Aquatic Ecologist

**Who are we?**

The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) is a national education, research, practice and capacity development institution committed to the equitable, sustainable and efficient transformation of Indian cities and settlements.

The School of Environment and Sustainability (SES) at IIHS and its Long-term Urban Ecological Observatory (LTUEO), the first such mega-city observatory in the world, focus on the sustainable transformation of diverse human settlements and the social-ecological-technical systems they are part of in the face of global change, especially urbanisation and climate change. The SES and LTUEO work on cutting edge scholarship and knowledge, education, and practice focused on solutions to wicked and complex environment and sustainability problems within the context of a rapidly urbanising India.

**What are we looking for?**

We are looking for an emerging scholar in aquatic ecology who can work with IIHS faculty and researchers on the ecological dimensions of managed and semi-natural aquatic ecosystems from rivers to urban lakes and constructed wetlands. They would demonstrate interest and skills in the design and testing of nature-based solutions as part of the integration of blue, green and grey infrastructure across the rural, peri-urban and urban continuum.

**Qualifications**

Applicants should hold a PhD in aquatic ecology and aquatic systems ecosystem services or a related field, with a depth and breadth of knowledge across various aquatic systems e.g. lakes, rivers and estuaries, and a good grasp of natural history of aquatic fauna and flora. They would have a proven research and publication record with at least three relevant publications in noted peer-reviewed journals.

**What will you be expected to do?**

You will be engaged in research and monitoring of aquatic fauna and flora in our LTUEO constructed wetlands and the ecological connectivity of these systems with nearby water bodies, and will contribute to developing a portfolio of applied aquatic ecology work in Bengaluru and wetland and river systems elsewhere. You will use your aquatic ecology knowledge to help design nature-based solutions in Bengaluru and elsewhere. You will contribute to teaching and training programs of IIHS and SES/LTUEO, and help write grant proposals. Finally, you are expected to communicate your work within and outside the institution to diverse audiences using a variety of platforms.

**What do we offer?**

Our growing body of cutting-edge research and practice offers opportunities that encompass water, ecological and infrastructural systems at local to national scale with active participation and contributions to international science-policy forums such as IPCC, IPBES and GCEW.

Our collective faculty experience and scholarship on water, ecology, sustainability science, climate science and urban sciences offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional development. You will be part of a high-performance interdisciplinary team with access to established partners and collaborators from across the world.

You will have access to the first mega-city LTUEO in the world and IIHS’ cutting-edge Geospatial Lab, Urban Informatics Lab, Word Lab and Media Lab.

We offer compensation that’s commensurate with qualifications and demonstrated experience and skills, along with a range of benefits and support.

**What interests should you have?**

Openness to interdisciplinary, collegial and collaborative teamworking, along with excellent interpersonal and communications skills, are essential.

The ability and interest to publish in peer-reviewed journals and communicate in mainstream and social media is desirable.’

**Where will you be based?**

You will be based in Bengaluru but may be required to travel to other campuses and field sites and projects across India and abroad as needed.

**Anything else you should know?**

**How to apply?**

Ensure that your CV includes the names of three referees. Alongside, also upload a letter of intent outlining your fit with the JD.

**In case of questions?