Scientist – Grassland Socio-Ecological Systems

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment; Piemonte; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) invites applications for a Scientist to support The Grasslands Initiative (TGI). The role provides scientific input to TGI’s research and landscape programmes, develops its evidence agenda, and strengthens the scientific basis for grassland conservation, restoration and sustainable management in Open Natural Ecosystems.

The successful candidate will work across ecology, livelihoods, restoration, spatial science, data and policy,

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in ecology or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of research or professional experience.
• Strong publication record.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary programmes.
• Knowledge of Indian grassland ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Develop TGI’s scientific research agenda and identify knowledge gaps.
• Collaborate with landscape teams to establish ecological baselines.
• Create monitoring and learning framework with indicators and datasets.
• Lead or contribute to peer‑reviewed publications and reports.
• Contribute to proposals, fundraising and programme reviews.
• Support long-term scientific platform development.

Skills

Grassland ecology

Restoration ecology

Landscape ecology

Soil carbon science

Hydrology

Policy engagement

Research leadership

Education

MSc/PhD in ecology

Related disciplines

Job 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

Director, The Grasslands Initiative, until Lead Scientist is appointed

• 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.
• 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.

Full‑time

Bangalore