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Summer Virtual Researcher Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

The long daylight hours make summer the ideal time to experience and appreciate Alaska. ABOUT US ... Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research, develop strategy and legal theories ...

The long daylight hours make summer the ideal time to experience and appreciate Alaska. ABOUT US ... Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research, develop strategy and legal theories ...

Summer Virtual Researcher information

What is a summer virtual researcher?

A Summer Virtual Researcher is typically a student or early-career professional who participates in research projects remotely during the summer months. These positions allow individuals to assist with data collection, literature reviews, analysis, or other research-related tasks while working from home. The projects are often supervised by faculty or industry professionals and may be part-time or full-time. This role provides valuable experience in research methodologies and often contributes to academic or industry publications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer virtual researcher?

To thrive as a Summer Virtual Researcher, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in research methods—often demonstrated by current academic enrollment or prior research experience—are essential. Familiarity with digital research databases, data analysis tools (like Excel or SPSS), and collaboration platforms such as Zoom or Google Workspace is typically required. Effective communication, self-motivation, and time management are key soft skills that help in managing tasks independently and reporting findings clearly. These abilities enable researchers to produce high-quality, reliable insights while working remotely and collaborating efficiently with supervisors and peers.

What are some typical challenges faced by summer virtual researchers and how can they be addressed?

Summer Virtual Researchers often encounter challenges such as managing time effectively across multiple projects, staying self-motivated without in-person supervision, and ensuring clear communication with team members who may be in different time zones. To address these, it's helpful to establish a structured daily routine, set clear goals with supervisors, and use project management tools to track progress. Regular virtual check-ins and proactive communication are also key to staying aligned with the team and ensuring successful research outcomes.

What is the difference between Summer Virtual Researcher vs Summer Research Intern?

AspectSummer Virtual ResearcherSummer Research Intern
CredentialsTypically requires relevant academic background or coursework in the research fieldOften requires enrollment in a related degree program or coursework
Work EnvironmentRemote, flexible schedule, often independentRemote or on-site, supervised by a mentor or supervisor
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, or organizations conducting research projectsUniversities, labs, or research organizations, often part of academic programs

The Summer Virtual Researcher and Summer Research Intern roles both involve assisting with research projects, but the Virtual Researcher typically works independently remotely with a focus on specific research tasks, while the Intern may have more structured supervision and on-site opportunities. Both roles are valuable for gaining research experience during summer breaks.

2027 Alaska Regional Clerkship

Earthjustice

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$1.3K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

ALASKA REGIONAL
The Alaska Regional Office's work is focused on protecting the Tongass coastal rainforest, safeguarding the Arctic, fighting destructive mines, and conserving the marine ecosystem. Our clients include national, regional, and local environmental organizations; Alaska Native Tribes; Alaska communities; ecotourism businesses; and other organizations concerned about enforcing the laws to protect the environment. Both locations of the Alaska Office - Juneau and Anchorage - offer breathtaking scenery and outstanding access to wilderness and recreational opportunities. The long daylight hours make summer the ideal time to experience and appreciate Alaska.
ABOUT US
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health; preserve magnificent places and wildlife; advance clean energy; and combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups and supporters to take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country and have a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
We welcome all interested law students from across the country to apply for a summer law clerk position. We expect that students will work proximate to or in an office where the program is located.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Summer Law Clerks will have the opportunity to work with several attorneys on case development and litigation strategy. Students may draft pleadings and briefs, do legal research, develop strategy and legal theories, gather evidence, and attend client meetings and court proceedings. Earthjustice's summer law clerk program also includes various programmatic offerings, such as in-person and virtual seminars with attorneys and guest speakers on current environmental issues, interactions with other local and regional environmental groups, and a job interview workshop.
COMPENSATION
Earthjustice summer law clerkships are paid positions. The total stipend amount will be dependent on any external funding a student secures, such as through their law school's summer funding program. Earthjustice will provide a one-time stipend at the start of the clerkship in the amount of $1,382.00 per week, minus the total amount received from any other sources and applicable taxes. The summer law clerkship is designed to be 10 weeks long at full-time hours (37.5 hours/week).
You are welcome to pursue outside funding. The ability to secure outside funding will not be considered as part of the hiring process.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligibility: Candidates must be enrolled in a U.S. law school through fall 2027 (i.e., not graduating before December 2027) and be available to commit ten weeks during summer 2027. Summer law clerks must work from the U.S. during their clerkship.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their complete application via Jobvite by September 7, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Each Earthjustice litigation team participates in clerk hiring; candidates may submit applications to whichever and however many litigation teams they are interested. Please be prepared to respond to our September follow-up e-mail, requesting your ranked choice of the teams for which you have applied. Do not include such rankings within your Jobvite application.
Application Materials Requested:
  • Resume.
  • Cover letter that addresses:
    • (1) relevant aspects of your background that are not apparent or fully explained in your resume;
    • (2) why you are drawn to Earthjustice's mission and the litigation teams for which you are applying; and
    • (3) whether there are particular environmental or public interest issues that inspire you.
  • Additional documents (select "Add Files" in Jobvite):
    • (1) A recent legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages that primarily reflects your work. Please include a cover page indicating the extent to which your writing sample reflects edits and feedback from others.
    • (2) Unofficial transcript.
  • Finalists will be asked to submit two references; these may be law school faculty or legal professional, clinical, or volunteer supervisors.

RESOURCES
While identical applications for each team will be considered, we recommend tailoring your cover letter to describe why you are interested in that specific team. Additional information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process.
If you experience any technical difficulties or require any accommodations throughout the hiring process, please contact us at [email protected]. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.
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