Position Overview

The Research Associate will support the piloting and scaling of innovative solutions between startups and urban local bodies across urban India, primarily in partnership with a social enterprise incubator. This role involves validating needs assessments across the urban water cycle, conducting technical evaluations to identify high-potential startups, and supporting knowledge creation through the
development of frameworks and explainer videos. By providing direct on-ground support for pilot implementation and validating real-world impact, the Associate will generate the critical data and insights necessary to refine go-to-market strategies for successful scaling.

Job Location: Bengaluru (Hybrid)

Type of Engagement: Full-time

Responsibilities

1. Conducting needs assessment through primary and secondary research to map service delivery gaps within Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

2. Support technical evaluations of startup solutions to assess their scientific viability, operational feasibility, and alignment with programme goals.

3. Support in the due diligence process to shortlist innovations with the highest potential for impact and scalability.

4. Provide on-ground technical and operational support during the deployment of technologies at ULB sites, ensuring field challenges are addressed in real-time.

5. Analyse field data to validate impact claims (e.g., water saved, energy reduced, or cost efficiencies gained) and identify areas for technical iteration.

6. Synthesise findings into actionable insights that help startups pivot or refine their Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies for public sector adoption.

7. Translate complex pilot data into knowledge products, such as implementation playbooks, white papers, and technical frameworks.

8. Collaborate with the communications team to produce explainer videos that simplify technical solutions for a diverse audience of stakeholders.

9. Maintain a repository of lessons learned to inform WELL Labs’ broader research and policy advocacy efforts.

10. Willingness to travel for fieldwork, workshops, and stakeholder engagements when required.

Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education & Experience

1. A Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Water Resources Management, or other allied fields.
2. 2-4 years of professional experience in urban water management, startup incubation, or implementing sustainability pilots in a real-world setting.
3. Proven experience in field-based research or technology deployment, and interacting with government stakeholders or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) is a plus.

Knowledge & Skills

1. Technical knowledge of the urban water cycle, including supply networks, wastewater treatment, and flooding.
2. Proficiency in designing data collection frameworks to validate performance (e.g., flow rates, water quality) and analysing data using Excel, R, or Python.
3. Ability to bridge the gap between high-speed startup environments and ULB engagements.
4. Capacity to translate field performance data into business insights that help startups refine their pricing, positioning, or delivery models for the public sector.
5. Skilled in technical communication, specifically for explainer videos and drafting frameworks, reports with visualisations for diverse audiences.

Why Join Us?

1. Play a pivotal role in a unique partnership between a research institution and a social enterprise incubator.
2. Work at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and governance, collaborating closely with a diverse team of researchers, startup founders, and city officials.
3. Gain hands-on experience across the entire project lifecycle – from technical due diligence and on-ground pilot implementation to refining go-to-market strategies for startups.
4. Be part of a young, agile team at WELL Labs dedicated to solving India’s most pressing urban water challenges through evidence-based action and scalable innovation.

What We Offer

The salary will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience.

We review applications on a rolling basis. The position will remain open till a suitable candidate is found.

Our recruitment and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.