Jobs

The Breakthrough Institute is growing at a faster pace than we ever have in our 15-year history.

In the last two years, we have created two new programs, our Nuclear Innovation program and Energy and Development program, adding to our long-standing Energy & Climate and Food & Agriculture programs. We have initiated several major policy campaigns, including our efforts to double federal agricultural R&D and to get advanced nuclear reactors licensed in the United States.

We have also opened an office in Washington, DC, to put more ecomodernist ideas into action, building a DC policy and research agenda from the ground up.

The Breakthrough Institute envisions a future where all the world’s inhabitants can enjoy secure, free, prosperous, and fulfilling lives on an ecologically vibrant planet. We strive to make our work audacious, pragmatic, and politically unclassifiable. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, now is your opportunity.

You can learn more about our vision here. Check out our open positions below. All salaries are highly competitive with industry-wide standards and are commensurate with experience.

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 or 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.

Nuclear Energy Innovation Analyst / Senior Nuclear Energy Innovation Analyst

Who We Are

The Breakthrough Institute (BTI) seeks innovative solutions to environmental and human development challenges in pursuit of a secure, healthier, and more prosperous future. BTI fosters a culture of aspirational, disruptive, and yet evidence-based thinking, and mission-driven, pragmatic problem-solving. Over the past few years, we’ve grown to a staff of 20+ talented individuals, shaping how policymakers, environmental groups, and other thought leaders view climate change, nuclear power, agricultural innovation, international energy development, and other key issues.

The Opportunity

We are currently hiring a Nuclear Energy Innovation Analyst or Senior Nuclear Energy Innovation 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.

Key Responsibilities

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

  • Contribute to research and funding proposals and engage with funders as needed

  • Undertake qualitative and quantitative research for internal and external use, culminating in memos, reports, working papers, web articles, pieces for external publication, and peer-reviewed publications

  • 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

  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and take ownership of projects, delivering high-quality work on time

  • Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications

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

  • Master’s or PhD degree in related field

  • 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

Job Conditions

  • This is a full-time, exempt position in Washington, D.C., with hybrid virtual and in-person work arrangements. A minimum of 3 days of in-office work is expected.

  • Some evening or weekend time may be required depending on events and other job-related work outside of the office.

  • All employees must show proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date, subject to a disability or religious accommodation exemption.

Salary & Benefits

  • $70,000 - $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>: <Position Title>

  • Your email should state how you heard about this position

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

Livestock Analyst / Senior Livestock Analyst

Who We Are

The Breakthrough Institute (BTI) seeks innovative solutions to environmental and human development challenges in pursuit of a secure, healthier, and more prosperous future. BTI fosters a culture of aspirational, disruptive, and yet evidence-based thinking, and mission-driven, pragmatic problem-solving. Over the past few years, we’ve grown to a staff of 20+ talented individuals, shaping how policymakers, environmental groups, and other thought leaders view climate change, nuclear power, agricultural innovation, international energy development, and other key issues.

The Opportunity

The Breakthrough Institute’s Food and Agriculture Program analyzes and advocates for the role of agricultural innovation and productivity growth in addressing climate change and other environmental challenges. BTI is seeking an analyst or senior analyst, depending on experience, to identify and advocate for changes in U.S. livestock production and policy that would increase productivity and reduce enteric methane emissions. We are looking for a critical thinker who understands livestock production and policy, enjoys digging into policy or scientific details, and is committed to improving the livestock industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Propose and execute rigorous and policy-relevant analyses on how to improve livestock sustainability.

  • Communicate livestock production and policy priorities through multiple channels including presentations, op-eds, fact sheets, and BTI website articles.

  • Build relationships with non-profit organizations, trade associations, companies, and scientists involved with animal agriculture to collaborate on research and advocacy.

  • Advise USDA, FDA, Congressional staff, and non-governmental stakeholders on how to support enteric methane mitigation and other areas of livestock sustainability, including through developing regulatory comments and materials for BTI Federal Policy staff.

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience.

  • Experience working on animal agriculture policy in government, NGOs, industry, or academia.

  • Knowledge of livestock production in the U.S.

  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and lead significant projects, delivering high-quality work on time.

  • Experience researching and critically evaluating information and compiling it into reports with recommendations for action.

  • Strong writing and presentation skills.

  • Fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field such as animal science, veterinary medicine, public policy, agricultural economics, environmental science, or agricultural law and policy.

