Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS), a not-for-profit, non-governmental and autonomous research organization based in Nepal, is established by a group of Nepali scientists with proven excellence in basic and applied research. KIAS aims to serve society through high-quality researches, which are critical for developing appropriate solutions and providing objective recommendations for national policies and strategies.

KIAS conducts basic and applied research in the natural sciences, life sciences and physical sciences through its constitute research centres. KIAS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and believes in promoting affirmative action to achieve such diversities. KIAS encourages all qualified applicants, including minorities and women.

Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) is carrying out several multidisciplinary research projects covering social, ecological and economic aspects to investigate impacts on global environmental change such as disasters. Building community resilience in the face of disasters is critical to achieving a sustainable future.  CCB at KIAS seeks applications from competent, committed and result-oriented individuals to work with a group of internationally recognized experts.

Research Intern at CCB at KIAS

Background: CCB at KIAS is engaged in research on traditional ecological knowledge in disaster risk reduction, including integration of local knowledge in sectoral policies. Recently, there is a push to move beyond ontological discussions of resilience towards a system approach, with ecosystem restoration and local knowledge/practice are considered as integral components building resilient and sustainable systems and communities. This is multidisciplinary research that includes (a) modelling hazard susceptibility using both Python programming and GIS, (b) exploration, documentation and validation of indigenous/traditional knowledge and (c) mapping ecosystem processes.

Research interns will be selected for three sub-sectors: (a) Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction [ECO-DRR], (b) Ecology/Conservation Biology [ECO-CB], (c) Human Ecology [HUM-ECO] and (c) Database management [DBM].

Begin Date: As soon as available

Type: Paid research trainee (full time – 9 AM to 5 PM, five days a week)
Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Workstation: KIAS office (Remotely)
Application deadline: January 31, 2022

Main duties:

1. Provide research, writing and editing support;
2. Compile and maintain data and assist in data analyses;
3. Assist in the project progress report and research paper;
4. Contribute to designing and implementation of project activities;
5. Provide administrative support on an as-needed basis;
6. Prepare relevant communications materials for both online and print media;
7. Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: At least a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field in ecology (e.g., zoology, botany, environmental sciences), social sciences (M A in sociology).

Experience: Not mandatory. Typical previous experience includes research internships while in college or internships with similar organizations or academic institutions.

Salary: According to KIAS rule.

The candidate should have strong commitment, interpersonal communication and computer skills. The candidate should be focused and willing to follow the ethics of research work, able to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment. 

 How to apply?

If you are interested in this position, please email an application at career@kias.org.np with a cover letter stating interest in and qualifications for the post and a current and complete CV, which should be grouped into ONE single PDF document. Please write the following in the subject line “RI-CCB-SUB-SECTOR CODE” you are interested [ (a) Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction [ECO-DRR], (b) Ecology/Conservation Biology [ECO-CB], (c) Human Ecology [HUM-ECO] and (c) Database management [DBM]].