Scientist 70-80% (m/f/d)
Eawag
1 day ago
Part-time
On-site
Dübendorf, ZH
JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Eawag seeks a Scientist at 70-80% to advance Nature-Based Solutions in Chennai and Mumbai, combining NbS science with implementation work. You will identify systemic opportunities and barriers in infrastructure design, financing and procurement, conduct interviews with officials, run surveys, analyze qualitative data, and deliver actionable reports. Ideal candidates have a Master or PhD with 3-5 years in urban resilience, NbS or policy analysis; English fluent, Marathi desirable; travel to India expected. To stand out, highlight interdisciplinary training bridging social and environmental sciences and any South Asia field experience. Start 1 September 2026; one-year contract with possible extension. Apply by 15 July 2026 via the Eawag webpage with a one-page letter, CV and writing sample; questions to Dr George Wainaina.
Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
Scientist 70-80% (m/f/d)
The Sanitation, Water, and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) and the Urban Water Management (SWW) departments have a vacancy for a
You will work in the “Organizations and Climate” and the “Multifunctional blue-green design” groups at Eawag under Dr George Wainaina and Dr Lauren Cook to implement a work pack-age for the Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in Indian Cities project. This is a collaborative project with Sponge Collaborative, ISD Foundation, and 360 Carbon, all of whom are involved in complementary work packages.
You will be expected to investigate the systemic opportunities and barriers (e.g., stakeholder capacity, current infrastructure design, financing and procurement processes, etc.) to the implementation and scaling of nature-based solutions (NbS) in Chennai and Mumbai, India. Therefore, you would ideally be familiar not only with NbS scientifically but also with the implementation apparatus for infrastructure projects in India and the necessary stakeholders. They will provide actionable, evidence-based recommendations for implementing NbS in India, specifically sponge parks (large parks with multiple uses, including built-in water retention, trees, and recreation).
At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.
Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it—we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about Eawag as well as our conditions of employment.
Applications must be submitted by 15 July 2026 and should include an application letter (one page, describing why you are the right candidate for this position, your motivation and clarify the potential impact that you can achieve), a CV and one writing sample (a recently published research article, a report intended for a general audience, or a thesis, for example).
For further information, please contact Dr George Wainaina.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
You will be expected to investigate the systemic opportunities and barriers (e.g., stakeholder capacity, current infrastructure design, financing and procurement processes, etc.) to the implementation and scaling of nature-based solutions (NbS) in Chennai and Mumbai, India. Therefore, you would ideally be familiar not only with NbS scientifically but also with the implementation apparatus for infrastructure projects in India and the necessary stakeholders. They will provide actionable, evidence-based recommendations for implementing NbS in India, specifically sponge parks (large parks with multiple uses, including built-in water retention, trees, and recreation).
Your profile:
- A PhD or master’s in urban planning, public policy, sustainability, development studies, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience (PhD counted as experience but must be completed) in urban resilience, NbS, climate adaptation, or policy/institutional analysis
- Understanding of sponge cities, urban water management, ecosystem based adaptation, and their co benefits including stakeholder challenges and opportunities
- Ability to design interview guides and surveys; conduct key informant interviews with senior government officials and reconnaissance visits; analyze qualitative data
- Ability to produce clear, actionable reports for diverse audiences
- English fluency required. Working proficiency in Marathi is desirable
- An interdisciplinary background bridging social and environmental sciences
- Applied research in South Asia, ideally Chennai or Mumbai, and familiarity with urban governance in the two cities
- Familiarity with institutional capacity assessment frameworks (e.g., scorecards, maturity models) is an advantage
- Peer reviewed publications on NbS, sponge cities, or water governance
At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.
Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it—we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about Eawag as well as our conditions of employment.
Applications must be submitted by 15 July 2026 and should include an application letter (one page, describing why you are the right candidate for this position, your motivation and clarify the potential impact that you can achieve), a CV and one writing sample (a recently published research article, a report intended for a general audience, or a thesis, for example).
For further information, please contact Dr George Wainaina.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology