Research Associate – Technical Pilots & Scaling

Bharat Digital; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Bharat Digital is seeking a Research Associate in Bengaluru to support innovative solutions in urban water management. The role involves needs assessments and technical evaluations of startups, along with creating knowledge products through data analysis.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and 2-4 years of related experience. Responsibilities include field support, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to refine solutions for public sector adoption.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in relevant fields.
• 2-4 years of experience in urban water management or startup incubation.
• Field research or technology deployment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments through research.
• Support technical evaluations for startups.
• Provide on-ground support during technology deployment.
• Analyze field data for impact claims.
• Create knowledge products and technical frameworks.

Skills

Needs Assessment

Technical Evaluation of Innovations

Impact Validation

Data Analysis

Technical Communication

Education

Master’s in Water Resources Engineering or allied fields

Tools

Microsoft Excel

R

Python

Job description

# Research Associate – Technical Pilots & ScalingOpenFULL TIMEY1 3≥ 2 yrsWELL LabsAll jobs## About this roleThe Research Associate will support the piloting and scaling of innovative solutions between startups and urban local bodies across urban India, primarily in partnership with a social enterprise incubator. This role involves validating needs assessments across the urban water cycle, conducting technical evaluations to identify high-potential startups, and supporting knowledge creation through the development of frameworks and explainer videos. By providing direct on-ground support for pilot implementation and validating real-world impact, the Associate will generate the critical data and insights necessary to refine go-to-market strategies for successful scaling.Job Location: Bengaluru (Hybrid)## Responsibilities1. Conducting needs assessment through primary and secondary research to map service delivery gaps within Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).2. Support technical evaluations of startup solutions to assess their scientific viability, operational feasibility, and alignment with programme goals.3. Support in the due diligence process to shortlist innovations with the highest potential for impact and scalability.4. Provide on-ground technical and operational support during the deployment of technologies at ULB sites, ensuring field challenges are addressed in real-time.5. Analyse field data to validate impact claims (e.g., water saved, energy reduced, or cost efficiencies gained) and identify areas for technical iteration.6. Synthesise findings into actionable insights that help startups pivot or refine their Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies for public sector adoption.7. Translate complex pilot data into knowledge products, such as implementation playbooks, white papers, and technical frameworks.8. Collaborate with the communications team to produce explainer videos that simplify technical solutions for a diverse audience of stakeholders.9. Maintain a repository of lessons learned to inform WELL Labs’ broader research and policy advocacy efforts.10. Willingness to travel for fieldwork, workshops, and stakeholder engagements when required.## RequirementsEducation & Experience:1. A Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources Management, or other allied fields.2. 2-4 years of professional experience in urban water management, startup incubation, or implementing sustainability pilots in a real-world setting.3. Proven experience in field-based research or technology deployment, and interacting with government stakeholders or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) is a plus.Knowledge & Skills1. Technical knowledge of the urban water cycle, including supply networks, wastewater treatment, and flooding.2. Proficiency in designing data collection frameworks to validate performance (e.g., flow rates, water quality) and analysing data using Excel, R, or Python.3. Ability to bridge the gap between high-speed startup environments and ULB engagements.4. Capacity to translate field performance data into business insights that help startups refine their pricing, positioning, or delivery models for the public sector.5. Skilled in technical communication, specifically for explainer videos and drafting frameworks, reports with visualisations for diverse audiences.## Skills & TechnologyNeeds Assessment (Primary and Secondary Research)Technical Evaluation of InnovationsDue DiligenceField-based Technology DeploymentUrban Water Cycle Management (Supply/Wastewater/Flooding)Impact Validation (Water/Energy/Cost Metrics)Data Collection Framework DesignData AnalysisTechnical CommunicationReport WritingGTM (Go-To-Market) Strategy SynthesisStakeholder ManagementField Operational SupportGovernment Stakeholder Interaction (ULBs)Startup IncubationKnowledge Product Creation (White Papers/Playbooks)Explainer Video Production SupportPolicy Advocacy ResearchPublic Sector Pricing and Positioning StrategyMicrosoft Excel## Compensation & DatesSalary not disclosedValid through 6/28/2026## LocationBengaluru, Karnataka, IndiaTimezone: Asia/Kolkata### Ready to apply?Read more about the application process on the organization's website.Apply Now