Research Associate – Coastal Systems
NATURE OF JOB: Full-time
LOCATION: New Delhi / Hybrid (with field travel across coastal regions of India)
DURATION OF CONTRACT: 12 months (renewable based on organisational needs and performance)
WHO CAN APPLY:
Researchers and practitioners with demonstrated experience working on India’s coastal commons and resource governance, coastal communities, Blue Economy–related policies, and those comfortable working across field-based qualitative research, data analysis, and spatial thinking.
REMUNERATION: Competitive and commensurate with experience, skills, and aptitude.
DEADLINE: 08 February 2026
ABOUT US
NutGraph Social Data Lab supports organisations and institutions in identifying trends, informing policies, and advancing actionable research. We collect and aggregate micro-level field data and translate it into evidence-based insights. Our flagship and award-winning initiative Land Conflict Watch (LCW) is India’s leading public database and research platform on land and natural-resource governance. LCW’s work is widely cited by academia, policymakers, media, and civil society, and has shaped national and international conversations on land use, commons, and development planning.
JOB PURPOSE
This role will contribute to NutGraph and LCW’s growing body of research on coastal ecosystems and the blue economy. It involves building robust datasets, conducting community-based research, and using spatial analysis to generate policy-relevant insights.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Contribute to the design and execution of research on coastal commons, coastal livelihoods, and their intersection with Blue Economy activities
- Build and manage structured datasets using NutGraph’s in-house research tools and frameworks, drawing from public records, policy documents, project reports, judicial records, and secondary literature
- Design and conduct field-based research and participatory mapping exercises with coastal communities
- Work with all stakeholders in the Blue Economy including business, community organisations and civil-society partners
- Contribute to spatial and risk-informed analysis by integrating field insights with maps, plans, and other spatial datasets.
APPLY IF THIS IS YOU
- Have completed a PhD focused on coastal ecosystems– coastal commons, livelihoods, fisheries, marine and coastal governance, or blue economy
OR - Have a postgraduate degree in social sciences, environmental studies, geography, development economics, planning, or allied disciplines and 3–6 years of experience working on coastal ecosystems– coastal commons and livelihoods, fisheries, marine or coastal governance, or blue economy
- Demonstrated ability to work with both qualitative field data and structured datasets
- Willingness to travel and work closely with communities in diverse coastal contexts
SKILLS THAT WILL BOOST YOUR CHANCES
- Experience with participatory mapping, community-led research, or ethnographic methods
- Working knowledge of GIS or spatial analysis, or experience collaborating closely with GIS/data teams.
- Familiarity with India’s coastal regulation, fisheries governance, or blue-economy policy landscape
- You are self-driven, organised, and have ability to independently manage projects, research timelines and coordinate fieldwork
- Comfort working in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced research environment
- Proficiency in at least one of the coastal-region languages is a strong advantage
TO APPLY
Please fill out the application form (https://forms.gle/MBw7pRqvAMfwGKFY8)
Keep an updated CV and cover letter ready and follow the instructions carefully.
NutGraph Social Data Lab (Land Conflict Watch) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, or class. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
