Research Associate

ELI is offering a two-year opportunity to join the Institute as a Research Associate. Research Associates at the Environmental Law Institute help grow dynamic initiatives in the environmental law and policy research space. The Research Associate position is an entry-level position that begins in Summer 2026 and ends in Summer 2028.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Each year, ELI hires college graduates to serve as Research Associates. These staff members work directly with the lawyers, policy experts, and scientists in the Research and Policy Division on projects addressing environmental and natural resource protection, climate, public health, environmental justice, and pollution prevention. A typical workload combines research, writing, 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, climate change, renewable energy, hazardous waste and brownfields, green computing, international environmental policy and institutions, sustainable land use, biodiversity and species conservation, wetlands management, freshwater and ocean policy, environmental health, and environmental enforcement. Research Associates help coordinate and plan various professional events at ELI, including seminars, conferences, training courses, and workshops.

Research Associates may also assist ELI’s publications team in gathering content for and editing periodicals such as the Environmental Law Reporter. Other work may include creating and updating ELI web pages (no previous experience required), communications, and managing interns.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE?

• Superior academic research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A strong desire to gain knowledge in the environmental field.
• An undergraduate background in environmental or related issues is preferred.
• Foreign language skills can be helpful but are not required.

WHO IS 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
• For more information on ELI’s programs, visit https://www.eli.org/programs.

COMPENSATION

The annual salary for this position is $56,500. We also provide excellent benefits including:

• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer paid life insurance & disability insurance
• Pre-tax transportation benefit
• Monthly Wellness Incentive
• Paid Time Off
• 403 (b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match