Employment

“Silent Spring is the leader in producing high-quality scientific evidence on cancer-causing agents in the environment.” – Dr. Margaret Kripke, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, member President’s Cancer Panel (2003-2011)

Silent Spring Institute is a scientific research organization and one of the nation’s leading authorities on cancer-causing chemicals in our everyday environments, with a particular focus on breast cancer prevention. We are a collaborative, high-energy staff of 25, including 20 scientists with expertise in epidemiology, toxicology, chemistry, social science, and communications. We lead National Institutes of Health-funded research*, collaborating with investigators at Harvard, UC Berkeley, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Silent Spring also partners with environmental justice groups, documenting racial disparities in exposures to pollutants, and supporting impacted communities. In addition to conducting scientific research, we work to educate policymakers and the public, and to translate our science into policies that support prevention.

Silent Spring Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applicants from groups who are traditionally under-represented in STEM. We value diversity and an inclusive work culture, and we do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 

Read Silent Spring's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement.

We are always seeking applications from exceptional individuals who want to be part of our team.

* Silent Spring's policy and procedures on financial conflicts of interest in public health service funded research

 

Positions

Social Media Manager

NIH T32 Postdoctoral Fellow: Environmental Health at Silent Spring Institute

Senior Scientist

Internships

Internship in Outreach and Special Events

 

Social Media Manager

The social media manager plays a critical role in advancing Silent Spring’s mission to prevent breast cancer and create healthier communities by ensuring the Institute’s work reaches the broadest possible audience. Reporting to the Director of Communications, the social media manager is a quick-witted and savvy communicator who creates highly-engaging content across Silent Spring’s social media accounts. This person is science-curious and willing to experiment with new tools and platforms. Through daily interactions with the Institute’s channels, the social media manager engages audiences in conversations and content to help people make informed decisions about their health. As an integral member of the team, this person regularly interacts with staff scientists to help broaden awareness of the Institute’s work and impact, increase its visibility, and strengthen its leadership and influence among policymakers, advocates, environmental/health nonprofits, and the public.

Responsibilities:

  • Create, curate, publish, and manage content across all social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, “X”, LinkedIn, Threads and YouTube
  • Write clear, accurate, and compelling posts that promote Silent Spring’s research and thought leadership
  • Develop clean, attractive social media graphics in keeping with Silent Spring’s branding and visual identity
  • Serve as the Institute’s social media expert; stay abreast of social media trends and best practices and make recommendations for new accounts and channels
  • Manage organic and paid social media ad campaigns across different channels
  • Conduct regular social listening to identify external content to promote
  • Compile analytics and use data to understand which content performs well and why
  • Keep up-to-date on science and policy news related to environmental health and breast cancer
  • Develop and maintain relationships with staff scientists to learn about their research and to source stories and content
  • Produce short videos showcasing Silent Spring’s work
  • Take on special writing projects as needed, including developing content for email campaigns and Silent Spring’s website

Qualifications and skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field
  • Two years of experience using social media professionally
  • Background in science a plus (e.g. environmental health, public health, biology, chemistry) 
  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Skilled at translating complex information into simple, clear language
  • Strong news judgement
  • Strong visual storytelling skills and demonstrated experience in graphic design for different social media platforms 
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines
  • Video production and photography skills a plus 
  • Skilled at tracking social media metrics and insights to evaluate campaign performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to elevate social media presence 
  • A growth mindset and willingness to learn new skills

Benefits: 

This position is full-time, based in Newton, Massachusetts. We are currently working in a hybrid mode with an expectation of two days per week in our Newton office. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience (range: $65,000-$75,000). Silent Spring offers generous benefits including health and dental insurance, four weeks of vacation, two personal days and 12 holidays per year. Free on-site parking and reimbursement for MBTA pass. Join an engaging, multi-disciplinary, and highly-experienced team of professionals dedicated to addressing environmental factors that affect women’s health!

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 samples of your work (examples of social media posts and graphics you have produced, published writing samples, a link to your website or portfolio, or links to social media accounts you currently manage) via email to careers@silentspring.org with “social media manager” in the subject line.

 

NIH T32 Postdoctoral Fellow: Environmental Health at Silent Spring Institute

We seek a candidate who is excited about receiving postdoctoral training in community-based research while working in environmental epidemiology, toxicology (including computational toxicology), exposure science, or environmental health communication as part of the NIEHS Training Program, “Transdisciplinary Training at the Intersection of Environmental Health Science and Social Science” (EH+SS), co-directed by Silent Spring Institute and Northeastern University’s Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute (SSEHRI). This two-year training program prepares scientists for successful research careers at the nexus of environmental health, social science and policy.

The postdoctoral fellow will spend 2/3 time at Silent Spring Institute and 1/3 at Northeastern University. The fellow will collaborate with Silent Spring Institute scientists on one or more ongoing research projects related to Silent Spring’s mission: to uncover the links between chemicals in our everyday environment and women’s health, with a focus on breast cancer prevention. The postdoctoral fellow will also have access to cutting edge resources and excellent colleagues at Northeastern University and other collaborating institutions.  Fellows will be expected to publish and develop proposals within their scientific area of expertise and will also have opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary publications and projects related to environmental justice, communications, science policy, and ethics.

