Research Associate

The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our project focused on how rurban transformations – the interface of urban and rural land use-affect soil and water quality in peri urban areas. Using case studies from Bengaluru (India) and Accra (Ghana), the research focuses on pollutants such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and microplastics, examining their movement through soils, wastewater irrigation, and surface/groundwater systems.

PhD registration opportunity

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to register for a PhD at the University of Kassel or Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, supervised jointly by German PIs and Dr. Priyanka Jamwal (ATREE)

Water and Society programme – The programme aims to work towards achieving a water-secure future for society through interdisciplinary knowledge generation and dissemination, policy engagement, capacity building, and partnerships for equitable and sustainable water management and democratic water governance. To advance the knowledge we adopt an approach of integrated water resources management and acknowledge an intricate interplay between natural and human systems within complex waterscapes. Our strategy integrates diverse knowledge streams, particularly hydrology encompassing surface water-groundwater interactions, political ecology, and science, technology, and society to analyse and address water-related issues by leveraging our expertise in geospatial tools and nature-based solutions.

About ATREE: The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment ) is one of South Asia's leading conservation and environmental research organizations. ATREE seeks to address pressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research, teaching and active engagement with civil society and policymakers. For information on ATREE's Water and Society programme, see

The research associate will:

• Conduct fieldwork in Bengaluru, including soil and water sampling.
• Perform laboratory analyses for pollutants (AMR, microplastics) and water/soil quality indicators.
• Support research on wastewater irrigation practices, pollution transport, and impacts on soil and water systems.
• Contribute to model development, calibration and scenario assessment for water and pollutant flows.
• Collaborate with international partners (Germany, India, Ghana) and engage in joint data analysis.
• Assist in report writing, publications, and dissemination of results.
• Participate in interdisciplinary exchanges across the research unit "Sustainable Rurbanity" research network.

• Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Tech or equivalent) in chemistry, Water Resources, Soil Science, Hydrology, Agricultural Sciences, biotechnology or related fields.
• Research experience in water quality, soil pollution, wastewater reuse, or hydrology is desirable.
• Familiarity with analytical laboratory methods (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography) or field monitoring techniques.
• Skills in numerical modeling, GIS/remote sensing, or environmental data analysis are must.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Motivation to travel for fieldwork

Please direct your questions regarding this position to

• Only candidates who are shortlisted for the interview will be contacted.

ATREE fosters autonomy, professional growth, diversity and gender equity at the workplace. Women and persons from underprivileged groups are especially encouraged to apply.

3 October 2025

October 25, 2025

Full-time

Bangalore