Research Attorney

Louisiana State University; Berlin; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement options

Tuition exemption for qualified staff

Job summary

Louisiana State University seeks a Research Attorney in its Sea Grant Law & Policy Program. You will design and lead legal and policy research on coastal issues, develop grant concepts, and mentor law student researchers. The role blends academic rigor with policy impact and outreach.

You’ll translate complex research for academic, governmental, and community audiences, contribute to publications, and collaborate across interdisciplinary teams to advance Sea Grant priorities.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and 3 years of related professional experience in legal research, legal analysis, policy research, or a related area.
• Current membership in good standing with the bar of a U.S. jurisdiction. Valid driver’s license.
• Excellent written and oral communication, and ability to work with academic, governmental, professional, and community audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and conduct advanced legal and policy research across coastal law and policy topics. Prepare research for scholarly and professional dissemination.
• Identify external funding opportunities; contribute to grant proposals and manage funded projects as PI or co-PI as appropriate.
• Translate research for dissemination to diverse audiences; edit newsletters and represent the program on committees and forums.
• Provide mentorship to student researchers and coordinate related activities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary partners to advance Sea Grant priorities and outreach.

Skills

Legal research

Policy analysis

Academic writing

Oral communication

Education

Juris Doctorate

Bar admission

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Research Attorney

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM ORED - SG - Department of SG Law and Policy (James Gillespie Wilkins (00012917))

Work Location:

0205 Sea Grant Building

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

The Research Attorney serves as an advanced legal researcher and policy analyst within Louisiana Sea Grant’s Law & Policy Program, leading and contributing to research initiatives focused on coastal zone management, ocean and coastal policy, coastal restoration and protection, fisheries, and natural resource issues affecting Louisiana and the Gulf region. The position designs, conducts, analyzes, and disseminates original legal and policy research; develops research concepts and contributes to externally funded projects through proposal development and grant activity; and collaborates with interdisciplinary partners to advance Sea Grant’s research, outreach, and extension priorities. The position translates complex legal and policy research for academic, governmental, professional, and community audiences and provides guidance and mentorship to law student research assistants.

Job Responsibilities:

Research & Legal Policy Analysis - Design, lead, and conduct advanced legal and policy research addressing coastal zone management, ocean and coastal policy, coastal restoration and protection, environmental and fisheries law, and natural resource conflicts affecting Louisiana and the Gulf region. Develop research concepts and methodologies; analyze complex legal, regulatory, and policy issues; interpret findings; and prepare original research for dissemination through scholarly and professional publications, reports, presentations, and other appropriate media. Identify research needs and emerging legal and policy issues relevant to Louisiana Sea Grant’s mission and strategic priorities. (40%)

Grant & Research Development - Identify and pursue external funding opportunities supporting coastal law and policy research and related Louisiana Sea Grant initiatives. Develop and contribute to grant proposals, including research concepts, project scope, methodology, deliverables, and collaborative partnerships. Participate in funded research projects and, as appropriate, serve as principal investigator or in other research roles; coordinate assigned research activities and deliverables associated with funded projects. (20%)

Research Dissemination & Professional Engagement - Translate and disseminate legal and policy research for academic, governmental, professional, and public audiences. Serve as editor of the Louisiana Coastal Law Newsletter and develop research-based publications and other educational materials. Represent Louisiana Sea Grant’s Law & Policy Program on relevant state, regional, and national committees, task forces, working groups, conferences, and professional forums, including state agency task forces as requested. (15%)

Outreach, Extension & Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Support Louisiana Sea Grant’s strategic research, outreach, and extension priorities by applying legal and policy research to coastal resilience, hazard response, adaptation planning, and related initiatives. Collaborate with Sea Grant faculty and staff, researchers, governmental agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders on interdisciplinary projects. Organize and lead research-informed workshops and outreach activities in coastal communities and represent Louisiana Sea Grant at regional and national meetings related to coastal resilience and policy. (15%)

Student Research Mentorship & Project Coordination - Provide guidance and mentorship to law student research assistants supporting Law & Policy Program projects. Coordinate assigned student research activities, establish project expectations and deliverables, monitor progress, review research work products, and provide substantive guidance on legal research methods and analysis. Perform other related duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate and 3 years of related professional experience in legal research, legal analysis, policy research, or a related area. Demonstrated experience conducting legal research and analysis and communicating complex legal or policy issues through professional or scholarly writing. Proven research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills and ability to work effectively with academic, governmental, professional, and community audiences.

Current membership in good standing with the bar of a U.S. jurisdiction. Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to above: Experience conducting research and writing in coastal, ocean, environmental, fisheries, natural resources, or related law and policy areas. Experience developing grant proposals, participating in externally funded research, publishing original legal or policy research, and translating research findings for outreach or extension audiences. Louisiana Bar membership.

Posting Date:

October 19, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

February 16, 2027

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.