GRADUATE RESEARCHER NEEDED FOR THE PRIMA ORGANIZATION FUNDED PROJECT

Pazar, 24 Mayıs, 2026

GRADUATE RESEARCHER NEEDED FOR THE PRIMA ORGANIZATION FUNDED PROJECT

A Transformative Innovation Ecosystem for Resilient Water Management through Scalable Nature-Based Solutions in the Mediterranean (NBS360)

(BOĞAZİÇİ UNIVERSITY PROJECT NO: 58000545)

INVESTIGATORS: Nadim Copty, İrem Daloğlu Çetinkaya, Ali Kerem Saysel, Cem İskender Aydın (BU Institute of Environmental Sciences)

BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The NBS360 project aims to mainstream Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to combat intensifying water-related risks like droughts, floods, soil erosion, and pollution in the Mediterranean Region. Recognizing that current NbS deployments are often fragmented and localized, the project introduces a "360-degree" approach that integrates technological, governance, social, and financial innovations into a single coherent framework. At its core, NBS360 leverages an intelligent digital ecosystem to optimize and validate site-specific interventions. This technological backbone is paired with participatory governance strategies, such as stakeholder-driven decision mechanisms, and innovative financial instruments. Ultimately, NBS360 seeks to translate localized demonstration pilots into institutionalized, widely replicable strategies for climate adaptation and water security across the Mediterranean.

Currently, we are looking for a master's student for a GRADUATE RESEARCHER POSITION focusing on stakeholder engagement and governance gap analysis. Core activities include (i) semi-structured interviews and group meetings with key institutional actors and stakeholders, (ii) legal/policy reviews to identify fragmented responsibilities, (iii) overlapping mandates and coordination bottlenecks that can hinder NbS adoption and implementation.

Researcher qualifications: 

  • Preferably a social science (economics, sociology, political sciences, or similar) undergraduate degree (students from other backgrounds can also apply),
  • Excellent reading and writing skills in English,
  • Strong interest and acquaintance with the sustainability problems at the water-food-ecosystems nexus,
  • Communication skills for in-depth interviews and group facilitations are strongly desired.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and stakeholders.

The position is initially offered for 18 months with a possible extension up to 21 months. The salary is compatible with the salary of project assistants employed in Boğaziçi University Scientific  Research Projects (BAP).

Applications (most recent CV with references, transcripts, and a short cover letter) will be received by cem.aydin@bogazici.edu.tr with a subject line “NBS360 Graduate Researcher” and evaluated by the research team on a rolling basis. The deadline for application is June 11th, 2026.

The student is expected to be enrolled into the Environmental Sciences master program in the Institute of Environmental Sciences. Therefore, they also need to satisfy the admission requirements and apply to the master's program through the application website: https://adaylar.bogazici.edu.tr/en-EN/Page/Admissions/Graduate/Environmental_sciences This is a separate admission process. The deadline for the application is June 11th, 2026.