Silent Spring researchers collaborate with investigators at Harvard, Northeastern, UC Berkeley, Brown, US EPA, US CDC, and other top-tier research institutions, as well as with diverse environmental and health advocacy groups, to conduct high-impact research in partnership with the public. As a core member of Silent Spring’s multi-disciplinary, mission-driven research team, the postdoctoral fellow will work on one or more of the following projects:

  • Contribute to epidemiological analysis for ongoing health studies of PFAS-exposed communities in projects funded by NIEHS and ATSDR.
  • Evaluate chemical mixtures using innovative statistical methods to support exposure source identification, inform toxicological testing, identify associations with measured health outcomes, and inform human health risk assessment.
  • Contribute to new methods for reporting back to individuals about their own chemical exposures and inspiring them to change individual behaviors and engage with civic solutions.
  • Perform computational analysis of microscopy images as part of an effort to understand the early effects of chemical exposures in breast tissue.
  • Apply novel approaches in biomonitoring and exposure assessment, including non-targeted analysis and metabolomics (and other omics) to identify novel exposures and early biochemical changes associated with chemical exposures.
  • Evaluate the relative contribution of residential exposures to overall PFAS exposures in children and adults living in communities with previously PFAS contaminated drinking water.
  • Contribute to exposure research focused on achieving environmental and beauty justice by measuring exposure disparities, identifying key exposure sources, and developing strategies to mitigate them.
  • Evaluate the influence of housing rehabilitation programs on dust levels of semivolatile organic compounds collected from low-income households.
  • Combine experimental and computational approaches to develop novel chemical safety screening and risk assessment methods that capture biological mechanisms related to endocrine disruption and carcinogenesis.  Many questions can be addressed using publicly available data, for example from US EPA’s ToxCast testing program.

Candidates may have doctoral training in one or more of the following areas: exposure science, environmental engineering, social science, endocrinology, developmental biology, cancer biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, toxicology, chemistry, or computational image analysis, with a focus on environmental health. Applicants should demonstrate an excellent academic and research record and an interest in understanding the roles of chemicals in carcinogenesis and hormonally-mediated toxicity.  Experience with breast cancer biology, computational toxicology, epidemiology, or statistics are assets. The candidate should have an interest in public health, community-based participatory research, and the social context of environmental health.

Silent Spring Institute

Situated just outside Boston with a staff of about 25, Silent Spring Institute (silentspring.org) recently celebrated our 29th anniversary as the nation’s leading scientific research organization focused on breast cancer prevention through environmental research and outreach programs. Our nationally-recognized, innovative, mission-driven research focuses on the link between women’s health and environmental pollutants, especially hormone disruptors and carcinogens. We develop and apply new technologies to differentiate hazardous and safer chemicals, to measure exposures, and to identify effective exposure reduction strategies. Our funding comes from the NIH, EPA, and other federal and state agencies, as well as private foundations and charitable contributions. See Silent Spring Institute’s publications here and staff bios here to learn more about our work.

Northeastern University

The Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute (northeastern.edu/environmentalhealth/), at Northeastern since 2012, continues the legacy of the Contested Illnesses Research Group at Brown University, which began in 2000, in training graduate students and postdocs in community-based participatory research aimed at transforming and improving environmental health.  By linking environmental health science, sociology, science and technology studies, and work with Community-Based Organizations, SSEHRI develops novel approaches to studying environmental health questions. It currently has 6 core faculty and 8 affiliate faculty. Both the Silent Spring Institute and Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute have extensive collaborations with many breast cancer, environmental health, and environmental justice organizations.

This position is appointed through Northeastern University and offers an NIH stipend and benefits package.

To apply, please do ALL of the following:

  1. Send an application packet containing a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, writing samples (published or unpublished), and graduate and undergraduate transcripts to Professor Phil Brown by email at p.brown@northeastern.edu AND to careers@silentspring.org (put “T32 postdoc” in subject line).
  2. Send three letters of reference, including one from your dissertation advisor, to Professor Phil Brown by email at p.brown@northeastern.edu AND to careers@silentspring.org

We are currently seeking applicants for one position to start in September 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the search will remain open until the position is filled.  We encourage applicants from groups who are traditionally under-represented in STEM. We value diversity and an inclusive work culture, and we do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Eligible applicants must be US citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents in the US.  

This position is based in Newton, MA. Silent Spring is currently working in hybrid mode, with an expectation of two days per week in our Newton office.

Questions? Write to Ruthann Rudel at rudel@silentspring.org.

 

Senior Scientist

Senior scientist applicants should expect to develop and lead an independent research program within our mission. Our scientists publish in high-impact scientific journals, compete for federal grants, and participate in scientific conferences. We collaborate with researchers at Brown, Harvard, and Tufts, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, University of Southern California, USGS, and CDC. Senior scientists are supported by outstanding research assistants and access to funds for pilot studies and proposal development. Click here for publications by Silent Spring Institute researchers.

