related field and 1 year of working experience in an office setting.
• Interest and/or experience in a related science field (e.g. toxicology, biology, chemistry, environmental health sciences, etc.) desired.
• Experience managing projects and utilizing project management tools like Asana preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and expert time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet multiple deadlines concurrently to support case development.
• Demonstrated commitment to nonprofit/public interest advocacy and environmental justice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated successful track record as both a proactive self-starter and a flexible team-player that adapts well to change.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, and Google Suite.
• Infrequent periodic lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.
• CA Driver’s license and willingness to drive is required; not necessary to have a personal vehicle as organization can arrange travel via car share program.
• Ability to travel regularly, including to CEH headquarters in Oakland, CA, up to 30% annually.

Salary:

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. The salary range for this position is $60,000 per year. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. Our offices are open, and we are operating in a hybrid model.

CEH is an equal opportunity employer. As an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, it considers applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity or expression, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, ability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, or national origin.

Join Us: Be part of an organization where your work truly matters. Apply now and contribute to our mission to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in our air, water, soil, food, and the products we use every day.

How to Apply:

Submit your cover letter and resume in a single PDF with “Research Assistant” and your surname in the file name to Jobs@ceh.org. Center for Environmental Health is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.