Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is inviting applications for a Scientist position (70–80%) to join its Sandec (Sanitation, Water, and Solid Waste for Development) and Urban Water Management (SWW) departments. The position is based in Dübendorf, Zurich, with regular travel to India.
Project Focus: Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions
The successful candidate will contribute to the project “Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in Indian Cities,” which is a collaborative research initiative focused on Chennai and Mumbai. The research explores how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)—specifically sponge parks and blue-green infrastructure—can be successfully integrated into municipal urban planning to improve stormwater retention, flood resilience, and urban biodiversity.
Key Responsibilities
- Institutional & Financial Analysis: Study the policy, financial, procurement, and governance frameworks that influence the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions by local authorities.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Design qualitative research methods, conduct interviews, and coordinate workshops with senior municipal officials, urban planners, and local communities.
- Actionable Reporting: Translate research findings into policy briefs, guidelines, and toolkits for city governments and infrastructure practitioners to help scale green infrastructure.
Position Structure and Benefits
- Duration: One year (initial 6-month contract with a high probability of a 6-month extension).
- Research Environment: Work at Eawag, a member of the prestigious ETH Domain and a global leader in aquatic sciences.
- Provides flexible working arrangements, competitive Swiss salary rates, and professional development support.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Governance, Sustainability, Water Resources Management, or related fields.
- 3–5 years of relevant professional or research experience (a completed Ph.D. counts toward this requirement).
- Strong skills in qualitative research methods, stakeholder mapping, and technical writing.
- Fluency in English; knowledge of Marathi or experience working in South Asia is a strong advantage.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Eawag’s official online application portal by 15 July 2026. Please include a one-page motivation letter, CV, and a relevant writing sample (e.g., policy brief or research paper).