[Hiring] Science Internship @ELAW

Role Description

The Science internship with the ELAW Science Program team involves communication in English. For applicants from non-English speaking countries, we will work with applicants to identify the best method of establishing proof of English language proficiency (including but not limited to TOEFL or IELTS scores, or enrollment in an English-speaking LLM, as proof of English language proficiency). Spanish or French as a first language or proficiency is a welcome asset.

Over the course of your internship, you will:

• Conduct science research and draft memos on a wide range of scientific topics.
• Analyze and summarize studies in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Assist with drafting of memos that answer questions pertaining to environmental science for use in submissions to courts and administrative agencies, briefs, regulatory analyses, or resource updates.
• Participate as a collaborative member of a science team that supports interns through meaningful mentorship.
• Observe strategic and information gathering meetings with local lawyer partners.

Recent intern projects have included:

• Evaluation of environmental impact assessments to identify deficiencies that might be grounds for rejecting approval of environmentally harmful projects.
• Interpretation of air and water quality data to identify levels that pose risks to human health of wildlife and that might exceed health-based and ecological-based environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Open to students enrolled in or who have recently completed a graduate-level studies in environmental science.
• International applicants with equivalent science education are welcome to apply.
• Deeply committed to public interest environmental justice and human rights.
• Curious, meticulous researchers who write clearly and think critically.
• Collaborative and communicative, but self-directed in managing time and projects.
• Adaptable and open-minded, eager to learn across legal systems and cultures.
• Multilingual or bring lived experience from frontline or underrepresented communities (preferred but not required).

Requirements

• Timing: 10 weeks between late May and September 2027 (full-time, ~40 hours/week).
• Compensation: $17.50 per hour for 10 weeks of full-time work (up to $7,000 total).
• Application materials: Cover letter, resume or CV, legal writing sample (10 pages max).
• Apply by: October 23, 2026.

Benefits

• Global exposure: Engage with the use of scientific information in environmental advocacy with partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
• Hands-on experience: Work on live issues and real-world advocacy.
• Movement-aligned mentorship: Receive clear supervision, collaborative feedback, and intentional support.
• A mission-driven team: Collaborative, inclusive, and grounded in shared values.
• Remote flexibility with real connection: Included in meetings, team communications, and one-on-one check-ins.

Company Description

Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) is an international NGO, registered in Oregon as a nonprofit. At ELAW, we believe that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable—and that the best solutions come from those closest to the problem. That’s why we support a global network of public interest lawyers and scientists in 80+ countries working to protect communities and ecosystems through law.

The Science & Economics team delivers timely scientific and economic expertise to global public interest advocates in pursuit of environmental justice.