Scientist – Grassland Socio-Ecological Systems

ATREE; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Job summary

ATREE's Grasslands Initiative (The Grasslands Initiative) invites applications for a Scientist to guide research on grassland socio-ecological systems in India, spanning ecology, livelihoods, restoration, spatial science, data and policy. Based in Bengaluru with travel to priority landscapes and partner institutions, reporting to the Director until Lead Scientist is appointed.

The successful candidate will demonstrate capability to work across ecology, livelihoods, restoration, spatial science,

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in ecology, environmental sciences, conservation biology, natural resource management, geography, earth sciences or a related discipline.
• Typically 5+ years of research and/or professional experience, with a strong record of independent scientific work.
• Demonstrated expertise in grassland ecology, restoration ecology, landscape ecology, soil and carbon science, hydrology or related interdisciplinary areas.
• Strong publication and research record appropriate to career stage.
• Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary research programmes.
• Knowledge of Indian grassland ecosystems and conservation contexts is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop TGI’s scientific research agenda by identifying critical knowledge gaps and priority questions relating to grassland ecology, biodiversity, restoration, ecosystem functioning, soils and carbon, hydrology, fire, disturbance, landscape dynamics and livelihoods.
• Work with landscape teams to establish ecological and socio-ecological baselines and develop robust approaches for assessing restoration outcomes and long‑term ecosystem trajectories.
• Establish TGI’s scientific monitoring and learning framework, including indicators, datasets and methodologies that distinguish activities and outputs from meaningful ecological and socio‑ecological outcomes.
• Lead and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, datasets, analytical tools and other scientific knowledge products, maintaining high standards of transparency and reproducibility.
• Contribute to research and programme proposals, fundraising, programme reviews and the development of TGI’s long‑term scientific platform.

Skills

Grassland ecology

Restoration ecology

Landscape ecology

Soil and carbon science

Hydrology

Policy integration

Education

MSc/PhD in ecology, environmental sciences, conservation biology, natural resource management, geography, earth sciences or a related discipline

Job description

Scientist – Grassland Socio-Ecological Systems

Description

The Grasslands Initiative (TGI) at ATREE is building a national platform for research, restoration and policy on India’s grasslands, savannas and other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs). The Scientist will provide scientific input to TGI’s research and landscape programmes, develop its evidence agenda, and strengthen the scientific basis for conservation, restoration and sustainable management of grassland socio-ecological systems.

The successful candidate will demonstrate capability to work across ecology, livelihoods, restoration, spatial science, data, and policy.

Location: Bengaluru / India, with frequent travel to priority landscapes and partner institutions Reporting to: Director, The Grasslands Initiative, until Lead Scientist is appointed

Responsibilities

• Develop TGI’s scientific research agenda by identifying critical knowledge gaps and priority questions relating to grassland ecology, biodiversity, restoration, ecosystem functioning, soils and carbon, hydrology, fire, disturbance, landscape dynamics and livelihoods.
• Work with landscape teams to establish ecological and socio-ecological baselines and develop robust approaches for assessing restoration outcomes and long‑term ecosystem trajectories.
• Establish TGI’s scientific monitoring and learning framework, including indicators, datasets and methodologies that distinguish activities and outputs from meaningful ecological and socio‑ecological outcomes.
• Lead and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, datasets, analytical tools and other scientific knowledge products, maintaining high standards of transparency and reproducibility.
• Contribute to research and programme proposals, fundraising, programme reviews and the development of TGI’s long‑term scientific platform.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in ecology, environmental sciences, conservation biology, natural resource management, geography, earth sciences or a related discipline.
• Typically 5+ years of research and/or professional experience, with a strong record of independent scientific work.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas, including grassland ecology, restoration ecology, landscape ecology, soil and carbon science, hydrology or relevant interdisciplinary systems.
• Strong publication and research record appropriate to career stage.
• Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary research programmes
• Knowledge of Indian grassland ecosystems and conservation contexts is necessary.