Postdoctoral Associate in Systems Analysis of Irrigation Technologies

Posted: 29-Apr-26

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Type: Full-time

Categories:

Research - Laboratory/Non-Laboratory

Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 25668

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE IN SYSTEMS ANALYSIS OF IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGIES, Abdul Jameel World Water and Food Systems Laboratory (J-WAFS), to lead a research program on the assessment of agricultural water irrigation technologies in water-scarce regions. Will 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. The research will also involve identifying solutions gaps where technologies are lacking or have not scaled; water systems analysis; technology assessment; and development policy, with direct relevance to evidence-based decision-making by governments, investors, and international development organizations working on agricultural water security. The postdoc will work closely with J-WAFS staff and collaborators including an international network of partner institutions. Primary deliverable: Framework and Evidence Baseline Report by November 2026.

The full job description is available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5il66z0jxpq4gp1yzer7m/J-WAFS-Postdoc_job-posting_04-23-26.pdf?rlkey=29y9ljw8fjzc4s03gjt2vjm50&st=7d7jxw8u&dl=0.

REQUIRED: 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; and ability to engage with relevant stakeholders outside of academia, including from government, NGOs, and the private sector. PREFERRED: Experience with technology design, innovation, implementation, or regulatory pathways or knowledge of water and agricultural systems, policies, and ethics in a global context.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, two written samples relevant to the topic, a brief note (maximum 1 page) outlining how they would approach this research and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Supplemental documents should be uploaded to: https://www.dropbox.com/request/i8f24u273x9ns8gv1rqs

For any questions or clarifications, please reach out to Daniela Giardina, Executive Director, J-WAFS, at dgiard@mit.edu.