Scientist – Water Modeling

Job Summary

The primary objective of this position is to lead Research for Development (R4D) initiatives focused on hydrological and water modeling. The role aims to explore the complex interactions between water systems, climate change, and land use to enhance water management practices at the basin and sub-basin levels. By developing innovative models, decision support tools, and integrated water management strategies, this role aims to boost agricultural water productivity, strengthen the resilience of ecosystems, and support sustainable livelihoods for farmers.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the design, execution and analysis of hydrological and water balance models, including the forecasting and management of water flows, droughts, and floods and other water-related risks.
• Conduct integrated watershed and river basin management research, developing simulation for hydrological runoffs, stream and ground water dynamics across basin and sub-basins.
• Develop and refine water allocation and planning models that optimize water distribution to multiple stakeholders, balancing agricultural, industrial and ecological demand.
• Design and implement seasonal (winter and summer) irrigation management plans that align with crop water requirements, climatic conditions, and resource availability, ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity.
• Lead the development of decision support tools tailored to arid and semi-arid regions.
• Secure internal and external funding through proposal development and engagement with national and international donors, research institutions, and network partners to support ongoing and new research initiatives.
• Organize and participate in international and regional workshops, conferences, training sessions and capacity-building programs to disseminate research findings, build capacity among scientists and practitioners, and influence policymaking in water management.
• Publish high-impact scientific papers and technical reports in leading journals, contributing to the global body of knowledge in hydrology and water resources management.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• PhD in Hydrology, Water Resource Management, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in hydrological and water modeling research, with a strong focus on applied research for irrigation and agricultural water management
• Proficiency with advanced hydrological modeling software, including but not limited to SWAT, RIBASIM, LIS, HEC HMS, and other relevant tools for simulation and scenario analysis.
• Expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning techniques, and programming skills in R, Python, or other relevant languages for data analysis and model development.
• Proven track record of working in international or multicultural environments, with experience leading multidisciplinary research teams.
• Strong ability to independently design, manage, and conduct field research in diverse and challenging settings.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated success in securing research funding from international donors and managing research budgets.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Desirable:

• Experience in river basin water management, with an emphasis on integrated approaches that consider hydrology, ecology, and human water use.
• Proficiency in remote sensing and GIS technologies for processing satellite imagery and downscaling data to local scale for practical applications.
• Experience developing decision support systems and tools that incorporate AI and data analytics for adaptive water management in water-scarce regions.
• Familiarity with climate change adaptation strategies and policies related to water resources management.

Additional Skills:

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to mentor junior researchers and build capacity within the team.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results on time and within budget.
• Highly analytical, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex water management challenges.