Description

The Grasslands Initiative (TGI) at ATREE is building a national platform for research, restoration and policy on India’s grasslands, savannas and other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs). The Scientist will provide scientific input to TGI’s research and landscape programmes, develop its evidence agenda, and strengthen the scientific basis for conservation, restoration and sustainable management of grassland socio-ecological systems.

The successful candidate will demonstrate capability to work across ecology, livelihoods, restoration, spatial science, data, and policy.

Location: Bengaluru / India, with frequent travel to priority landscapes and partner institutions
Reporting to: Director, The Grasslands Initiative, until Lead Scientist is appointed

Responsibilities

- Develop TGI’s scientific research agenda by identifying critical knowledge gaps and priority questions relating to grassland ecology, biodiversity, restoration, ecosystem functioning, soils and carbon, hydrology, fire, disturbance, landscape dynamics and livelihoods.
- Work with landscape teams to establish ecological and socio-ecological baselines and develop robust approaches for assessing restoration outcomes and long-term ecosystem trajectories.
- Establish TGI’s scientific monitoring and learning framework, including indicators, datasets and methodologies that distinguish activities and outputs from meaningful ecological and socio-ecological outcomes.




- Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, datasets, analytical tools and other scientific knowledge products, maintaining high standards of transparency and reproducibility.
- Contribute to research and programme proposals, fundraising, programme reviews and the development of TGI’s long-term scientific platform.

Qualifications

- MSc/PhD in ecology, environmental sciences, conservation biology, natural resource management, geography, earth sciences or a related discipline.
- Typically 5+ years of research and/or professional experience, with a strong record of independent scientific work.
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas, including grassland ecology, restoration ecology, landscape ecology, soil and carbon science, hydrology or relevant interdisciplinary systems.
- Robust publication and research record appropriate to career stage.
- Experience leading or contributing to multidisciplinary research programmes
- Knowledge of Indian grassland ecosystems and conservation contexts is necessary.

How to Apply

Please avoid excessive use of AI in writing your cover letter.

Contact

Please direct your questions regarding this position to [email protected]

Note

- Only candidates who are shortlisted for the interview will be contacted.

Date Posted

13 October 2026

Valid Through

November 15, 2026

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Location

Bangalore

📌 Scientist – Grassland Socio-Ecological Systems (Bengaluru)
🏢 Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment
📍 Bengaluru