About the role
Tropical drylands are home to some of the poorest and most marginalised communities and are highly vulnerable to climate change. In these regions, groundwater plays a vital role, sustaining water supplies and livelihoods due to its ability to buffer against climate variability. Groundwater development offers opportunities for both sustainable development and climate resilience. But if poorly managed, there are risks of depletion, inequitable access and unsustainable development pathways.
Sustainable Transition Explorations in Water and Agriculture for Resilient Dryland Systems (STEWARDS), is an FCDO-funded research project that addresses the critical need to identify equitable, sustainable and climate-resilient development pathways in tropical drylands. Allied to research being undertaken in the Sahel (Niger/Nigeria) and central Tanzania (This project will create long-term assets (data, tools) and capacities to achieve transformational change. Under this project, UCL is collaborating with WELL Labs ( in peninsular India, and working in two T-Labs within drylands of Chintamani-Chikkaballapur & Raichur districts. Both T-Labs reside at the urban-rural interface where shallow and deeper aquifers have been depleted for nearly two decades.
The full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
This is a full time, fixed term post with funding available until 31st January, in the first instance. The appointment is available to start from the 1st June (or soon after). Funding is available at Grade 7, spine point 30 (including London Allowance).
Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B, with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Richard Taylor ()
If you have any queries regarding the application process, or if you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online, please contact the department’s research administration team:
About you
Applicants must hold a PhD in Hydrological/Hydrogeological/Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Geography, Water Resources or a related field. Relevant research experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, climate modelling and climate adaptation and experience and knowledge of climate change impacts, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation strategies is essential. The postholder should also have strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including proficiency at least 1 research skill such as in statistical analysis, hydrological modeling and GIS tools, and a track record in presenting and communicating scientific results to colleagues, collaborators, and the scientific community, with the ability to work effectively across different cultural contexts.
Please see the full job description and person specification at the bottom of this page full more information.
This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum time in site to be determined between successful candidate and line manager. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance