Research Positions (Social & Natural/Engineering Sciences) in 3-year research project on Climate Change and Water in Urbanising Watersheds

1. SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE/ RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (NATURAL SCIENCES/ENGG.)
2. SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE/ RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (SOCIAL SCIENCES)

Job Location: BANGALORE AND DARJEELING/GANGTOK

Background: We are beginning a 3-year research project on climate vulnerability and adaptation in urbanizing watersheds. This is an interdisciplinary research project involving natural and social scientists from ATREE and The Pacific Institute, USA, focusing on two watersheds: the Arkavathy sub-basin near Bangalore, and the Rangit sub-basin near Darjeeling. The objective is to understand the impact of climate change on the quality and quantity of water accessible to different sections of the society, particularly weaker sections, and the household and wider institutional/governance factors that shape vulnerability, short-term coping mechanisms and possible adaptation strategies.

We are looking to fill a total of 8 positions at the Senior Research Associate/Research Associate level for the project, including 4 with a natural science or engineering background and 4 with a social science background. These researchers will be engaged in extensive field data collection and analysis, and will participate in the writing up and dissemination of the results. The project will involve extensive engagement with local communities and decision-makers, as well as being interdisciplinary and academically rigorous. The SRAs/RAs recruited will work as part of an interdisciplinary team comprising hydrologists, economists and social scientists, but with distinct responsibilities. 4 SRAs/RAs (2 social scientists and 2 natural scientists) will be based in Bangalore and 4 will be based in Gangtok/Darjeeling.

Essential and desirable qualifications
SRA/RA Social Sciences
-Essential qualifications and skills
a) Masters/M. Phil in Economics/Environmental Economics/Development Economics, or Development Studies/Evironmental Studies/Social Work
b) Ability to gather and analyze data, both qualitative and quantitative (should posses skills in using software such as SPSS for quantitative analysis)
c) Competence in English communication, both oral and written
d) Willingness to carry out extensive field work in rural areas
e) Ability to network/liaison with local groups, organizations, agencies and the research team

-Desirable qualifications
a) Knowledge of local language (Kannada for the Bangalore position, Nepali for Gangtok/Darjeeling position)
b) Prior training or experience in working with issues relating to water and/or climate change

SRA/RA Natural Sciences/Engg.
-Essential qualifications and skills
a) M.E/M. Tech/M.Sc (Water resources Engineering/Environmental Engineering/Environmental Science)
b) Experience in Water quality modeling/Hydraulic Modeling (QUAL 2K, EPANET)
c) Ability to gather and analyze data, both qualitative and quantitative
d) Competence in English communication, both oral and written
e) Willingness to carry out extensive field work in rural areas
f) Ability to network/liaison with local groups, organizations, agencies and the research team
-Desirable qualifications
a) Knowledge of local language (Kannada for the Bangalore position, Nepali for Gangtok/Darjeeling position)
b) Prior training or experience in working with issues relating to water and/or climate change

Gross salary: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35,000 per month depending upon qualifications and experience. Other benefits as per ATREE norms. Designation will also depend upon qualifications and experience.
Duration of appointment: 3 years (to be confirmed after the first 6 months)
Opportunity for PhD: Interested candidates may be able to register for PhD under the ATREE PhD programme, provided they clear the selection interview.

Interested people are requested to contact: Dr. Priyanka Jamwal (priyanka.jamwal@atree.org) for natural science positions and Dr. Bejoy K Thomas (bejoy.thomas@atree.org) for social science positions. Please furnish a current CV, a writing sample such as a research paper, project report or thesis chapter, and contact information of two referees.

Please also indicate where you prefer to be located – in Darjeeling/Gangtok or Bangalore.

Final date of receiving applications: June 15, 2012

ATREE fosters autonomy, professional growth, diversity and gender equity at the work place. Women and persons from less privileged groups are especially encouraged to apply.