Join the SEI Latin America Centre and be part of the continued development of our Institute’s presence in this dynamic region. Current staffing levels include approximately 35 colleagues conducting research and policy engagement in the areas of water management and sustainable transitions. We seek to continue building a team of talented and committed environmental and development professionals to generate further growth within and greater impact by our centre.
We are looking for a Research Associate to join our water programme, working under the leadership of the SEI Latin America Water Research Team Leader to support research aimed at fostering a more sustainable future for human communities and natural ecosystems. You will apply your substantial experience in hydrogeology to the groundwater component of various projects currently being implemented by the Water Research Team.
Over the next three years, a key focus of work will be a project dedicated to understanding and managing the risks posed by expanding lithium production in the southern Andes, particularly its impact on local ecosystems and communities.
Your main responsibilities
- Contribute to projects implemented by the SEI Latin America Water Research Team, which focus on applying innovative analytical tools and participatory process to promote holistic, transparent and robust decision-making in water resources management.
- Conduct geological and hydrogeological characterizations.
- Develop hydrogeological conceptual models.
- Develop water resource models, with a focus on numerical groundwater modelling.
- Propose and develop new research initiatives on sustainable water management approaches.
- Engage with stakeholders, build capacity and support decision-making with public and private institutions in the water and environmental sectors.
- Conduct fieldwork and liase with public and private institutions to collect data for project implementation.
- Prepare and disseminate findings through technical reports, scientific publications, user guides, and presentations at conferences and meetings.
- Supervise junior staff and external consultants assisting in project activities.
- Support the development of research proposals relevant to the Water Research Team.
Who you are
You are a hydrogeologist with a relevant professional qualification and at least an M.S in engineering, environmental science or earth sciences. You are organized, collaborative, proactive and collaborative, with strong problem-solving skills and excellent communications abilites in both Spanish and English.
You can work independently while meeting project deadlines and are willing to conduct fieldwork in variable climatic conditions, including remote and physically demanding locations. Travel within and outside Colombia may be required.
Preferred qualifications and experience
- Strong knowledge of geology and hydrogeology, particularly geological assessments and hydrogeological conceptual models.
- Familiarity with variable-driven density groundwater flow and its application in coastal or salt-flats systems.
- Experience in water resources systems modelling, with a focus on groundwater.
- Experience with both WEAP and MODFLOW.
- Experience preparing scientific reports and publications.
- Experience collaborating with public or private sector stakeholders.
- Experience developing project proposals.
- Experience managing and supervising contracts and research projects.
- Proficiency in scientific computing tools for numerical analysis, spatial analysis and database management (e.g. R, MATLAB, Python).
- A history of successful publications.
How to apply
We are reviewing applications and interviewing on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 21 February 2025.
We only accept applications through our recruitment system; please apply online using the button below and submit the following:
- Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
- Curriculum vitae or resume (as attachment)
