The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is looking for a competent, self-motivated, and dynamic candidate to join as the Postdoctoral Fellow \u2013 Water Data Science.
JOB PURPOSE:
Digital innovations are rapidly transforming food, land and water systems in unprecedented ways in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These changes have the potential and can offer opportunities to transform how we view and manage these vital natural resources, none more so than water. There are a range of data science and digital opportunities that are advancing rapidly which may provide pathways to improving and sharing information, that when collated provide a greater insight and depth to operational decisions regarding a range of water management decisions that lead to greater efficiency and sustainability. The work will be collaborative across different Strategic Programs and Research Groups within IWMI, the CGIAR and wider external partnerships.
The purpose of this appointment will be to support a large research team on digital innovations in the management of water resources in selected transboundary river basins in Africa and Asia. Particular contributions will be through remote sensing advanced modelling and testing of innovative water resources management possibilities (such as IoT, remotely sensed data and visualization).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop stakeholder-centric, demand-driven geospatial applications to monitor irrigated areas in near real-time across large spatial scales combining multiple remote sensing datasets and sources. Develop and implement innovative research ideas incorporating a variety of machine learning approaches including deep learning techniques to improve water management decisions in irrigated agriculture and wider river basin management. Collaborating with international, regional and national partners and stakeholders to co-develop a river basin digital twin under CGIAR\u2019s Harnessing Digital Innovation Initiative. Lead effective communication of research results through collaborative approaches, including developing narratives on key use and uptake of innovative, practical, and more inclusive digital innovations in food, land and water systems Proactively support IWMI\u2019s efforts at establishing and strengthening partnerships with public, private and grassroots institutions at all levels \u2013 enabling transformations in water data science and digital inclusion Contribute to developing an effective and sustainable body of funded work through exploring bilateral funding opportunities, including with partners Substantially contribute to the authorship of key research outputs including, but not limited to, research papers and journal articles, blogs and webcasts/podcasts, multimedia presentations and social media.Requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
A PhD in Remote sensing, geospatial analytics, hydro-informatics, water resources, spatial hydrology, or a related subject. Demonstrated experience in using supervised and unsupervised algorithms including machine learning methods on large spatial data sets in Python. Experience in using Google Earth Engine or other cloud-based earth observation data processing environments for geospatial tool developments. Experience designing and implementing approaches for data-scarce environments. Experience in considering digital approaches and their use in management by a range of users (and co-developers) as part of a wider systems-based approach. Experience in transforming research results into knowledge products that have impact and reach, including through communicating at major conferences and via other platforms, including social media. Strong desire to work on research for development projects focusing on digital inclusion and collaborating with multiple partners to deliver policy influence, investments and practical results.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Documented experience in using machine learning methods on earth observation data. Proficient in python, with experience in numeric and geospatial Python packages like Numpy, Scikit-learn, Gdal, or similar Strong publications track record (preferably in internationally peer-reviewed journals) Knowledge of proposal writing for innovative R4D projects Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and non-academic stakeholders Excellent understanding of digital innovation as related to input to societal development Excellent interpersonal skills and capacity to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and multicultural environment Excellent communications skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly and to diverse audiences, including at an international level Fluent written and verbal communication in English Knowledge of other regionally-relevant languages would be an advantageBenefits
This is a globally recruited position with a USD denominated base salary, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, long-term disability insurance coverage and a USD 400/month transportation allowance. The successful candidates may also be eligible for additional allowances, which include housing, and shipping assistance. The duration of the initial contract will be for 2 years.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. Include the names of 3 referees who may be contacted if you are shortlisted. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis through 24:00 (IST) May 21, 2023 but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applications from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
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