Scientist Job in Water Management at Eawag, Switzerland
If you’re passionate about urban sustainability, climate adaptation, water governance, and nature-based solutions (NbS), this Scientist position at Eawag – the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to impactful international research.
Eawag is inviting applications for a Scientist (70–80%) to join its Sanitation, Water, and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) and Urban Water Management (SWW) departments. Based in Dübendorf, Zurich, the role combines applied research, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration to support climate-resilient urban development in India.
The position is ideal for researchers and professionals with expertise in urban planning, public policy, sustainability, or environmental governance who want to translate research into practical solutions for rapidly growing cities.
Position Overview
| Position | Scientist |
|---|---|
| Employment | 70–80% |
| Institution | Eawag – Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology |
| Departments | Sandec & Urban Water Management (SWW) |
| Location | Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland |
| Project | Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in Indian Cities |
| Contract | One Year (Initial 6 Months + Possible 6-Month Extension) |
| Preferred Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| International Travel | Regular visits to Chennai and Mumbai, India |
| Application Deadline | 15 July 2026 |
About Eawag
Eawag is one of the world’s leading aquatic research institutes and is part of the ETH Domain, Switzerland’s internationally recognized network of science and technology institutions. The institute conducts cutting-edge research, education, and scientific consulting to address two interconnected goals:
- Improving access to safe and sustainable water resources.
- Protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Eawag work with governments, universities, international organizations, and communities worldwide to develop practical, science-based solutions to today’s environmental challenges.
About the Research Project
The successful candidate will contribute to the Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in Indian Cities project. This collaborative initiative brings together several organizations, including:
- Sponge Collaborative
- ISD Foundation
- 360 Carbon
- Eawag
The project aims to understand how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) can be integrated into urban infrastructure planning in Indian cities, particularly Chennai and Mumbai. One major focus is the development of sponge parks—multifunctional green spaces that combine:
- Stormwater retention
- Flood management
- Urban biodiversity
- Recreation
- Climate resilience
The project seeks to generate practical recommendations that support city governments in scaling these sustainable urban solutions.
Your Research Responsibilities
As a Scientist, you will investigate the institutional, financial, and technical factors that influence the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in India. Your work will include several key activities.
Analyze Opportunities and Barriers
Study the systemic factors affecting the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions, including:
- Institutional capacity
- Infrastructure planning processes
- Public procurement systems
- Financing mechanisms
- Stakeholder coordination
- Policy frameworks
The goal is to identify practical pathways for scaling sustainable urban infrastructure.
Conduct Stakeholder Research
You will engage with a diverse group of stakeholders involved in urban development.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing interview guides
- Developing surveys
- Conducting interviews with senior government officials
- Organizing reconnaissance visits
- Gathering qualitative evidence
- Assessing institutional readiness
These activities will help build a comprehensive understanding of urban governance challenges in Chennai and Mumbai.
Produce Evidence-Based Recommendations
Your research findings will contribute to actionable reports aimed at:
- Government agencies
- Urban planners
- Policymakers
- Development organizations
- Infrastructure practitioners
The recommendations should support the effective implementation of sponge parks and other Nature-Based Solutions.
Who Should Apply?
Eawag is looking for professionals with both strong academic training and applied research experience. Applicants should have a PhD or Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Urban Planning
- Public Policy
- Sustainability
- Development Studies
- Environmental Governance
- Urban Studies
- Or a closely related discipline
Required Experience
Candidates should have approximately 3–5 years of relevant professional or research experience.
A completed PhD counts toward this experience requirement.
Relevant expertise includes:
- Urban resilience
- Climate adaptation
- Nature-Based Solutions
- Institutional analysis
- Water governance
- Urban infrastructure
- Environmental policy
Essential Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate experience in:
- Designing qualitative research methods
- Conducting stakeholder interviews
- Survey development
- Qualitative data analysis
- Writing technical and policy reports
- Translating research into practical recommendations
Excellent communication skills are essential, as the role involves working with both academic researchers and government stakeholders.
