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Research Associate in Environmental Science - Cryosphere (Junior Researcher level)

Employer
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ASIA
Location
Dushanbe, Tajikistan (TJ)
Closing date
2 Dec 2023

Job Details

Research Associate (Junior Researcher level)

(Research Fellow (Assistant Professor equivalent) for appropriately qualified candidates)
 

Department: Graduate School of Development, Mountain Societies Research Institute

Reports to: Director, Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI)

Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Deadline: 17 November 2023 (or open until filled)

 

Mountain Society Research Institute (MSRI)

Established in 2011, MSRI is part of University of Central Asia’s (UCA) multidisciplinary Graduate School of Development (GSD). MSRI undertakes high-level research and postgraduate education to support the sustainable development of mountain societies in Central Asia and beyond. Studying complex earth surface and environmental processes as well as practical actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts, MSRI produces internationally renowned research and serves as a regional knowledge hub for scholars, practitioners, and policy makers. Thematic foci include natural resource management, mountain hazards and disaster risk mitigation, cryosphere processes, water supplies, food security, and socio-economic resilience. The headquarters are in UCA’s Tajikistan campus in Khorog, but MSRI maintains an active research team in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and is opening an office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The MSRI team engages with international researchers in Europe (University of Cambridge, University of Reading), the Americas (University of British Columbia), and throughout Asia, as well as with agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and our many donor partners.


Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities

The ideal candidate should have strong quantitative skills in earth surface processes with a keen interest and/or experience in the cryosphere. Work in the cryosphere will include assessments of snow cover, snow water equivalent, glacier processes, and permafrost in the Pamir and other mountain ranges. An overall understanding of earth surface processes and hazards in mountain environments is required, including field experience in these challenging environments.  The incumbent should have an excellent network of contacts in Tajikistan related to cryosphere and hazard studies to facilitate MSRI’s collaborations with government and university researchers. We seek a person with excellent communication skills that can work equally well with our largely English-speaking MSRI team and Tajik counterparts in government and university research organizations. The individual should be enthusiastic about studying and exploring the cryosphere and climate change in Tajikistan and more broadly Central Asia, as well as how to mitigate impacts of cryosphere and other associated hazards for the benefit of remote mountain communities. The researcher should be comfortable and prepared to engage in challenging field studies in addition to quantitatively assessing field data. The incumbent will be expected to help manage and report on externally funded projects. Experience conducting team-based research, particularly within transdisciplinary environments focusing on mountain landscapes is desired. The researcher will be actively supported in developing their research (and teaching) career and, with time, will contribute to the recruitment of external funding and also to the design and delivery of postgraduate and executive education level teaching linked to climate change and hazard management. The appointed person will be expected to work closely with the Tajikistan representative of UCA’s Office for Research and Development.


Required Qualifications, Experience, and Expectations

  • Master’s (or PhD for Research Fellow appointments) in earth sciences, environmental sciences, physical geography, or a related field, with a focus on cryosphere processes.
  • Field research experience in the cryosphere – snow, glaciers, and/or permafrost. Physically fit to conduct long-term field work in harsh environmental conditions.
  • Experience working closely with Tajik government agencies and universities is desired.
  • Excellent GIS and remote sensing skills are expected, including radar and optical imagery.
  • Statistical skills are desirable.
  • Evidence of the ability to contribute to publications in refereed journal papers (we expect Research Fellows to publish in high-quality refereed journals; Research Associates should contribute to publications). 
  • Contribute to publication of MSRI Reports on projects in a timely manner. 
  • Contribute to external fund-raising as requested by the Director. 
  • Ability to manage research and development projects with Tajik partners, including budgetary matters.
  • Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal), as well as the ability to communicate verbally with Tajik counterparts. 
  • Ability to conduct or strong interest in conducting team research and outreach.
  • Good understanding of key issues in the Tajik mountain regions.
  • Interest or experience in development work and technology transfer.
  • A valid driver’s license is desirable.

 

How to Apply
Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page. To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward.

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position.
 
Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Company

Company info
Telephone
+996 (312) 910 822
Location
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
138 TOKTOGUL STREET
BISHKEK
720001
Kyrgyzstan

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