Science Fellow, Climate Judiciary Project

Since 1969, the Environmental Law Institute has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, domestically and abroad. We are an internationally recognized, non-partisan research and education center working to strengthen environmental protection by improving law and governance worldwide.

The Institute is known for its pioneering judicial education program that has trained thousands of judges on environmental law since 1990. The Climate Judiciary Project (CJP), https://cjp.eli.org, draws from this extensive experience to provide the basic climate science training judges need to keep pace with climate issues emerging in courtrooms. The project conducts education programs, produces training materials, and fosters a better understanding of science and the law in the judicial community. To meet growing demand for programming related to the energy transition, we are now developing new content on the science and law of clean energy.

The Science Fellow (Clean Energy), a 2-year entry-level position for a recent graduate from a graduate program in energy science or engineering, is a unique opportunity to contribute to the education of the judiciary on various energy and law topics. The Fellow will be a member of the CJP team, working under the direction of an ELI scientist, and in close collaboration with the CJP Founder and CJP Director, to develop curriculum materials and analyses on science, law, and policy issues relevant to the Project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Curriculum development – Provide content research on energy topics for the curriculum, in support of authors drafting modules
• Program content creation – Draft materials for publication, presentation, and dissemination on energy science and its intersections with law and policy
• Workshop convening – Contribute to the preparation, development, and delivery of presentation for in-person and virtual events
• Network coordination – Support the coordination of a network of judicial scientific educators
• Web content creation – Help develop relevant website content
• Other duties – Conduct other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in energy science, engineering, or a closely related topic
• Substantial knowledge of technical topics related to clean energy generation, storage, transmission, economics, and/or impacts; ideally, with an interest in connecting the science with law and policy
• Strong science communication skills
• Experience in research, writing, and analysis
• Ability to communicate effectively across different mediums and with a broad range of people, including representing ELI publicly in a manner consistent with our mission and values
• Excellent organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team setting
• Proficiency with Office software, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to be on-site in our DC office 2 days a week. We are open to the possibility of remote work for the right candidate

ABOUT ELI

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an environmental law, science, and policy center that makes law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. Our mission is to foster innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress.

ELI’s Research and Policy experts develop innovative legal and governance solutions to challenges in areas such as climate change; environmental justice; natural resource management; land conservation and smart growth; biodiversity loss and habitat destruction; and air, water, and soil pollution. Together, ELI’s staff aims to:

• Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions
• Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges
• Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media
• Work with partners to develop and implement laws, policies, and other means to protect the environment and society
• Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue

COMPENSATION

The annual compensation for this position is $60,000. We also provide excellent benefits including:

• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer paid life insurance & disability insurance
• Long Term Care insurance
• Pre-tax transportation benefit
• Fitness Incentive
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, submit an application package via ELI’s online application system by clicking the Apply button. Note that your submission must contain the following uploaded documents (Word or PDF format), as follows:

• Cover letter, addressing your personal goals and interests, as well as your experience and interest in carrying out the duties outlined above
• Paper or writing sample that demonstrates your writing ability
• Current CV or resume

Candidates passing the initial applicant screening process will be requested to provide references.

Applications must be submitted no later than September 15, 2024 EDT and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery. Please note that to ensure the health and safety of the ELI workforce, any offer of employment from ELI is contingent on candidates providing proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. ELI management will consider requests for religious or medical exceptions, consistent with applicable law.

ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness. As such, minority candidates and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.