Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Fellow
at Alliance for the Great Lakes
🏢 About Alliance for the Great Lakes
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's largest freshwater resource. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that combines science, policy, and advocacy to make a tangible impact on the Great Lakes. If you're passionate about freshwater conservation and want to see your research influence real-world change, this is the place.
About This Role
As a Research Fellow, you'll be at the heart of the Alliance's scientific efforts, conducting literature reviews and meta-analyses to inform policy on critical issues like sustainable water management and plastic pollution. You'll also facilitate the newly formed Science Council, working with external experts to translate research into actionable advocacy. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the organization's research agenda and make a lasting impact on Great Lakes policy.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve diving into scientific literature to synthesize findings on industrial water use impacts, drafting a memo for the policy team, and scheduling a virtual meeting with Science Council members. You might also spend time analyzing data on plastic pollution sources, writing a blog post for the Alliance's website, or preparing a presentation for an upcoming conference. It's a mix of deep research, collaboration, and communication.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Alliance for the Great Lakes Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to Alliance for the Great Lakes
Highlight any previous work on Great Lakes issues, even if it's tangential, to show your familiarity and passion.
In your resume, emphasize your research methodology skills (e.g., systematic reviews, data synthesis) with concrete examples.
Tailor your cover letter to specifically address the two priority areas: sustainable water management and plastic pollution. Mention how your background aligns.
Showcase any experience with science communication or translating research for policy audiences, as this is a key part of the role.
Mention any experience working with advisory boards or councils, as the Science Council facilitation is a core responsibility.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Alliance's mission and the importance of science in advocacy. - Detail your research experience, particularly with literature reviews and meta-analyses, and how it applies to the role. - Express enthusiasm for the Great Lakes and the specific challenges of water quantity/quality and plastic pollution. - Highlight your ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including scientists and policymakers.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Alliance's current strategic plan and recent reports to understand their research priorities and advocacy focus.
- → Look into the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and relevant state/federal regulations to grasp the policy landscape.
- → Explore the Alliance's work on plastic pollution, including any previous studies or campaigns, to see how your research could build on it.
- → Familiarize yourself with the members of the Science Council (if publicly listed) to understand the expertise you'll be coordinating.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Great Lakes or the specific research areas.
- Overemphasizing field work or lab experience while downplaying the desk-based research and synthesis skills required.
- Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the nonprofit advocacy context and how research translates into policy.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Alliance for the Great Lakes!