Open Positions and Opportunities for Affiliation
Position Summary:
J-WAFS at MIT is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to lead a research program on the assessment of agricultural water irrigation technologies in water-scarce regions. The successful candidate 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. Additionally, the research will also involve identifying solutions gaps where technologies are lacking or have not scaled. The research will involve 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.
Academic Appointment and Supervision:
The postdoctoral associate will have an appointment in J-WAFS and report to Daniela Giardina and will receive supervision from Daniela Giardina and Prof. Rohit Karnik, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with other faculty members at MIT, as relevant.
J-WAFS is welcoming visiting scholars to join this Institute-wide research program at MIT. Visiting scholars are welcome for a semester, academic year, or full 12-month year, and have all the benefits of institutional affiliation with MIT along with work space (which may be shared) within J-WAFS offices. No salary, stipend, lab space, computers, or housing are provided; this is intended for professors on sabbatical or other researchers who have their salaries covered by a home institution or research grant.
Eligibility
Academic visiting scholars should have a PhD and several years or more of research experience. (This is not intended to be a post-doc position.) Visiting scholars from other professions (e.g., policy, journalism) with a master’s degree and sufficient professional experience may be considered. J-WAFS is interested in visiting scholars with interest and expertise across a range of areas related to the world’s water and food challenges. We are particularly interested in visiting scholars with areas of expertise that are complementary to MIT’s, such as agricultural field work, soil science, waste water management, agribusiness, nutrition, and policy. Visiting scholars are expected to have their own support, for instance a paid university sabbatical, or salary or research grant from a university, foundation, or government agency.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, however those received by May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester will receive first consideration. Note also that this opportunity is for visiting scholars with J-WAFS. Individuals interested in spending time in labs of PIs at MIT that J-WAFS supports would have to reach out directly to those professors.
Expectations and Requirements
Visiting scholars may conduct research, and are expected to interact with MIT faculty and students and to contribute to the water and food research community at MIT during their stay. Typical activities include offering research presentations or guest lectures in academic classes, conducting or participating in broader seminars and workshops, exploring future research collaborations, auditing classes, mentoring students, and other general scholarly interactions. Visitors receive MIT email addresses and have access to MIT libraries and MIT community events.
For International Scholars: J-WAFS visiting scholars must first apply to J-WAFS. J-WAFS will serve as liaison with the MIT International Scholars Office (ISchO) for accepted applicants. Visiting scholars must meet the following U.S. visa and MIT eligibility requirements:
- Financial support: US$35,000 minimum funding required per year, plus $5000 for each accompanying dependent. This amount is prorated for shorter visits.
- Health insurance: See Health Insurance for J-1 Visitors
For further information, visit MIT's International Scholars Office