Assistant Research Officer - Water Systems Modelling

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a motivated and talented professional to join its headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka as an Assistant Research Officer – Water Systems Modelling.

The Assistant Research Officer – Water Systems Modelling, will play a key role in enhancing IWMI’s water resources assessment framework and its application across various spatial scales, from river basins to national and continental levels. Specifically, the incumbent will contribute to the DIWASA (Digital Innovations for Water Secure Africa) initiative that leverages cutting-edge remote sensing techniques and data processing technologies to generate water data for Africa.

The incumbent will streamline the collection and processing of remote sensing data products for running water accounting in water scarce regions to assess the potential for recovering and reusing lost wastewater in industry, agriculture, and ecosystems. The candidate will also contribute to running wastewater reuse potential models across the MENA region.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, modify/customize open-source codes in python for hydrological modelling and water balance studies
• Adapt/modify and customize existing open-source tools and libraries to fit specific research needs, enhancing functionality and performance for water resources availability studies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate field data and update data into models, improving the reliability of simulations and analyses.
• Update and optimize codes for automating the download and preprocessing of geospatial datasets from various sources.
• Conduct multi-scale water accounting assessments (high – medium resolution) in a scripting environment to evaluate trends, patterns, and relationships in geospatial water data.
• Develop AI and geospatial predictive models to identify and map suitable areas for agricultural production, considering factors like soil quality, water availability, and climate conditions.
• Maintain and update documentation of code modifications and spatial analysis methodologies to facilitate reproducibility.
• Explore and implement machine learning algorithms to analyse complex datasets, improving predictive capabilities for water resource management.
• Create user-friendly applications and tools that empower stakeholders to make data-driven decisions regarding water usage and conservation.
• Use advanced GIS techniques to create detailed suitability maps that aid farmers and policymakers in optimizing land use and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with private sector and agricultural experts to ensure that the maps are practical and aligned with current agricultural practices and trends.
• Collaborate with dashboard developers to ensure that data outputs are formatted correctly and presented in a manner consistent for dashboard requirements.
• Assist in the development of engaging story maps that communicate complex data and research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• Bachelor’s degree in remote sensing, hydrology, water resources or a related field with at least 02 years of research experience.
• At least one year of experience in handling large-scale geospatial data on the cloud.
• Prior experience customizing, writing and executing scripts in Python for water resources assessments.
• Experience in the use of remote sensing based hydrological parameters such as satellite rainfall, evapotranspiration, modelled discharge, GRACE storage, soil moisture, and land use data for hydrologic modelling.
• Previous research experience with a geospatial focus on developing countries.
• Previous experience with running wastewater reuse potential models.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, and the ability to process large temporal and spatial data sets in a Python environment.
• Ability to use advanced spatial analysis, geographic information system (GIS) tools and hydrological modelling approaches for multi-scale assessments.
• Independent and critical scientific thought, including a sound understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of spatial tools for water resource assessments at different scales.
• Strong understanding of utilizing earth observation data for generating applications leading to improved water resources management.
• Ability to interpret Python codes and modify the code as per the requirement.
• Capacity to create story maps and web apps using ESRI technologies.
• Proficiency in R and Python, with experience in numeric and geospatial Python packages like NumPy, GDAL, terra, aster or similar packages for handling geospatial data.
• Basic understanding of geospatial data tools to support water solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment.
• Ability to communicate and explain complex issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Sri Lankan nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of 03 years with the possibility of extension.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on May 11, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.