Research Associate-I, Glacier Melt and Runoff in the Upper Ganga Basin at IIT Roorkee
Job Description
IIT Roorkee’s Department of Hydrology is hiring a Research Associate-I to study glacier melt and runoff in the Upper Ganga Basin, under Prof. Ashutosh Sharma. The project looks at how glacier melt, topography and hydro-climatic variables interact across the six main headstreams of the Ganga and their glaciers.
At a glance
- Position: Research Associate-I (1 post)
- Project: Glaciers and glacier melt runoff changes and their linkage to the hydro-climatic and topographic context in the Upper Ganga Basin (SP-86), with special focus on six headstreams of the Ganga and their glaciers
- Sponsor (as listed): NMC-2820-HYD/25-26
- Pay: Rs 58,000 per month plus HRA (as applicable)
- Duration: Until the project ends (25 February 2030)
- Interview: 23 September 2026, 4:00 PM
The Ganga’s Himalayan headstreams, such as the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda, draw part of their flow from glaciers. As glaciers change, the timing and volume of meltwater change too, which matters for hydropower, irrigation and flood risk downstream. Studying this combines glaciology, hydrological modelling and remote sensing.
About the glacier hydrology role
- Analyse glaciological changes and runoff patterns across the six primary headstreams of the Ganga
- Carry out spatial analysis and hydrological modelling using GIS and a programming language such as Python or R
- Draft research papers, progress reports and policy briefs for academic and stakeholder audiences
The advertisement asks for a strong background in glaciology, hydrology or remote sensing, and exceptional technical writing. On the notice, the printed line for a last date and a note about PhD admission are struck out, so selection is by interview on the date below.
Eligibility
- Ph.D. and a Master’s (M.Tech or M.E.) in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering or Civil Engineering, with a thesis focused on hydrology
- An engineering background at undergraduate level
- At least three journal papers as first author in Q1 journals on relevant topics
Open to Indian nationals only. Among equally qualified candidates, SC/ST candidates will be preferred. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview.
Pay and duration
- Rs 58,000 per month plus HRA (as applicable)
- Until the completion of the project (25 February 2030)
How to apply
Prepare an application on plain paper with a detailed CV (listing your degrees and certificates in chronological order) and your research, industrial or other experience, with attested copies of your degree and experience certificates, and produce them at the interview. Bring your original certificates for verification. For queries, the notice gives the PI’s email, ashutosh.sharma@hy.iitr.ac.in.
Key dates
- Interview: 23 September 2026, 4:00 PM, Committee Room, Department of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee
Please read the official IIT Roorkee advertisement (PDF) before applying, and browse more Research Associate jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Official advertisement: iitr.ac.in
How to prepare for this application
- Glacier mass balance: revise geodetic and glaciological methods, and where each is used in the Himalaya.
- Melt modelling: be ready to compare temperature-index (degree-day) and energy-balance approaches.
- Remote sensing: glacier mapping from optical satellite imagery and elevation models, and the challenge of debris-covered ice.
- Geospatial code: show a Python or R workflow you built for raster or time-series analysis.
- Policy writing: think about how you would summarise a runoff trend for a non-specialist audience in one page.
About IIT Roorkee
IIT Roorkee traces its roots to Roorkee College, set up in 1847 and renamed the Thomason College of Civil Engineering in 1854. It became the country's first technical university in 1948, as the University of Roorkee, and was converted into an Indian Institute of Technology on 21 September 2001, when it was recognised as an Institution of National Importance. Much of its research, like this post, runs through externally sponsored projects.
