Vice President, Science

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthier lives in healthier environments. Through rigorous peer-reviewed science made accessible and relevant to reach a broad audience, EWG works to ensure access to clean water, safer personal care and household products, and healthier food.

EWG is seeking a Vice President of Science to be a leader on a multidisciplinary team of scientists with broad expertise on the impacts of chemical exposure on health. EWG’s current areas of expertise include public exposure to ingredients in cosmetic, cleaning, and other consumer products as well as exposures that occur from pesticides, drinking water and food.

This position requires leading peer-reviewed research, public and media communication, generating policy recommendations and providing the scientific expertise needed to support EWG’s Verification programs. This position will provide a critical role in shaping and developing EWG’s research agenda in collaboration with science team leadership.  This role will facilitate the science team's analysis of chemical and ingredient safety, identification of sources of exposure and associated risk, peer-reviewed research, and collaboration with top scientists, regulators, and industry experts to advance public health protections.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve public health through the development of novel research projects that document the impact of chemicals in consumer products, drinking water, and the environment.
• Uphold and strengthen the scientific standards and credibility of EWG research.
• Develop and lead scientific research to support EWG VERIFIED™, ensuring the program remains the gold standard for cosmetic product safety, human health, and transparency.
• Lead annual criteria updates for all categories certified under the EWG Verified program 
• Science lead for EWG Verified company needs, as directed by the EWG Verified science compliance team 
• Oversee and manage EWG’s consumer-facing databases, including the Skin Deep® database, ensuring that ingredient safety ratings and product assessments reflect the latest scientific research on toxicology, exposure science, and human health risks.
• Collaborate with EWG’s teams by proposing research findings and topics that should be the focus of consumer education, policy campaigns, and corporate accountability efforts.
• Represent EWG in public and professional forums, including expert panels, scientific conferences, regulatory hearings, and media engagements.
• Supervise and mentor a team of scientists, ensuring high-quality research and technical analysis in support of EWG’s mission.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in personal care product safety, ingredient risk assessment, or related fields, with leadership experience in research or regulatory affairs.
• Expertise in toxicology, exposure science, risk assessment, and regulatory policy for personal care and cosmetic ingredients.
• A strong track record of scientific research, publication, and peer-reviewed work in the field of chemical safety or human health impact assessments.
• Ph.D. or advanced degree in toxicology, environmental health, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, or nonprofit organizations to advance science-driven policy and product safety improvements.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing scientific teams and cross-functional collaborations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science into actionable insights for policymakers, corporate leaders, and consumers.
• Passion for EWG’s mission and a commitment to advancing public health through science-based advocacy and corporate accountability.

Location: Washington, D.C.     

EWG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion:

EWG celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to foster a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals. EWG does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, matriculation or political affiliation, or any other protected class recognized in any of the jurisdictions where EWG has offices or employees working. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, and compensation and promotion.

Salary : $160,000 - $190,000