2022-2024 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 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 climate science and the law in the judicial community.

The Science Fellow, Climate Judiciary Project, a 2-year entry-level position for a graduate from a climate science master’s program, is a unique opportunity to contribute to the education of the judiciary on climate science.  The fellow will work under the direction of the Director of Judicial Education, and in close collaboration with the Founder and the Senior Manager of the Climate Judiciary Project, to develop curriculum materials and analyses on science, law, and policy issues relevant to the Project. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

REQUIREMENTS

The fellowship hiring process is rigorous and highly competitive. Applicants must have a top academic record and exhibit superior research and writing skills.

• Master’s degree in climate science or a closely related discipline. 
• Substantial knowledge of the causes of climate change, possible solutions, and its impacts across society and the environment. Ideally, with an interest in connecting the science with law and policy.
• Strong science communication skills, with 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.
• Proficiency with office software, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

The CJP team is collaborative by nature and you will work directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We employ anti-racist practices and principles while striving to support ELI’s culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

The ideal start period for this role is Summer 2022. Our preference is for the person in this role to be based in Washington, D.C.; however, we are open to a remote work arrangement for the right candidate. 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM ELI?

This two-year fellowship is designed as an entry level science position with an annual salary of $50,000. ELI’s total compensation includes excellent benefits including:

• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• 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
• Paid time off

How to apply:

Submit an application package via ELI's online application system by visiting https://www.eli.org/employment. 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.

ELI will accept applications for this position on a rolling basis until the vacancy has been filled. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery.