The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking an innovative & multi skilled candidate to join its office in New Delhi, India as a Researcher - Water Data Modelling.
Researcher - Water Data Modelling will support water data analytics-related activities and deliver diverse project requirements for CGIAR research initiatives in India under the Digital Innovation group. The ideal candidate is expected to bring recent advances in remote sensing, geospatial modeling, and innovative hydrologic modeling frameworks for advancing water data science and its application in India. The candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to geospatial modeling and remote sensing hydrology research projects within IWMI.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Conduct hydrologic modeling assessments for river basins/catchments; download, pre-process, and process Earth observation data, collect in situ data, and perform modeling required for setting up the WA+ model.
Develop custom applications using machine learning or other relevant methods to enhance water management across large spatial scales.
Contribute to the scientific advancement and methodological developments of IWMI’s digital water innovation toolsets.
Conduct water data analytics and develop technical guidance and training materials for custom geospatial applications.
Prepare high-quality research reports and journal articles.
Work with a multi-disciplinary team to implement innovative, remote sensing-based approaches for improved water management in regions where IWMI operates.
Provide technical support to researchers in carrying out complex geospatial analysis for various research/management projects at IWMI headquarters.
Assist in training and capacity-building activities for the tools developed within the Water Productivity/Water Accounting group.
Master’s Degree in remote sensing hydrology / water resources or a related field with more than two years of research experience.
Strong experience in utilizing earth observation data for hydrologic water balance applications using IWMI Water Accounting plus framework.
Experience in using machine learning approaches on earth observation data to build tools and applications.
Demonstrated experience in predictions in ungauged basins (discharge modeling) using limited in situ, earth observation data, and modeling approaches.
Strong experience in groundwater modeling (using MODFLOW) and groundwater-surface water interactions in India.
Experience in incorporating digital solutions to tailor user-specific applications that support diverse stakeholders.
Documented experience in handling large-scale geospatial data for hydrologic modeling and water accounting applications.
Track record of translating research findings into impactful knowledge products, including effective communication through prominent outreach channels such as social media and major events.
Experience in collaborating within interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams.
Strong publication record, spanning scientific articles, instructional materials, or other extension resources.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Demonstrated proficiency in managing extensive spatial datasets through open-source tools and software.
Proficiency in utilizing AWS Cloud for processing earth observation data, specifically for the development of water accounting applications.
Proven ability to design and implement methodologies tailored for data-scarce environments.
Strong eagerness to engage in research for development projects and collaborate effectively with multiple partners to generate innovative knowledge products, influential policy tools, strategic investments, and lasting societal effects.
Proficiency in Python, with experience in numeric and geospatial Python packages like NumPy, GDAL, or similar packages for handling geospatial data.
Excellent understanding of geospatial innovation to support hydrologic modeling solutions for societal development.
Sound background in understanding GHG emissions from Rice systems would be an advantage.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and non-academic stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal skills and capacity to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly and to diverse audiences, including at an international level.
Language Proficinecy:
Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.
Ability to speak fluently in Hindi and other regional languages would be an advantage.
