Postdoctoral Fellow (Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Tropical Drylands)

Position Overview

Job Location: Bengaluru, with travel to Raichur and Chintamani

Period of Engagement: 18 months

Number of Openings: 3

Project Context: The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the CLimate Adaptation and Resilience In Tropical drYlands (CLARITY) project, a collaborative initiative exploring equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient development pathways in tropical drylands. CLARITY establishes ‘Transformational Labs’ (T-Labs) in India (Raichur and Chintamani districts, Karnataka) alongside similar efforts in Tanzania, Niger, and Nigeria. The project employs diverse methodologies, including narrative co-construction, para-hydrogeological training, and pathway modeling, to inform policy and practice.
 

Fellowship Overview: This 18-month postdoctoral fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated researcher to conduct independent, impactful research within the context of the CLARITY project. The fellows will be encouraged to develop and pursue a research agenda aligned with their interests, while contributing to the broader goals of equitable and climate-resilient development in tropical drylands. A strong emphasis will be placed on scholarly output, including peer-reviewed publications and effective communication of research findings to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

1. Research Design: Develop and execute an original research project aligned with the CLARITY project’s goals of exploring equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient development pathways in tropical drylands.
2. Contribution to ongoing research: Depending the fellows’ area of expertise, they will also contribute to existing research under the CLARITY project, including mentoring junior members of the team.
3. Data Collection and Analysis: Conduct rigorous data collection and analysis, employing appropriate methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods) relevant to the chosen research area.
4. Scholarly Publication: Lead the writing and submission of at least one peer-reviewed journal article based on the research findings.
5. Knowledge Dissemination: Design and implement an activity to communicate research findings to relevant stakeholders (e.g., stakeholder workshop, policy brief, blogs, short video).
6. Collaboration: Work closely with the Futures Research team at WELL Labs, contributing to collaborative research efforts and knowledge sharing.
7. Project Reporting: Provide regular updates on research progress and contribute to project reports.
8. Travel: Conduct fieldwork in Raichur and Chintamani districts, as required.
9. Resource Management: Independently manage research resources and timelines.

Qualifications, Experience and Eligibility

1. Doctorate (PhD) in a field relevant to climate change, development studies, environmental science, social sciences, or a related discipline.
2. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Strong understanding of climate change and development issues, particularly in the context of tropical drylands.
4. Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
7. Familiarity with rural India and willingness to travel to field sites.
8. Knowledge of Kannada is an advantage.

Fellowship Details

1. The fellowship is for a fixed term of 18 months, coinciding with the end of the CLARITY project.
2. Continuation of the fellowship or transition to a full-time research position is contingent upon performance and project needs.
3. The fellow will receive mentorship and guidance from a senior scientist at WELL Labs.
4. The fellow will work in collaboration with other researchers in the Futures Research team.

Selection Process

1. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a short 2-page research proposal outlining their proposed research within the context of the CLARITY project.
2. They would also be invited to orally present this research proposal and participate in an interview.