News

Job available at University of Central Asia

16.06.2016

The University of Central Asia (UCA) is seeking a new senior research scientist for long-term socio-ecological system research and environmental monitoring. The duty station will be at Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

UCA’s Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) is a university-wide research institute that generates, disseminates and promotes the application of knowledge for the development of mountainous regions and their communities. MSRI focuses on both the social and natural science dimensions of mountain societies and their economies and environments in the Central Asia region.

Founded in 2011, MSRI is now entering a second phase of development and growth, and seeks to recruit an energetic, mid-career Senior Research Scientist with proven experience of team-based research and development projects. These are generally interdisciplinary in nature, focused on climate change adaptation; along with specific training and expertise or experience in related fields such as environmental management, natural or earth sciences, development studies and regional planning. The position should commence in 2016.

The position requires qualified and experienced applicants to fill the Senior Research position. It is expected that several complementary areas of research experience or development practice in natural sciences will come ‘packaged’ with the above focal areas of expertise, to ensure that appropriate linkages can be made across projects at MSRI. In addition, the candidate should be able to contribute toward the translation of knowledge constitutes one of the core objectives of the university’s development oriented ethos.

The position will involve:
• Development and implementation of applied research projects
• Mentoring of research colleagues in a variety of research fields
• Administrative support for projects and programmes for fund-raising, working with UCA Development and Donor Relations Department
• Participation in strategic vision development at the Institute level

Overall the candidate will be expected to develop a program of research focused on long-term environmental and ecological monitoring. In the context of high risk of natural hazard disasters in mountain regions of Central Asia, these should be considered, especially in light of their impacts on mountain societies; not primarily as a study of earth sciences. Mitigation of impacts of environmental change and natural hazards through ecosystem-based adaptation is of special interest at MSRI. In addition, this new program of research should be embedded in a broader framework of integrated watershed management. At the same time, a variety of biological and chemical elements in the natural environment may have negative impacts on human health and well-being. Therefore, some expertise in biogeochemistry in relation to both water and land is also useful. This will allow MSRI to explore opportunities for applied research around the occurrence of critical elements in the landscape including heavy metals and soil nutrients, which may be present naturally or due to anthropogenic causes such as mining or melting permafrost.

Desired qualifications
• Knowledge of issues relevant to mountain societies and mountain area development
• Knowledge of the greater Central Asia region, following UNESCO’s geographic scope
• Working knowledge of Russian language and one or more of the Central Asian languages

The University of Central Asia is a private, not for profit, secular university whose charter has been signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and His highness the Aga Khan, ratified by the parliaments of the founding states and registered with the United Nations. UCA is the first internationally chartered university in the world. UCA’s mission is to foster the socio-economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain societies, while helping the peoples of the region preserve and draw upon their rich cultural heritage as assets for the future.

The deadline for applications, for any interested in applying, is 31 July 2016.

To apply, send a cover letter explaining your interest to work at MSRI/UCS and your experience in relation to the advertised position, CV, and contact information for three references to [email protected]. As your application e-mail subject, please write: “Sr Research Scientist, SES”.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Review other job vacancies 

Photo: University of Central Asia