  • Experience with AAFCO, FDA, EPA, or other institutions involved with the regulation of feed, feed additives, and animal drugs.

Job Conditions

  • This is a full-time, exempt position in either Berkeley, CA or Washington, D.C., with hybrid virtual and in-person work arrangements. A minimum of 3 days of in-office work is expected.

  • This position requires approximately 3-5 domestic trips per year, with the option of more depending on invitations to present at events.

  • Some evening or weekend time may be required depending on events and other job-related work outside of the office.

  • All employees must show proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date, subject to a disability or religious accommodation exemption.

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary and title commensurate with qualifications and experience. The starting salary range for this position is $70,000 to $93,000.

  • Employees enjoy excellent medical and dental coverage (90% premium coverage for employees and dependents), an optional vision plan, a 403(b) retirement plan, life & disability insurance, generous vacation time, sick leave, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees, a professional development stipend, 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 (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc)

  • Your email subject should say: <Your Name>: <Position Title>.

  • Your email should state how you heard about this position.

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

Editorial and Events Associate

Who We Are

The Breakthrough Institute (BTI) seeks innovative solutions to environmental and human development challenges in pursuit of a secure, healthier, and more prosperous future. BTI fosters a culture of aspirational, disruptive, and evidence-based thinking, and mission-driven, pragmatic problem-solving. Over the past few years, we’ve grown to a staff of 20+ talented individuals, shaping how policymakers, environmental groups, and other thought leaders view climate change, nuclear power, agricultural innovation, international energy development, and other key issues.

The Opportunity

We are currently hiring an Editorial and Events Associate to support our growing communications and events teams. The Editorial and Events Associate will work closely with the Editorial Director to produce, edit, publish, and promote Breakthrough’s work and will collaborate across our various research teams. This role will also support our Events Director in promoting Breakthrough’s ideas through, for example, our flagship gatherings, which bring together thought leaders from all over the world.

This is an entry-level position for candidates with a few years of experience or less and is a role that provides ample potential for increasing levels of responsibility, exposure to a wide variety of subject areas and business functions, and opportunities to pitch and publish one’s own writing.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial

  • Assist editorial director in tracking and managing publication calendar and pipeline

  • Assist editorial director with editing and copyediting Breakthrough publications

  • Assist editorial director in coordinating across teams and managing interactions with contractors such as copy editors and graphic designers

  • Assist editorial director with editing and publishing newsletters

  • Assist editorial director in producing press releases

  • Post content to Breakthrough’s website

  • Develop and post social media content

  • Track key metrics of success for Breakthrough’s communications, such as media mentions

Events

  • Assist the Events Director in planning, coordinating, and executing events, including but not limited to tasks such as: research, managing RSVPs, conducting outreach, database management, and on-site event management.

  • Assist in developing, compiling, and editing event materials, including but not limited to: invites, travel information, nametags, presentation materials, speaker bios, programs, etc.

  • Interface with events contractors and vendors

Other

  • Providing writing and editing support on development projects as needed

Breakthrough employees may be asked to perform other tasks as needed. Responsibilities are subject to change to correspond with the needs of The Breakthrough Institute, in its sole discretion.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in English, History, Environmental Studies or other relevant, writing-heavy fields

  • Strong writing skills and a passion for writing and editing

  • Experience copyediting and editing others’ writing

  • Broad background knowledge of and authentic interest in Breakthrough’s core research and policy interests: energy technology innovation, agricultural research and productivity, international aid and development, and technology regulation.

  • Clear communication skills and ability to both give and receive feedback constructively

  • Organization, attention to detail, and effective project and time management

  • A drive to get things done and a willingness to take on new work as it arises

  • Eagerness to learn new skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with Mailchimp and Salesforce

  • Experience managing social media platforms for business functions

Job Conditions

This is a full-time, exempt position in Berkeley, CA, with hybrid virtual and in-person work arrangements. A minimum of 3 days of in-office work is expected.

Some evening or weekend time may be required depending on events and other job-related work outside of the office.

All employees must show proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date, subject to a disability or religious accommodation exemption.

Salary and Benefits

  • $50,000-$60,000 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>: <Position Title>

Your email should state how you heard about this position

Your cover letter should reflect on Breakthrough’s work and how you perceive this opportunity as part of your career arc

Your writing sample should be under 2500 words and best reflect your style as a writer