The position

Established in 2011, Mountain Society Research Institute (MSRI) is part of University of Central Asia’s (UCA) multidisciplinary Graduate School of Development (GSD). MSRI undertakes high-level research and postgraduate education to support the sustainable development of mountain societies in Central Asia and beyond. Studying complex earth surface and environmental processes as well as practical actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts, MSRI produces internationally renowned research and serves as a regional knowledge hub for scholars, practitioners, and policy makers. Thematic foci include natural resource management, mountain hazards and disaster risk mitigation, cryosphere processes, water supplies, food security, and socio-economic resilience.

The headquarters are in UCA’s Tajikistan campus in Khorog, but MSRI maintains an active research team in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and is opening an office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The MSRI team engages with international researchers in Europe (University of Cambridge, University of Reading), the Americas (University of British Columbia), and throughout Asia, as well as with agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and our many donor partners.

Summary of Position and Key Responsibilities

UCA is recruiting a Senior/Professorial Research Fellow in Climate Science (equivalent to Associate/Full Professor), an exciting new, senior Climate Science position in Central Asia. UCA is seeking applicants with an outstanding international track record of publication and grant capture in the field of Climate and Environmental Science.

The position will strengthen and support existing research programmes, contribute to collaborative research across UCA, and provide leadership for the development of postgraduate and executive level education in Tajikistan, and across Central Asia. The applicant should be well-grounded in meteorological sciences, in possession of strong quantitative skills, with knowledge of Global Climate Models and preferably with experience of coding (possibly with super computers) and working with remotely sensed climate data. Applicants should have excellent background, skills, and publications in atmospheric sciences and the ability to quantitatively assess climate dynamics in remote mountain regions where meteorological station data are sparse and natural hazards pervasive.

In addition to climate modelling, the researcher should be comfortable and prepared to engage in field studies. Experience with team-based research in transdisciplinary environments is desired to facilitate collaborations within the MSRI team, across the Graduate School of Development, and with external researchers.

Relevant teaching and curriculum development experience is essential, as the position incorporates a leadership responsibility for developing Climate Science education at postgraduate and executive levels.

The position also requires effective communication with Central Asian Hydromet agencies and Ministries of Agriculture and Energy, and Emergency Situations to support the Graduate School’s broader commitment to climate change research, education, and training.

The requirements

Required Qualifications, Experience, and Expectations

• PhD in atmospheric sciences or related field relevant to the Climate Science portfolio at UCA.
• Background in related fields such as earth sciences, water resources, environmental sciences and physical geography is desired with an emphasis on mountain systems.
• Strong portfolio of published research, grant capture and network activity.
• Evidence of relevant teaching experience and curriculum development.
• Coding experience and working knowledge of Global Climate Models.
• Linking outcomes of climate models to other environmental models, such as hydrological models, is desired.
• Research experience in the context of climate change in mountainous landscapes.
• Remote sensing and statistical skills are desirable.
• Evidence of academic or professional leadership, including contributions such as editing scientific journals, invited international presentations, awards, chairing professional committees, etc.
• Excellent project management (including budgets) and communication skills.
• Excellent English skills are required; skills in a local language or Russian would be an advantage but are not necessary.
• Experience or strong interest in conducting team research and outreach.
• Desire to rapidly understand key issues in the Central Asia mountain regions.
• Interest or experience in knowledge transfer, in addition to teaching.

Sector: Social Development

About the Agency

The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 as a private, not for profit, secular university through an International Treaty signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and His Highness the Aga Khan; ratified by their respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations. The Presidents are the Patrons of the University and His Highness is the Chancellor. UCA’s mission is to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities, by offering an internationally recognised standard of higher education, and enabling the peoples of the region to preserve their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future. UCA brings with it the broader commitment and partnership of the Aga Khan Development Network. For more information: www.ucentralasia.org

Region: Central Asia

Location: Tajikistan

Salary: Salary and package to attract the best candidate

Job Expires: 15-Mar-2024

Apply at: https://krb-xjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=30025&siteid=5750#jobDetails=2150425_5750