Postdoctoral Associate in Systems Analysis of Irrigation Technologies

MIT • Cambridge, MA

1d

About The Position

The Abdul Jameel World Water and Food Systems Laboratory (J-WAFS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in Systems Analysis of Irrigation Technologies. This role will lead a research program focused on assessing agricultural water irrigation technologies in water-scarce regions. The associate will develop and apply an original analytical framework to map irrigation technologies based on their technical maturity and the criteria for successful large-scale deployment. The research will also identify gaps in solutions where technologies are lacking or have not scaled. Key areas of focus include water systems analysis, technology assessment, and development policy, with direct relevance to evidence-based decision-making for governments, investors, and international development organizations involved in agricultural water security. The position involves close collaboration with J-WAFS staff and an international network of partner institutions.

Requirements

• PhD in water systems, environmental engineering, agricultural development, development engineering, or related fields.
• Proven experience in conducting high-quality research in the context of water or agricultural systems or a related area.
• Experience with technology assessment, policy synthesis, or evidence review.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate research effectively to non-academic audiences.
• Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Track record of applying systems thinking, particularly in the context of water and agriculture systems.
• Understanding of the barriers and enablers for new innovations to be implemented and adopted at scale, particularly in agriculture.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with technology design, innovation, implementation, or regulatory pathways.
• Knowledge of water and agricultural systems, policies, and ethics in a global context.

Responsibilities

• Lead a research program on the assessment of agricultural water irrigation technologies in water-scarce regions.
• Develop and apply an original analytical framework that maps irrigation technologies across their technical maturity and maturity of criteria required for successful real-world deployment at scale.
• Identify solutions gaps where technologies are lacking or have not scaled.
• Conduct water systems analysis, technology assessment, and development policy research.
• Communicate research effectively to non-academic audiences, including governments, investors, and international development organizations.
• Work closely with J-WAFS staff and collaborators, including an international network of partner institutions.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders outside of academia, including from government, NGOs, and the private sector.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees