Senior/Professorial Research Fellow in Climate Science (equivalent to Associate/Full Professor)

Senior/Professorial Research Fellow in Climate Science 
(equivalent to Associate/Full Professor)

Department: Graduate School of Development, Mountain Societies Research Institute
Reports to: Director, Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI)
Duty station: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Deadline: Open until filled

Mountain Society Research Institute (MSRI)
Established in 2011, 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 to this exciting new, senior Climate Science position in Central Asia. We are 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. 

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.

How to Apply
Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page. To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward.

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
 
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
 
Review other job vacancies at: https://ucentralasia.org/career-opportunities