 

Internships

Undergraduate and graduate students with skills and interest in environmental health science, science communication and translation, and chemicals policy are invited to join in Silent Spring Institute’s research through our internship program. Responsibilities may include literature searches, interviews with study participants, environmental sampling, data analysis and management, and writing, among other activities. Specific responsibilities will be tailored to the skills and interests of the applicant. Each intern will work directly as an assistant to a supervising staff member, and most interns will complete an independent project. Interns are expected to maintain regular work hours, with some flexibility to accommodate major assignments and exams. 

Examples of previous and projected intern activities:

  • Identify, review, and summarize toxicological data for chemicals used in consumer products, including chemicals marketed as safer.
  • Inventory local and online retailers to evaluate accessibility of safer consumer products.
  • Systematically review literature about chemical exposures in various occupations, geographies, or demographic groups.
  • Use R programming to organize and visualize different types of measurement data, for example, chemical exposure measurements.
  • Review scientific literature to gather parameters needed to develop fate and transport groundwater models for persistent PFAS compounds.
  • Contribute to systematic reviews of epidemiological studies of environmental contributors to breast cancer or other outcomes.
  • Contribute to blog post on the implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and its implications for public health.
  • Create an instructional video on how to use Silent Spring’s online tool for helping private well owners interpret their water test results.
  • Interview breast cancer activists about their concerns related to chemical exposures.
  • Develop scientific web servers using the Django framework.
  • Use python programming to organize big data, for example, develop tools that cross chemical features with biological activities and exposures.
  • Develop structural QSAR models using AI and machine learning to predict chemical biological activities from structural properties.

We are seeking to fill a 10-week summer-long internship designed for an undergraduate or graduate student with a strong science background and an interest in environmental science and public health. We also consider interns during the school year for academic credit. The candidate will benefit not only from working closely with Silent Spring's research team, but also will come away with an understanding of how a non-profit organization operates. Due to COVID-19, all staff are currently working remotely and actively collaborating through virtual platforms.

Requirements: 

  • Excellent academic record
  • Chemistry, biology, bioinformatics, statistics coursework and R/Python programming an asset
  • Energetic, flexible, constructive outlook
  • Ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team
  • Attention to accuracy and commitment to careful and impartial research in a context of partnership between scientists and the public

To apply: Send cover letter describing your interests and experience related to this internship, resume, writing sample, and copy of academic transcript (photocopy is fine) to careers@silentspring.org with 'Internships' in the subject line. Please designate the time period you are interested in and the hours/weeks you would be available to work, if not full time.

Silent Spring Institute is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we strongly encourage applicants from groups who are traditionally under-represented in STEM.

 

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition/Silent Spring Institute Lead Intern in Special Events and Outreach

MBCC Outreach & Communications Internship

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy. Our annual fundraising events and educational outreach allows us to continue to work towards this goal. Our interns will assist with building and promoting special events and projects for the organization and occasionally for MBCC's sister organization, Silent Spring Institute (SSI). This internship involves frequent communication with Cheryl Osimo, Executive Director. 

OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP

The flexibility of this internship is substantial given its work from home nature. Phone and internet will be the primary communication tools for assignments. Interns must commit to at least 15 hours per week. Travel is minimal except for on-site assistance required the day before and the day of the following major events:

  • Against the Tide in Hopkinton in June
  • Against the Tide in Brewster in August

Additionally, there may be other events that will require on-site support.

Responsibilities include:

  1. Media & Communication:
    • Proofing and distributing press releases and calendar listings to news media outlets including print and online newspaper, radio, and television. This includes finding up-to-date contact information for media.
    • Interviewing event participants/supporters and composing feature stories and other articles for media. This may require phone and/or email contact of a sensitive nature, since some contact will be required with those who have been touched by breast cancer. Phone interviews are critical for obtaining information used in press releases and media coverage.
  2. Marketing & Outreach:
    • Initiating contact with local community businesses and individuals to encourage community sponsorship and individual or team event participation.
    • Posting event materials in various locations. This responsibility includes targeting high traffic locations that will increase event participation.
    • Assisting with social media event promotion campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and more.
  3. Administrative:
    • Database building, management, and maintenance to ensure accurate and thorough records of progress in communications and marketing responsibilities.
       

Qualifications: College and Graduate students with minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
 

  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Detail-oriented, organized, the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously with competing deadlines.
  • Proficiency with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and other social media outlets. Prior experience with social media campaigns is preferred.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Word and Excel.

Compensation: All positions are unpaid but we are willing to work with institutions to offer students academic credit.

How to apply: Interns are needed for the following time periods:

  • January through August (Spring/Summer Internship)
  • September through December (Fall Internship
  • January through December (Full year)
     

Start dates and durations are negotiable.

Please send a cover letter, resume, references, and a writing sample to Cheryl Osimo at cherylosimo@comcast.net. Please use “MBCC Outreach & Communications Internship” in the subject line of your email.

To learn more about MBCC and our sister organization, Silent Spring Institute, please visit www.mbcc.org and www.silentspring.org. Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.