Position Description

Research Associate

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI), a non-profit organization located in Washington, DC, is a leading center of environmental research, policy analysis, and training in the United States. Founded at the beginning of the modern environmental era four decades ago, ELI has played a pivotal role in the evolution of environmental law. Today, ELI is an internationally-recognized independent research and education organization whose interdisciplinary staff of lawyers and scientists works to develop creative solutions to critical problems in environmental law, policy, and management worldwide. Support for the Institute’s research comes from a mix of private foundations and state and federal government agencies.

ELI periodically hires recent college graduates to serve as Research Associates. Research Associates work directly with the 15-20 lawyers and scientists in the Research and Policy Division on projects addressing environmental and natural resource protection and pollution prevention. A typical workload combines research and administration.

The Research and Policy Division publishes research studies and conducts a variety of training courses and workshops. Specific subject areas include: air and water quality, hazardous waste and brownfields, international environmental policy, sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, freshwater and ocean policy, wetlands management, public health, environmental enforcement, and mining law.

In addition to researching and writing for some of these studies, Research Associates also help coordinate and plan various events at ELI, including seminars, conferences, training courses, and workshops. Other administrative work may include creating and updating ELI web pages (no previous experience required), communications, and managing interns.

ELI is accepting applications for Research Associate positions that begin in the summer of 2012. The Institute is also accepting applications for other positions throughout its departments. Please see our website (http://www.eli.org/About/employment.cfm) for more information.

Qualifications: (1) superior research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills, and (2) strong desire to gain knowledge in the environmental field. A background in environmental issues is preferred but not required. Research Associates are asked to stay for a minimum of two years. This entry-level position is designed for recent college graduates. Previous Research Associates have gone on to law school, graduate school, and other positions in the environmental field.

Salary: $28,750, with excellent benefits.

ELI is strongly committed to providing equal opportunity and to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Process and Deadlines: Interested candidates must submit:

• Application (download from http://www.eli.org/About/employment.cfm, job reference #111108)
• Cover letter
• Resume (must include overall undergraduate GPA)
• Analytical writing sample (preferably not scientific or narrative) of 3-5 pages in length

Applications are due January 31, 2012.

Completed applications may be emailed to: RAsearch@eli.org (subject line: RA Search #111108).

No phone calls, please.