Research Associate, Research Analyst, Ecology

About the Project

This 4‑year Research Associate position sits within the European Research Council‑funded project ‘AdaptAIR:
Climate Adaptation through Artificial Ice Reservoirs in the Himalayas’. This project explores the social, cultural and environmental context of the deployment of Artificial Ice Reservoirs (AIRS) as water management tools in the Himalayan cold desert regions, in the context of rapidly retreating glaciers. Working with partner Acres of Ice (), the project combines high‑resolution climate, glacier and hydrological modelling with approaches from anthropology, history and critical agrarian studies to understand water use and agrarian change in the region, and how AIRs affect this.

The project works across case studies in Ladakh, Spiti, and possibly Nepal.

This role will use qualitative and some minimal quantitative research methods to explore agrarian change and rural development vis‑à‑vis climate and environmental change in Himalayan mountain regions. Specifically, it explores how rural mountain communities are experiencing changing agricultural practices, declining water availability, livelihood diversification, increased tourism and changing socio‑cultural relations. You will conduct household surveys which involve some quantitative data and significant qualitative data to explore changing livelihoods in particular villages in each region.

You will also undertake further interviews and focus groups to understand specific trends and patterns more deeply. You will work alongside a post‑doc focused on visual qualitative methods and ensure methods are complementary. You will prioritise research that is community‑engaged at all stages of the project, including liaising with community organisations. You will be sensitive to conducting research in Himalayan socio‑cultural contexts.

You will also be comfortable working in remote, cold and rural Himalayan regions with limited connectivity and facilities. You will conduct research in rugged, outdoor environments which may involve hill walking on difficult terrain.

You will contribute to outputs which may include project reports and academic publications, as well as impact‑related work such as policy briefings, exhibitions at a COP and media work. Your work will contribute to discussions about agrarian transition among high mountain communities and rural climate adaptation. You will also work in an interdisciplinary team including post docs, PhD students, partners and the four PIs to contribute to interdisciplinary outputs exploring how climate adaptation in mountain regions and beyond can be improved.

You will be supervised by, and work closely with, PI Nithya Natarajan (background in agrarian studies) at King’s College, London. The project will also entail working closely with a colleague at the University of Guelph, and scientists and social scientists in the UK and India. The role will be based in London, but will require fieldwork in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and possibly Nepal for extended periods.

Your work will contribute directly to the aims of AdaptAIR, and you will be encouraged to develop your own research agenda.

• Use qualitative and minimal quantitative research methods to explore agrarian change and rural development in Himalayan mountain regions.
• Conduct household surveys involving quantitative data and significant qualitative data to explore changing livelihoods.
• Undertake interviews and focus groups to understand specific trends and patterns more deeply.
• Work alongside a post‑doc focused on visual qualitative methods to ensure complementary methods.
• Prioritise research that is community‑engaged and liaise with community organisations.
• Be sensitive to Himalayan socio‑cultural contexts.
• Be comfortable working in remote, cold and rural Himalayan regions with limited connectivity and facilities.
• Conduct research in rugged, outdoor environments which may involve hill walking on difficult terrain.
• Contribute to outputs such as project reports, academic publications, policy briefings, exhibitions at a COP and media work.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team including post docs, PhD students, partners and PIs.
• Supervise by PI Nithya Natarajan at King’s College London and collaborate with colleagues at the University of Guelph and other UK and India scientists.
• Work from London but be prepared for fieldwork in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and possibly Nepal.
• Develop your own research agenda within the project framework.

• Full‑time post with a fixed‑term contract for four years.
• Entitlement of at least 10 days per year for professional development (pro‑rata).