Research Assistant – Long - Term Urban Ecological Observatory (LTUEO)

About the LTUEO The IIHS Long-Term Urban Ecological Observatory (LTUEO) is an interdisciplinary centre of excellence in the Global South, that is generating new knowledge, developing nature-based solutions and strengthening human capacity at the interface of urban ecological science, sustainability science and climate science, using state-of-the-art technologies, monitoring systems and innovative experiments Job Description The LTUEO at IIHS is seeking aspiring researchers with an interest in biodiversity studies particularly birds and butterflies and preferable knowledge of local plant species to carry out its biodiversity study in Bengaluru and its vicinity. The incumbent will be required to undertake regular local travel for fieldwork and research activities, with occasional travel to other sites across India as needed. This will be a contractual position for an initial term of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent. Activities and Tasks Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, the following: • Conducting biodiversity surveys of birds and butterflies; • Accurately identifying birds and butterflies during field surveys; • Leveraging knowledge of local plant species to support biodiversity surveys and ecological assessments, where such expertise is available; • Conduct data analysis and coding in R; • Preparing reports and writing research documentation ; • Managing and organizing datasets; • Travelling locally and to other locations of ongoing IIHS biodiversity projects; • Providing support to other IIHS activities including academics, research, training, practice, operations and others; • Participating in all activities of Institution-building at IIHS; carrying out tasks as assigned by IIHS; and traveling on IIHS work within or outside the country as and when needed. Structure and Reporting The research assistant will be an External Consultant coordinating with the Consultant —Research at IIHS and will be required to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of internal teams and external individuals/ organisations, and students. Person Specification An ideal candidate should have: • Master’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Zoology, Biodiversity Studies, or a closely related discipline; • 1–3 years’ experience in biodiversity surveys or ecological research; • High proficiency in identifying localbird and butterfly species; • Knowledge and acumen to identify localplant species (highly valued for habitat assessment); • A strong passion for urban ecology and enjoys consistent field-based research and travel; • Technical expertise in conducting rigorous ecological data collection. This is a contractual engagement for an initial term of 11 months, renewable on mutual consent. This offer is on an exclusive basis, which implies that other professional assignments (whether compensated or not) that bear a potential conflict of interest with IIHS cannot be undertaken. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Location This position is based in Bengaluru and may entail travel to other locations in India. Review and Assessment The role and performance of the incumbent shall be subject to normal review and assessment systems at IIHS. Diversity Policy IIHS is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities and those from economically and socially excluded communities with the requisite skills and qualifications to apply for positions.