Research Associate 5 - Energy Law

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Job Posting Title:

Research Associate 5 - Energy Law

   

Position Type:

Other Academic

   

Department:

LSUAM ORED - IEI - Administration (Tyler Patrick Gray (00309480))

   

Work Location:

1067 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

   

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

   

Job Description:

The Legal Research Associate supports the Department’s implementation of Act 458 and other reforms, focusing on rulemaking, statutory interpretation, regulatory modernization, and administrative law research. The Legal Research Associate helps Louisiana stand up a modern regulatory framework—one that is clearer, more predictable, and built for long-term stewardship of energy, water, and land.

Job Responsibilities:

-Support the drafting of rule text, guidance documents, procedures, and templates supporting Act 458, certification programs, OSR/NRTA operations, and statewide water planning. (25%)

-Conduct legal research on administrative law, natural resources regulation, environmental governance, property rights, pore space, and enforcement authority. (20%)

-Support the Natural Resources Commission by preparing meeting materials, governance documents, and public participation frameworks. (15%)

-Analyze statutory authority for data governance, permitting, financial assurance, mineral management, and restoration activities. (15%)

-Assist with drafting memos that help leadership evaluate legal risks, administrative pathways, and options for streamlined implementation. (10%)

-Assist with drafting CEAs, contribution agreements, operator financial-wherewithal structures, and template contracts. (10%)

-Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and six years of related experience OR a master’s degree and two years of related experience OR a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Juris Doctorate - Recent law graduate, bar-passage pending or recently passed; strong administrative/legislative research skills; interest in natural resources, environmental, or energy law; comfort navigating ambiguity while grounding recommendations in statute.

   

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about 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 HR@lsu.edu.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Tyler Gray at tgray35@lsu.edu.

   

Posting Date:

April 10, 2026

   

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

August 8, 2026

  

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 re