ELAW seeks a PhD Hydrogeologist to Protect Water Resources and Support Public Interest Environmental Law
The Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) is seeking a highly motivated PhD hydrogeologist to join our growing team. Strong candidates will have graduate training in hydrogeology or a closely related field and demonstrated expertise in groundwater–surface water interactions, contaminant transport, and water-resource impacts of mining and other extractive or industrial activities. ELAW is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with leading public interest environmental lawyers around the world to help protect water resources and the rights of communities affected by poorly planned or poorly regulated mining projects and oil and gas infrastructure. ELAW collaborates with lawyers representing local communities and NGOs to build a sustainable, just future. Our global partners are at the forefront of innovative legal actions challenging environmentally harmful mining, waste disposal, and infrastructure projects, often in regions where communities face significant power imbalances.
ELAW’s science team currently includes eight PhD scientists with deep expertise across multiple disciplines. Each scientist works as an expert generalist, applying their core disciplinary training to respond to the complex, real-world needs of public interest lawyers working in diverse legal, ecological, and cultural contexts.
Responsibilities and Scope of Position
The hydrogeologist will:
– Provide technical analysis and scientific support to public interest lawyers in more than 80 countries on issues involving groundwater, surface water, and water quality;
– Review and critique Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), and related technical reports for mining and industrial projects, with particular attention to hydrogeology, water balance, and contaminant pathways;
– Assess risks to aquifers, springs, rivers, wetlands, and drinking-water sources from mining activities such as pit dewatering, tailings storage, waste rock disposal, heap leaching, and acid mine drainage;
– Develop or review field sampling and monitoring protocols for groundwater and surface water, and help interpret laboratory data and hydrochemical results;
– Lead drafting of expert technical opinions and affidavits for submission to courts, regulators, and international accountability mechanisms;
– Build and maintain relationships with ELAW partners, allied scientists, and technical
experts around the world;
– Organize and participate in workshops, trainings, and remote or in-person meetings to share scientific information and strengthen partners’ capacity;
– Support ELAW Fellows and supervise science interns;
– Review and collaborate on work produced by science team colleagues; and
– Contribute to ELAW communications, development, and other activities that support the organization, our partners, and allies.
Required Qualifications
– PhD in hydrogeology, geoscience, environmental engineering, or a closely related field;
– Strong grounding in groundwater flow, contaminant transport, hydrochemistry, and groundwater–surface water interactions;
– Experience or demonstrated expertise related to mining impacts on water resources, including tailings facilities, acid mine drainage, and mine dewatering;
– Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly to non-scientific audiences, including lawyers and judges;
– Strong analytical skills to critically review technical reports and develop clear, well- supported scientific conclusions;
– A demonstrated commitment to environmental protection and social justice consistent with ELAW’s mission;
– Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and international settings;
– Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a hybrid work environment;
– Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small, interdisciplinary team;
– Professional fluency in English;
– Fluency in at least one of the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, or French;
– Willingness and ability to travel internationally for meetings, fieldwork, or conferences; and
– Flexibility to work with colleagues and partners across multiple time zones.
Additional Desired Qualifications and Competencies
– Experience working internationally or demonstrated sensitivity to the needs and concerns of colleagues and communities from diverse backgrounds and indigenous communities;
– Familiarity with international environmental standards and guidelines relevant to water resources and mining (e.g., IFC EHS Guidelines, World Bank, or regional regulatory frameworks);
– Initiative to stay informed about emerging scientific and regulatory issues related to mining and water protection;
– Experience integrating or respecting traditional or community-based knowledge related to water resources;
– Comfort with technology platforms that enable virtual collaboration; and
– Strong editing and peer-review skills.
Location: The ELAW Secretariat is based in Eugene, Oregon, though members of our team work across several continents. This position is geographically flexible but should allow effective collaboration with colleagues working in the Pacific Time Zone.
ELAW does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, disability, socio- economic background, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, national origin, ancestry, status with regard to public assistance, or immigration status. ELAW is committed to
justice and equity, and our outreach, recruitment, and hiring practices reflect this commitment. No phone calls, please.