Knowledge of Nature-Based Solutions
Applicants should have a solid understanding of:
- Sponge Cities
- Urban Water Management
- Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
- Green Infrastructure
- Blue-Green Infrastructure
- Climate Resilience
- Co-benefits of Nature-Based Solutions
Experience working on implementation challenges will be especially valuable.
Preferred Qualifications
While not mandatory, Eawag values candidates with additional expertise such as:
- Interdisciplinary research bridging environmental and social sciences
- Applied research experience in South Asia
- Familiarity with Chennai or Mumbai
- Knowledge of urban governance systems in India
- Institutional capacity assessment frameworks
- Scorecards or maturity models
- Peer-reviewed publications on Nature-Based Solutions, sponge cities, or water governance
Working proficiency in Marathi is considered an advantage.
International Collaboration and Travel
The role is based in Dübendorf, Zurich, but includes regular research travel to India.
Researchers will collaborate with:
- Local governments
- Urban planning agencies
- International project partners
- Academic institutions
- Community stakeholders
This international exposure makes the position particularly attractive for professionals interested in global urban sustainability and climate adaptation.
Why Work at Eawag?
Eawag offers an inclusive and collaborative research environment where innovation and diversity are highly valued.
As part of the institute, you will benefit from:
- Internationally recognized research teams
- Flexible working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development
- Collaborative interdisciplinary projects
- Supportive workplace culture
- Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Work-life balance initiatives
The institute actively works to remove barriers to participation and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Contract Details
The Scientist position is planned for one year. The employment structure includes:
- Initial six-month contract
- Possible six-month extension, depending on project funding
The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026. This position combines academic research with real-world impact. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to:
- Influence climate-resilient urban planning
- Support sustainable infrastructure development
- Work with international research partners
- Engage directly with policymakers
- Conduct field research in India
- Build expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of environmental science
For professionals interested in urban resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, this is a highly rewarding career opportunity.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
- One-page motivation letter explaining why you are the right candidate and the impact you hope to achieve
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One writing sample, such as:
- Published research article
- Report for a general audience
- Master’s or PhD thesis
- Policy report
Strong, well-organized application materials will help demonstrate both research expertise and communication skills.
Important Application Information:
Applications must be submitted only through Eawag’s official online application portal. The deadline to submit applications is: 15 July 2026 Late applications may not be considered.
Applications sent by: Email, Postal mail; Any other method will not be accepted. Applicants who have questions about the role or require workplace accommodations are encouraged to contact Dr. George Wainaina george.wainaina@eawag.ch before applying. The deadline to submit applications is: 15 July 2026 Late applications may not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where is the Scientist position based?
The position is based at Eawag in Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland, with regular research travel to Chennai and Mumbai, India.
2. What is the employment percentage?
The role is offered as a 70–80% Scientist position.
3. What is the main focus of the project?
The project focuses on implementing and scaling Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), particularly sponge parks, to improve climate resilience and urban water management in Indian cities.
4. Which academic backgrounds are eligible?
Applicants with degrees in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Sustainability, Development Studies, Environmental Governance, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
5. Is a PhD required?
A completed PhD or Master’s degree is acceptable. A completed PhD also counts toward the required professional experience.
6. Is experience in India necessary?
It is not mandatory, but experience working in South Asia, especially Chennai or Mumbai, is highly desirable.
7. Is knowledge of local languages required?
Fluency in English is required. Working proficiency in Marathi is considered an advantage.
8. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
- One-page motivation letter
- Updated CV
- One writing sample
9. When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15 July 2026.
10. Who is this position ideal for?
This opportunity is well suited for researchers and professionals specializing in urban resilience, climate adaptation, Nature-Based Solutions, urban water management, environmental governance, sustainable infrastructure, and public policy who want to make a tangible impact on climate-resilient cities.
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