Scientist 70-80 (mfd)

Eawag


Job Location:

Uster - Switzerland

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed
Posted on: 4 days ago
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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.
The Sanitation Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) and the Urban Water Management (SWW) departments have a vacancy for a

Scientist 70-80% (m/f/d)

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).

Your profile:
  • A PhD or masters 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
Desired
  • 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
The position will be based at Eawag in Dübendorf Zurich with regular travels to India. The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026. The position is planned for one year (initial contract of 6 months extension of additional 6 months upon funding availability).

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 itwe 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

Required Experience:

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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 nee...

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