You will work in the “Organizations and Climate” and the “Multifunctional blue-green design” groups at Eawag under Dr George Wainaina and Dr Lauren Cook to implement a work pack-age for the Mainstreaming Nature-Based Solutions in Indian Cities project. This is a collaborative project with Sponge Collaborative, ISD Foundation, and 360 Carbon, all of whom are involved in complementary work packages.
You will be expected to investigate the systemic opportunities and barriers (e.g., stakeholder capacity, current infrastructure design, financing and procurement processes, etc.) to the implementation and scaling of nature-based solutions (NbS) in Chennai and Mumbai, India. Therefore, you would ideally be familiar not only with NbS scientifically but also with the implementation apparatus for infrastructure projects in India and the necessary stakeholders. They will provide actionable, evidence-based recommendations for implementing NbS in India, specifically sponge parks (large parks with multiple uses, including built-in water retention, trees, and recreation).
- An interdisciplinary background bridging social and environmental sciences
- Applied research in South Asia, ideally Chennai or Mumbai, and familiarity with urban governance in the two cities
- Familiarity with institutional capacity assessment frameworks (e.g., scorecards, maturity models) is an advantage
- Peer reviewed publications on NbS, sponge cities, or water governance
The position will be based at Eawag in Dübendorf, Zurich, with regular travels to India.
The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026. The position is planned for one year (initial contract of 6 months, extension of additional 6 months upon funding availability).
At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.
Do you have specific requirements regarding the application process or the position, or do you need additional information? Talk to us about it—we will be happy to support you with possible flexible workplace, working hours, and job design solutions. For further information please visit our website about
Eawag as well as our
conditions of employment.
Applications must be submitted by 15 July 2026 and should include an application letter (one page, describing why you are the right candidate for this position, your motivation and clarify the potential impact that you can achieve), a CV and one writing sample (a recently published research article, a report intended for a general audience, or a thesis, for example).
For further information, please contact
Dr George Wainaina.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.